For the first time in thirteen years, J. Crew has re-engineered its classic chinos. The $49.50 pants, which have just debuted (what, J. Crew's just heard about the casual-Friday trend?), come uncuffed with a flat front or cuffed with pleats. In spite of remarkably subtle alterations -- such as a new "signature" ribbon around the waistband and upgraded pocket linings -- the pants' publicist insists advance samples have already made their way into the stylish closets of Patricia Arquette, Duncan Sheik, and Jason Biggs, the American Pie pastry paramour. But at least this new version comes with its own sense of humor: The care instructions, revamped for working stiffs, direct "Corporate Climbers" and "Power Lunchers" to haul their khakis "to a professional dry cleaner," whereas "Soul Searchers" and "Web Surfers" are instructed to "wash if desired."

Related:

• Archive: “Gotham Style”
• Articles by Sarah Bernard
• Table of Contents: Aug 9, 1999 issue of New York | Subscribe!