Beyond Basics
Unexpected combinations can give wardrobe essentials an instant update. Here, a tuxedo jacket gives a dressy dimension to staples like a hoodie jacket and chinos.

Wool tuxedo jacket, cotton hooded cardigan, poplin shirt and cotton chinos, from Boss.

Wool tuxedo jacket, cotton hooded cardigan, poplin shirt and cotton chinos, from Boss.

Bright Side
Why confine yourself to khaki when chinos come in just about every colour imaginable? Sporting the colour on your trousers and away from your face means that you don’t have to worry about whether it clashes with your complexion.

Polyester-blend jacket, silk-blend polo tee and cotton chinos, from  Paul & Shark.

Polyester-blend jacket, silk-blend polo tee and cotton chinos, from Paul & Shark.

For All Terrain
White cotton trousers are a common element in nautical-style looks, but their fresh appeal also works well to lighten up earthy separates like heavy knits in nature-inspired tones.

Cotton cardigan, cotton shirt, cotton chinos and silk tie, from Tommy Hilfiger.

Cotton cardigan, cotton shirt, cotton chinos and silk tie, from Tommy Hilfiger.

Blooming Good
The way to make seemingly disparate elements work together is to match them subtly. Here, the colour of the trousers picks up that of the shirt, while the shirt’s floral print visually connects with the sweater’s blooms.

Wool sweater, cotton shirt and cotton chinos, from J. Lindeberg.

Wool sweater, cotton shirt and cotton chinos, from J. Lindeberg.

The New Classic
Chinos don’t just work in casual ensembles. Paired with extras like a vest and scarf, teal chinos have an easy elegance that never falls into overdressed territory.

Wool vest, cotton shirt, cotton chinos and silk scarf, from Brooks Brothers.

Wool vest, cotton shirt, cotton chinos and silk scarf, from Brooks Brothers.