Chinos are a staple of a gentleman’s wardrobe, ideal for formal and informal occasions.
However, you may not be entirely sure of which shoes to wear with them. If so, take a look at our style guide to find out how to take your chinos from the weekend to the most formal occasions simply by changing your footwear.
When to Wear Chinos
Chinos are less formal than dress trousers but much more sophisticated than jeans, making them ideal for a range of looks and occasions.
Their ability to appear both casual and formal allows this understated attire to pair perfectly with countless clothing styles and footwear. Whether you choose to wear a simple shirt and Oxfords or a blazer and Chelsea boots, chinos can always look great.
What are the best shoes to wear with chinos?
As chinos can be worn for a variety of occasions, you can wear them with a range of footwear styles.
Take a look at some of the best shoes to wear with chinos below…
Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are perfect for wearing with your chinos, especially when in warmer climes, at garden parties, weddings or barbeques. Rubber-soled, expertly oiled and handmade, Billy Ruffian boat shoes work anywhere, including onboard if you need them to. Finish your outfit off with a polo shirt, short-sleeved shirt or a blazer for an outfit that is polished, but relaxed.
Loafers
If you are wearing your chinos as a more relaxed alternative to a suit, pair them with a loafer shoe. A step up from boat shoes, though not as formal as a derby, a leather or suede loafer can be worn to ease your way into any occasion with a matching jacket or shirt.
Brogues
Brogue shoes have a sophisticated yet relaxed appearance that makes them ideal for wearing with chinos. Perfect for dressed down office settings or a more casual day at the races, you can’t go far wrong with a brogue and chino combination.
Derby Shoes
Want to step up your chinos into a more formal setting? Wear them with a pair of derby shoes. Choose a finely handcrafted leather derby, like ours at Billy Ruffian, to create a more elevated outfit. Colour can have a big impact on the overall feel of your look too. Crisp beige chinos with a blazer and black derby shoes can edge you into formalwear territory perfectly.
Oxford Shoes
For the most formal settings, you can still make the most of your chinos if you wear them with the most prestigious of men’s shoes - the Oxford shoe. Go with dark colours to keep your look sophisticated, along with a bow tie, long sleeve shirt or even a well structured overcoat.
Chelsea & Chukka Boots
There are two styles of boot that work perfectly with chinos; chukka boots and Chelsea boots. Both work well with chinos when you want a more laid back look. Perfect for weekends, wear your chinos and boots with a casual flannel shirt, t-shirt, hoodie or leather jacket for a look that is relaxed while still looking well put together.
Shop our full men’s shoes collection to see more of our styles
Find more style advice on the Billy Ruffian Blog
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