Originally Posted by typhoon
I notice a lot of Americans in Europe wearing chino khaki trousers. They look like they are trying ot make an effort to be smart looking (bless) but it just looks underdressed or strange.
I think in the US- the "uniform" of chinos, white button down shirt (eg Ralph Lauren Polo Oxford style shirt), stripey tie (often red silk) and navy blue blazer can look appropriate. In Europe it just doesn't look right.
IMHO anyway- I find chinos less formal looking than a finer wool trouser. A perfect Friday trouser- but not a business trouser.
Jeans- depends on your age and style.
I agree...
I also live in Floirda, and Chinos are not acceptable for casual business to me. Casual business means no tie (maybe a polo shirt instead a dress shirt), BUT NEVER CHINOS.
I went to a meeting last week, and there was a guy wearing the chinos, white oxford shirt and red tie... He looked so cheesie. Some americans should go out more often or buy a fashion magazine... (Specially in Florida where beacause of the warm weather all year long, there is not much of a fashion concept).
Now going back to the chinos. They are ONLY acceptable in casual environment (like weekends, college students...). They should never be acceptable in a professional environment.
Blue jeans are acceptable all year around in a casual environment. Take note that wearing jeans does not mean that you have to wear a cheap or cheesy shirt, docker shoes or even tennis shoes. You can wear jeans with a dress shirt, dress shoes and jacket. Just be sure that the jeans are nice and fashionable and not from walmart.... In fact, I will waer jeans on a casual business environment 10 time before I wear chinos.
Finally. I always wear jeans when on holidays in Europe, but will never go to an office in Europe on jeans. Not even on a Friday.