Fashion faux pas: Wearing chinos in winter?

I like wearing chinos (khaki pants), but have noticed here in the mid-Atlantic that few men wear (tan) chinos during the winter months, leading me to believe that they are really more fashionable in warmer weather.

Not that I’m a slave to fashion, but what are the general dictates re: the wearing of khaki pants in the winter months? I’m talking situations such as casual parties, going shopping, etc. Again, I want to know what is generally appropriate, not what the rebels are doing.

Go to NYC (i.e. Manhattan) and you’ll see almost all the natives garbed in dark clothing.

Please clue me in. Thanks.