On My Radar- Corduroy
Fall heralds the return of corduroy, and I’m seeing a lot of it in the newest collections. It’s got such a great fall vibe and feels just right for so many occasions. The funny thing is, I have no corduroy in my wardrobe. I’m pretty sure I rocked corduroy gaucho pants with my Frye boots back in the day, but I haven’t embraced it since.
I love the look on other people, but something about it feels too sporty or preppy for my style, which is weird because I love denim everything.
The wider the wale (or rib), the sportier the look. Pinwale has the narrowest ribs and can be as soft and pliable as velvet, so I am looking at it more closely for fall. I’m also on the hunt for some in non-traditional shapes.
These Maeve pants certainly have a modern vibe and the front welt pockets are a nice touch.
There’s no end to the corduroy blazer options each fall. Dusters feel current to me and are a nice alternative to a classic blazer.
Printed corduroy items seem few and far between. The wale gives so much texture, I’m not sure how many people like to add pattern to its mix.
Skirts and dresses seem less common in corduroy but are certainly available.
When I google “modern corduroy” the results aren’t plentiful which makes me realize it’s a very traditional fabric that’s usually made in classic shapes. The “traditional” factory may have a lot to do with why I don’t own any. It’s simply not part of my 3-word style recipe.
Is corduroy in your style wheelhouse?
Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I wear corduroy every year, it’s warmer than denim. Fine wale is nicer than thick. I just received a pair from Talbots. I don’t seem to buy tops in the fabric, not sure why.
Perhaps corduroy fabric has changed a lot, but as I remember it, it shows wear so quickly and so noticeably. Faded shiny bottom. Same with thighs and elbows. I always felt that I shouldn’t sit down. And it needs ironing whether out of the dryer or hung to dry. I grant that it is very attractive though when new.
I do remember it getting shiny too.
I have not worn corduroy for some time. Did have a few pair of jeans but let them go a few years back.
I like the off/white duster but wonder if it would wrinkle or look sloppy after a sit on it in the car or in just regular wear.
Not saying I would not wear it again, have to check what is out there.
Yes, I wear corduroy, in the winter as an alternative to jeans. I have several pairs from Talbots and find them warmer than denim. I’m thinking about a corduroy blazer, but wouldn’t wear it with corduroy bottoms. The fine corduroy is more flattering than the wide, to me.
I’ve worn corduroy all my life also. My brothers wore salt and pepper cords everyday as our school uniform. I loved corduroy jeans in high school. I might see what’s out there!
I have not worn corduroy since my teens, when Levi ‘Cords’ were a thing. Even then I realized they did nothing for me, but wore them because they were in fashion. Will not be trying them again. Look great on others, just not my thing.
Luckily I have at last learnt that I don’t have to wear everything that’s a trend!
I have worn corduroy all my life and always keep a few pairs of fine wale corduroy pants in the closet for fall and winter as an alternative to jeans.
I personally love corduroy, especially the pinwale. Thought the duster was unusual but great idea for fall. Love the floral shirt as well but all a bit pricey for my retired budget.
I love corduroy and spent most of February in corduroy pants! I love the wide leg pants shown from anthro. Can’t quite do the Bean jacket, even though I live in New England, but I think I have that Jill jacket in the back of my closet, too.
I actually purchased corduroy leggings from Talbots last year in cream and navy and wore them non stop. They are warm, modern and for me a little more dressy than jeans. I added corduroy shorts from Carve Designs this year for summer….love these too. I just turned 70.
I look ten pounds heavier when I try it on so it’s a big NO for me although I love it on others.
Jennifer, I read your lead and said, out loud, nope, nope, nope……..no. Seriously almost didn’t open the link, then the clouds parted and the angels sang at the sight of those beautiful wide leg pants from Anthropology. 💓 I “need” to at least try them on. Thank goodness the coat does not come in a color I want for a coat. Loved corduroy when I was young and thinner.
LOL, I ordered the pants:)
I haven’t worn corduroy since I was a kid and I don’t think I will start. Having said that, I reserve the right to change my mind. 😉
Me too 🙂
I do like corduroy, especially the very thin wale. However, living in GA I only own a few pieces because we only have a few months when we can wear it! No matter what the calendar says today, it’s not really fall here yet.
It’s sure not fall in Northern CA where it’s hovering in the 100’s
No, corduroy isn’t really in my wheelhouse either. I bought an adorable chestnut-colored corduroy barn jacket two years ago, thinking it would be the perfect fall coat, and two years later, I have not worn it once! I think this has to do with fall weather in Chicago, where it’s lovely only briefly before the rains set in. A leather (real or faux) jacket is far more useful around here.
I love corduroy – it’s warmer, for one thing – and had forgotten about it!
Yvonne, I’m enjoying the image of your purple trench coat and matching flares! Very cool 70s style.
I agree about corduroy. I have not worn it since I was out of college. The newer corduroy seems softer and easier to wear. Think I will look for a new jacket & slacks, if I can find the right color.
Thanks for the tips, Jennifer.
I agree; corduroy has come a long way:)
Talbots usually has corduroy pants in their late fall or winter collection. In the past I think they have been in their high waisted straight cut. I have several pairs in various colors and love them when it’s cold outside.
Yes, I love Talbots pinwale corduroy pants! They are so comfortable and stretchy, so much so that after the first pair, I bought several more colors. They fill the gap between casual and dressy as they can be either depending on what is worn with them.
Yes, I have tried on the Talbots ones and they feel fabulous
I have an oversized black soft corduroy jacket from J Jill that I have had for years. I wear it in the fall, and I love it. Something about corduroy for me means familiar comfort. I’ll continue to wear corduroy when I can find great fitting pants in good colors.
That’s a great way to describe the fabric.
The only time I ever wore corduroy was back in the 70’s. I remember in grade 9 having a purple corduroy trench coat with matching flare pants. My mum would always find the most stylish outfits for me when we shopped. She had great style and loved fashion and would always nudge me to try something unique. That’s where my love of fashion began.
I’m not seeing corduroy in the stores I shop in, but I am seeing a lot of leather and faux leather.
Your purple outfit sounds amazing!!