The ANMJ Mamas Take on the Land's End Chino Challenge
Do you chino? That is, um, wear chinos? I have some plain, flat front khaki pants. Sometimes I put them on. They're soft. They're comfortable. They allow range of motion and look more polished than jeans. But something about them is just so blaaaaaaaaAHaaaaaAHaaaah that I promptly take them off. I'd probably wear them as a stop-gap on crazy mornings rushing out the door to the office with three babes in tow. If I worked in an office, but I don't, and I've been happier with my fancy pant/denim rotation, so back to the very back of my closet my chinos go.
But I do now. Chino, that is.
Until my complimentary pair of Land's End slim ankle chino pants in light raspberry wine arrived on my doorstep last week, I didn't fully realize what I was missing out on. Gap and J.Crew have some cute chino options, but Land's End practically reinvented these babies. Like the old standby, they're both work and play ready, and they are super-duper soft and comfortable. But Land's End gives the old version a current spin with a slim, mod cut in nine (yes, NINE) lush colors (S. and I both chose the light raspberry wine, but the red, Mazarine blue, autumn sunset and dijon were all strong contenders, too). Even though they're meant to hug, they allow all the range of motion a traditional chino does because they're 2% spandex, and they wash incredibly well (at photo time, mine had already been through two hot washes and two max heat dryer cycles–no iron, just removed them promptly and folded them neatly!).
S. reports, "I really like these pants. I'm so used to putting chinos in the 'drab, with a saggy bum' category that these were a pleasant surprise! And the
fit is much less chino, more slim cropped pant. So 60's mod
fabulous."
And, they're surprisingly versatile. S. and I both came up with myriad work and play outfits, only four of which we're showing you now. . .
Modern Suiting
S.'s take on a modern suit is both playful and proper. The bright pant is unexpected, but it works well with the tailored, cropped jacket, while her skinny belt gives a nod to a multi-season favorite, color blocking.
Office Romance
I went for a softer, more romantic work look with a silky, floral peasant blouse and nude pumps.
Weekend Geek Chic
S. goes geek chic for her day look with a quirky sweater layered over a button down shirt, patterned peekaboo socks and ankle booties.
Sunday Drive
I feel like I'm off on a Sunday drive in electric blue oxford shoes, peter pan collar sweatshirt and driver cap, and I'm loving it. I rolled the cuffs for a slightly more cropped look (unrolled, they hit right at my ankle bone in the regular length). Soooo much more interesting on casual day or for a run around town day.
Overall, these pants get an ANMJ seal of approval. My only complaint is that they run a bit large, so if you're in doubt, or fall
between sizes, we'd recommend sizing down or trying petite sizing–which seems to have a slimmer cut and slightly shorter rise–if
you're 5'4" or under.
Bottom line: we love the more polished styling and relaxed fit as an alternative to
skinny, bright denim, and how well they play with contrasting textures. These bright chinos stand up to anything from tailored jackets to silky blouses, knits, sweatshirts and tees alike. And we think the electric blue/raspberry combo is deliciously saturated and mouth watering.
So, Mamas, how do you chino?
– M.
* Both S. and I received Land's End chinos as a consideration, and the Land's End Chino Challenge is part of a Land's End campaign. ANMJ was selected among 25 bloggers to receive complimentary product for review and a chance to win a $2,500 Land's End sponsorship. As we've told you before, however, we do not write up or recommend products we don't truly love. Ever.
“run a bit large” is exactly the problem I have with LandsEnd. I buy their clothes for my kids, and they’re really cute and really good quality (and often are soo soft and comfy I get jealous!). They have a number of pieces for the fall that I would love, but they don’t sell size 0 and the 2 runs too big, and the XS in tops is huge. I was actually just at a physical store (inside Sears) last night at came home frustrated. Can you gals pass on the message? If they’re trying to get into the JCrew/Gap market, they need to realize those stores sell 00!
I’m in the same boat as JAL. I typically wear a 4, but at Land’s End I need a 2 or XS and then they still can be baggy. I love their classic looks, but I’d definitely appreciate some smaller sizes!
What great colors! I think I’ll have to try a pair.
JAL and Kate – I am SO with you. We will certainly pass that feedback along. But do try the 2P. I’m typically a 0, and was pretty happy with the fit. While I am short, my height that I do have is in my legs, so petite sizing doesn’t usually work. With these, however, the 2p fit more like a size 0.
Thanks for the comments, girls. We will be sure to pass on the sizing frusteration!
Xoxo
I have been looking for some good pant options that are professional and wash & wear because I just career-changed into education and my former work clothes are too fussy for working with kids but denim (sadly) is too casual. Thanks for the tip!
Also, I love that peter pan collar sweatshirt!
You both look great, as usual!
R
I just want to ditto the comments from JAL and Kate. I love Lands End for my boys, great quality, lasts, etc. But I also wear between a 00-2 at Gap/Loft/JCrew/Banana Republic, the only store I really shop at because they seem to be the only places I can find clothes, especially pants, to fit. I’m between 5’4″ and 5’5″ so petites work in the waist, but not the length. Lands End would have my business if they had options for my size. So I agree with the previous comment, if they are going for the GAP crowd they need GAP sizes.
I’ve seen the promotion for Lands End Chinos, but couldn’t get past the fact that I don’t wear chinos, despite their fresh colors. Seeing your styling has made me reconsider. Thanks for the honest review!
these look similar to Gap’s “broken in khakis” from summer. i was obsessed w/ mine! super comfy & soft & they came in great colors. i love having a cute alternative to jeans
I love so many of your posts, but this one made me run out the very next day to buy my very own pair of chinos. I’m 5’4″ 128lbs and the size 2 fit perfectly. I was in search of a super comfy throw-on addition to my late summer/early fall wardrobe and these fit the bill as if I had designed them myself. Thanks for yet another great review!!
Cute! Wondering about the bum view… I usually find chino back pockets unflattering. How do these look from the rear?
These chinos looks good on you!Really looks comfortable,soft…I loved this look,.I will keep your post in my idea.
Well, while I sympathize with the sizing plight, I am at the other end of the spectrum. As a larger proportioned woman (16-18), I too find that stores (and online) usually don’t have my size or the number is not an accurate size. Please pass it along that Land’s End needs to offer more sizes and larger quantities of each size (from 00 to 20 or beyond–that would be awesome!)
Despite the sizing issue, I loved the way you all styles the colors to be saturated but not overwhelming! Looks good!
I read through the comments. I did the review of the pants for plus size I am a 22 long and the chinos and they fit. So if you can pass it along to Jamie the commentor from above..Lands end has actually expanded it plus size line this season it is there big push to offer better styles and sizes for plus size girls.
Ok I also forgot to say I love the pants on you. The color is great and pairing it with the heart sweater is Fantastic!
Margenta khaki pants with black floral print top look stunning.Perfect clothing style.