Infuse your ultra-casual outfit with a hint of sophistication by swapping out your go-to jeans or leggings for corduroy. The key to this look is pairing it with a contrasting top.
Corduroy is a thick fabric that features raised cords with a ribbed appearance. It can be made out of cotton, polyester blends or wool.
1. Dress Up
The ribbed texture of corduroy gives it that vintage look that’s so trendy this season. This style of pants is a step up from jeans and can easily be dressed up with dress shoes for a work or social event. You could even wear them with a leather jacket to give your outfit an extra dose of cool.
If you want to keep your outfit a little more casual, try wearing your corduroy pants with flat shoes or sneakers. This will keep you warm and comfortable without compromising your stylish vibes. For example, you can pair your corduroy pants with a white tee shirt and canvas sneakers for a laid-back weekend look. For a more formal look, try pairing your corduroy pants with dress shoes and a button-up shirt for a classic and sophisticated outfit.
When shopping for corduroy pants, look for a fabric with a higher wale count to give your outfit a smoother and more polished appearance. A wider wale count will also help you look slimmer in your legs. And don’t forget to choose a fabric that feels good on the skin!
2. Dress Down
If you’re looking for a casual and laid-back look, corduroy pants are a great option. They can be worn with a casual knitted cardigan and are perfect for a day out. You can also pair them with a longline coat for an added layer of warmth. This outfit is ideal for a day out with friends or family.
Unlike more formal fabrics, corduroy has a natural, relaxed vibe that makes it easy to dress down. It’s also super comfortable and versatile, so it can be used in a variety of different settings.
When shopping for corduroy pants, it’s important to consider the fabric’s wale count and design details. For example, pleats and front pockets can add a more menswear vibe, while a low or mid-rise waistband is perfect for everyday wear. It’s also a good idea to try on a few pairs to see which ones fit best. This way, you can find the right style that suits your personal taste and body type. You can also experiment with different colors to find the one that speaks to you most.
3. Mix It Up
For a trendy take on this classic fabric, pair it with a plaid top and casual sneakers. The combination is perfect for a laid-back look that exudes sophistication. This outfit is a great way to show off your sartorial flair. Just remember to keep the rest of your look simple and polished.
The ribs of corduroy can create a more formal look than jeans, so it’s a good idea to dress up your outfit when wearing them. For a professional look, wear them with a button-down shirt and blazer. Then, complete the look with penny loafers or high heels.
Corduroy pants also go well with a blouse, but if you want a more feminine look, try a bodysuit instead. A plunging neckline will accentuate your decolletage, while a ruched waistline will add some texture to the look.
While you may be tempted to mix patterns and textures with your corduroy pants, it’s best to stick with one simple pattern at a time. Overdoing it with too many different colors and textures can distract from the beauty of the pants.
4. Mix It With Texture
Originally known as “poor man’s velvet,” corduroy is a cozy and super versatile material that works well with other textures. Pair it with wool to create a stylish and warm outfit that can withstand the elements.
For example, a pair of wide-legged corduroy pants in khaki brown looks great when worn with a classic flannel shirt and a pair of ankle boots. The neutral color palette keeps the look simple yet polished and the texture of the corduroy is a nice complement to the rugged texture of the wool.
Don’t be afraid to mix corduroy with other textured materials either, like a soft cotton sweater or a woven chambray jacket. In fact, mixing contrasting fabrics is one of the best ways to add interest and style to any outfit.
Just be sure to coordinate the colors so that the overall look is balanced and well put together. For example, a deep purple pair of corduroy pants should only be paired with a top in a similar color (like grey or white). And if you’re wearing lighter corduroy, like this showgoer, be sure to choose a muted shade like navy blue or tan so the bright colors don’t overwhelm the look.
5. Go Classic
Men have the unique opportunity to style corduroy pants in a wide range of ways. While the material straddles the worlds of casual and formal fashion, it also offers the advantage of keeping your legs warmer in fall and winter than jeans.
Holland recommends paying attention to the thickness of the corduroy, as well as its fabric composition and hand feel. Look for fabrics made from cotton without synthetics, like these slim-fit corduroy trousers with a mix of cotton and rayon that offer comfy stretch. You should also consider the style of the pants, such as the front pockets and pleats, which can give them a more menswear-inspired vibe or a ’70s feel.
You’ll find slim-fit corduroy pants with a high waist and relaxed fit, as well as boot cut cords that are wider in the hip and thigh area and great for pairing with boots or sneakers. If you’re looking for an elegant option, try these twill-backed corduroy pants with a high waist, a relaxed leg and button fly. These pants pair well with a fitted shirt for a stylish three-piece suit.
