Sober and chic, wear a navy sweater with a chino
It's a fact, the navy sweater and the chino are two historical pieces of fashion. Both originating from the world of work, they have over the decades established themselves as true basics in the men's wardrobe. True stars of casual chic, the navy sweater and the chino can nevertheless be worn easily in all occasions. The proof is in these few ideas for men's looks:
1. An Indo-British and American origin
The chino was born in a professional environment and not just any environment: the British army. Its history began in 1848 in what is now Pakistan, which was then colonized by Her Majesty's army. At the time, a British officer, Sir Harry Lumsden, was not happy with the uniforms of his troops: the officers had a red woolen jacket and thick white pants, while the soldiers were dressed in bright colors and wide pants. Uniforms that were visible but above all very warm for the region.
He then created a uniform using a thin and light cotton canvas, resistant and dyed in khaki. The fabric coming from England, it could be that sometimes, according to the legend, the soldiers dyed themselves their white pants with coffee or tea. Sometimes they even used earth. In Hindi, "khaki" means soil color. Its name was then quite found!
In the United States, these famous cotton twill pants appeared during the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th century. At that time, the American soldiers have a wool uniform, too hot for the region of the conflict. Some soldiers posted in the Philippines brought back with them light cotton pants. Imported from China, these pants were nicknamed "chinos", which means Chinese in Spanish. Thereafter, and in particular during the Second World War, the chino will be adopted by all the corps of the American army.
2. Two icons for a multitude of outfits
With the basics in place, let's move on to the most interesting part: how to mix a navy sweater and a chino! Clearly, the two pieces are relatively basic (but not without character) and pleasant to wear, their association is quite simple.
And so we start with a simple outfit, basic but effective. The sweater is in its classic configuration, navy blue with white stripes. Same treatment for the chino pants, that we choose in its beige color. Of course, it is accompanied by its traditional straight cut. A shirt can be slipped under the navy sweater, but a t-shirt will also do. On the feet, the most obvious is to start on a pair of white leather sneakers, very refined. Over the sweater, we add a jacket, preferably navy, and here we are dressed in a nice outfit, simple and timeless style and relaxed.
True star of the casual chic, the chino man can also evolve in an outfit slightly more dressed than the previous without problem. For this set, some colors change, starting with the pants. We then opt for a navy shade, sober and elegant. If the sweater can follow by being plain navy blue, we will prefer a beautiful ecru, plain or with navy stripes. The choice of the pair of shoes will linger on a dressed model, as brown derbies for example. In accessories, the chech takes all its sense in this outfit. Finally, we add to all this a trench coat, preferably navy or khaki green and we get an outfit for men who like to be elegant without necessarily taking out the suit.
Of course, the chino and the navy sweater are not limited to the casual chic style! Because of their nature, it is possible to make a workwear outfit of the most beautiful effect. To do this, we select the sweater in plain ecru. As for the chino, it is olive green. And rather than taking it in its classic straight cut, we prefer a carrot cut. The legs end not an American fold of 4 centimeters. Under the sweater, we slip our most beautiful western shirt, realized in a clear denim. To the feet, our choice stops naturally on a pair of workboots cognac and white soles in gum. Finally, we finish the outfit with a camel corduroy jacket.
