Hello, my corduroy queens. This one is for you. I’m going to stretch that, though, and say it’s actually for everyone. Now that the nights are drawing in, we are replacing our linen for something more seasonably suitable. For me, that suitable thing is corduroy. If you are a cord shirker, take note: it’s not the stiff, crunchy fabric it once was. Get that idea out of your head. These days, it can be as soft as velvet, and it’s the perfect fabric to consider in October.
Let’s look at seven chic ways we can style it.
CORD TROUSERS
If you’re looking for a winter alternative to jeans that’s a touch smarter but still keeping it fairly casual, then cord trousers are a good place to start. I always turn to COS when looking for a really good pair of trousers on the high street. I find they always fit well and are the perfect length for me (I’m 5’7, for reference). These are slightly cropped, so they’d work for those of shorter stature too. Most COS trousers now come with adjustable buttoned tabs to perfect the fit around the waist. Why all trousers don’t have this is beyond me. It’s such a great idea.
- Massimo Dutti Nappa leather jacket with corduroy collar
- Arket Long-Sleeved Merino Top
- COS cropped corduroy trousers
- Scott Samuel large woven leather basket bag
- Goelia Black And White Stripe Vest
- Dune Poema black leather Chelsea boots
CORD MIDI SKIRT
The skirt is definitely having a moment right now, and for me it’s taken over from the dress. We seem to have moved into a more A‑line style this year – long, but not too long, and perfect to wear with your knee-high boots. I am loving the whole aubergine/burgundy/maroon vibe here.
- H&M Tie-neck chiffon blouse
- Massimo Dutti Red resin detail earrings
- Beluah Pearl Plum Corduroy midi skirt
- Albaray Check double breasted coat
- Paris Texas Jane 60 leather boots
CORD WAISTCOAT
If you bought a waistcoat last winter, fear not, they are still relevant this year too. Plus they add an extra layer of warmth without squishing your arms in your jacket sleeves, so I’m all for that. This one is by small brand Kate Barton. In fact, she does a fine array of cord items in her new winter collection.
- Hush Jayde Italian Wool Blazer
- Uniqlo Merino Crew Neck Jumper
- Kate Barton Corduroy Workwear Waistcoat
- H&M brown faux suede shopper bag
- Aligne Indigo Box pleated Jean
- Adidas SL72 OG Trainers
CORD JACKET
I know suede jackets are all the rage this year, but if the thought of getting caught in the rain while wearing one and ending up smelling like a sheep farm is too much for you to bear, maybe swap it for a nice cord alternative. Although if you do own some suede (like this amazing bag from River Island – yes, River Island) then may I recommend this spray to keep it nice and fresh.
- DUNST Knitted Rugby Sweater
- River Island Brown Suede large Tote bag
- White Stuff Evelyn Cord Blazer
- Pistola Ryder High Rise Cuffed Straight Jeans
- Sezane Lena Suede Chelsea boots
CORD MINI SKIRT
I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve said it but no, you are not too old for a mini skirt. They are daunting in the summer with a bare leg situation, but at this time of year you can bust out the corduroy and pair it with some great tights and a nice chunky loafer.
- Kirstie Le Marque Diamond & Ruby Necklace
- COS Chunky pure cashmere high neck jumper
- Stradivarius Long puffer parka with corduroy collar
- DeMellier New York Aubergine Grain Leather bag
- M&S Cotton Rich Cord Mini Skirt
- Massimo Dutti Loafers with metal detail
CORD DRESS
To even the balance out a bit, I had to find some corduroy dresses for you. Both of these look great and are the perfect style for disguising a bit of belly. Despite my fitness ‘journey’, the mid section will always be an issue for me now that I’m past 50. Don’t get me wrong, doing all that ‘core’ has definitely helped, but there’s still a pouch in that area and I’m OK with that. There are undergarments that can help if need be and outfits that reduce the issue. I love the tie front of this Toast dress and higher waist of the Monsoon one.
- Toast Organic Needlecord Wrap Dress
- Monica Vinader Delphi Gemstone Necklace (use code KATEHMV20 for 20% off)
- Ash’s Choice Chunky Hoop Earrings
- M&S Braided Top Handle Shoulder Bag
- Monsoon Alana Cord Zip Midi Dress
- Dr Martens Flora Arcadia Leather Chelsea Boots
- Tory Birch Leather knee-high boots
CORD TRAINERS
I couldn’t end the corduroy celebration without a nod to trainers, could I? When I saw that my favourite Adidas Spezials now came in cord, I couldn’t have pressed ‘buy’ any quicker. Also, for those who have been seeking a quality homage to the Puzzle bag, here it is. It’s by Scott Samuel, it’s real leather and comes in a wealth of colours and sizes too.
- COS Oversized Fleck Wool V Neck Jumper
- Scott Samuel Leather Grab Handle Geometric Bag
- Uniqlo HEATTECH Extra Warm Ribbed Bra Top
- Citizens Of Humanity Miro Barrel leg jeans
- Uniqlo PUFFERTECH Relaxed Jacket
- Adidas Handball Spezial suede and leather-trimmed corduroy trainers
Is it too early to do coats next week? or boots? We shall see.
K x