Since chinos can essentially be dressed up or down, you really have quite a bit of freedom when it comes to styling them. They pair well with everything from plain t-shirts and Henleys to polos and button downs, and can be worn either without a jacket, or with a blazer or sport coat. 

How To Style Dress Pants

While it technically can be done, dress pants can be a bit more difficult to style if you don’t have a matching suit coat, as you run the risk of looking like you’re wearing an incomplete suit if you only sport a button down and some slacks. However, you can totally mix and match slacks with sport coats or blazers; it’s just important to note that wearing a suit coat without matching dress pants is a huge no-no. 

It’s best to pair dress pants with a button down shirt if you’re new to styling a formal wear outfit; however, you can also play around with wearing dress pants with a sweater made of high-quality material, like cashmere, which you can wear on its own or over a button down. And since dress pants are considered more formal than chinos, you should only wear dress shoes, like Oxfords or brogues, with your slacks. 

Can Chinos be Washed in a Machine?

Generally, chinos can be washed in a machine, just be sure to carefully read the instructions on how to care for them, and always wash them with similar colors. 

Should Dress Pants and Slacks be Dry Cleaned?

Yes, dress pants and slacks should be dry cleaned, as wool and wool-blends are fabrics that are more delicate and can’t just be tossed in the washing machine with your old t-shirts and gym socks. As always, consult the label to see how your garment should be cared for, but generally speaking, your best bet is to get your dress pants dry cleaned to keep them in tip-top shape. 

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