How to wear this season’s corduroy trend

The notoriously unsexy fabric is back

Once upon a time corduroy was considered purely fodder for geography teachers, hippies and the likes of Jarvis Cocker.

But for autumn/winter 2018, the notoriously unsexy fabric has clawed its way back into the fashion fold.

For years, corduroy has been left out in the cold, much in part to its bookish credentials but, thanks the industry’s love affair with retro revivals, it has successfully made the move from the classroom to the catwalk.

Forget sumptuous seasonal fabrics like velvet because it’s time to make space in your wardrobe for another Seventies staple.

Of course, these kinds of trends aren’t always as easy to translate into real life. So, just how do you wear it without looking like a librarian? The key here is to do so with restraint.

The trick to making your corduroy look contemporary is to wear one piece at a time, and to make sure that it’s well-cut.

Cord Western Dress, £59, Warehouse

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to add the material to your wardrobe, a blazer is not only super-stylish but, because the material is thick, also a great insulator. Dress yours up with smart trousers and a camisole or a casual pair of jeans and some trainers for a street style look.

Alternatively, a shirt is the perfect piece to add depth and contrast to an outfit. This autumn, update your workwear wardrobe by switching out your classic white one for a corduroy version that pairs nicely with tailoring.

A-Line Corduroy Skirt, £59, & Other Stories

Don’t neglect your bottom half, though, because a pair of trousers or a skirt can make a big fashion statement.

Trousers look best in a wide-leg or slightly flared cut while skirts look great in A-line shapes, mini or midi. Either way, make sure you keep everything else simple and wear with lightweight knitwear for an effortlessly chic finish.

Wide-leg Corduroy Trousers, £29.99, Zara

Corduroy Jacket, £59.99, H&M

Corduroy Long Sleeve Collared Shirt, £19.99, New Look