Recently, I have come to the conclusion that I look better in pants than dresses, which is a little bit of a drag because I typically wear the latter all summer long. So right now I’m looking at lightweight chinos, like this pair from Nili Lotan. It’s her Tel Aviv pant and it is, to my mind, the platonic ideal of the chino.
I appreciate the wide leg on this pair.
I’m borderline obsessed with these denim chinos with an unfinished hem.
Here’s an under $50 pair with a ton of stretch.
And these, which come in a few other good colors, are under $100.
The double belt loops on these are a fun touch.
Here’s a pair that’s more on the fitted side, from Vince.
The sea foam green here is really good, as is the slouchy cut.
And finally: I usually hate pleated anything, but the pleats on these pants from Sezane are kind of subtle and cute.
Love those seafoam ones! As the owner of Hips and Thighs, I will put in a plug for some styles by Pilcro (Anthropologie) and Sundry. I also have a pair by Nile Lotan that are great (had to take in the waist). I find NL pant fits are all over the place and highly dependent on individual style. I’m a pretty firm size 10US these days so not always easy to find a good slouchy fit.
Is this where I complain that NL only goes to 12 and it’s a 10 on it’s best day? In the meantime, I am a small in her tops. WTF? Oh to have been born without hips
I share your frustration over the Nili Lotan size situation, but several of the chinos I linked to here come in larger sizes: The Bodens go up to 22, the Vince to 16, the Everlane to 20, and the Caslon to 18.
I saw that and thanks so much for doing that. I’ve tried the Frank and Eileen in stores and their sizing feel pretty true as well. May have to pull the trigger on the Vince. I would love to hear you and Jenn do a pod on this whole issue. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the progress the industry has made.
These pants are fab. I’m so curious about the slouchy, oversized chinos look that is everywhere. Are women sizing up a size (or two) for the look? Comfort is key these days, so if one can pull off this style ….
I often size up a little for chinos as I only wear them in summer and want them loose and easy. However, that works best with mid rise pants, NOT high rises. I’m quite short in the rise and a lot of pants come down too low below the crotch and look all wrong on me.
I’m curious to know this too. Should we be looking for slouchy in our size or get the slouchy by sizing up? Also that entire Sezane outfit might have to be mine.
Excellent question, Susan.
I think it really depends on the brand, Susan, which I know is not very helpful.
Kim, if you love dresses, WEAR THE DRESS!
Ditto this! Or maybe expand on what you mean? I certainly get feeling my best in some clothes and not others. The dresses you show here are so cool (in attitude) and cool (in airy-ness) seems a shame not to wear them.
Like jeans, I find the fit of chinos to vary widely. My newish philosophy is to order two sizes of everything because we have no “standard fit” for anything––even within the same brand. And I’ve become a devoted reader of reviews in hopes that folks who purchased before me will write a review that says “true to size” or “I needed a size larger/smaller.” And in that spirit…I have a pair of J.Crew chinos (several years old) that fit in my usual size. I also have two pair of Vince chinos (several years old)–– they also fit in my usual size.
I ordered the Frank & Eileen denim chinos as well as a sage green pair. Fingers crossed that they fit, because I’d love to have the navy and off-white ones too!
Buy for how you want it to fit, not the size. I wear sizes 4-16 depending how I want things to fit. I’m 5’2″ and about 125lbs, but I love very oversize clothes.