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Tina, here.

Chinos for us girls are just so darn fabulous because they aren't jeans. They aren't cargos. They're not fussy. Or fancy. But they're certainly not sloppy. Chinos, in short, are the perfect antidote to those skinny jeans you've worn for three years straight, and a lot more comfortable IMHO. They are what I call "smart casual." But you've got to know how to buy the right fit, and then how to wear them without looking like a man.

I have 3 pairs, pink, army green and these in ivory.  (less expensive option) I grab the ivory ones most often, but I do love the other two colors. They are quite washable, but I still never let them touch heat in the wash and certainly not in a dryer.

Here are some chinos I looove:

Related: You'll Never Guess What Pants I'm Wearing

So how should your chinos fit?

Rise: Do not buy high-waisted chinos. You will have a bum as long as California and wide as Texas. Mid-rise is where you want them to hit, just below your belly button. This allows you to be able to tuck in a blouse or tee, or leave it out, draping nicely over your hips and bum.

Cut: I do not like wide-leg chinos (the fabric is too heavy for this) or too terribly skinny chinos (that defeats the purpose of a comfortable pair of pants). The legs can either have a tapered opening or straight. If they are straight, you MUST cuff or roll the hem so you don't look like a man or like you have tree stumps for legs.

Length: I like the bottom of the hem to hit right at my ankle bones. You must be able to see a hint of ankle to keep the style feminine, since you are wearing a borrowed-from-the-boys pant.

 

Related: How To Cuff Your Jeans (And The ONLY Reason You Ever Need Straight Jeans)

 

 

How To Wear Chinos Like A Woman

First, what not to wear with chinos: no polos or cardigans (or you'll look like a camp counselor or the tennis coach). You can wear any shoes at all you want to! Try some cute pumps for a dressy-casual look!

Oh, and my loafers are vintage Gucci I picked up when I lived in London. Kind of retro.

Happy shopping! Thank you for visiting. And you can always visit our Shop to see more of my Latest Loves plus all the Guides and posts that are Insider exclusives!

Best,

Tina

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