From brat summer to bloke core autumn, this year’s trends have often veered into cosplay territory. The latest trend to take over the fashion set? Corduroy trousers. While this ‘70s -themed obsession might also make you think of tie-dye shirts, bell bottoms and lava lamps, you can hold off on buying a ticket to Abba Voyage just yet.
For 2024, the textured fabric is gracing modern silhouettes such as wide-leg, straight-fit, and baggy, making for a great autumn/winter alternative to jeans. Far from the bright red iterations with a fusty reputation, the corduroy trousers of now are rendered in more stylish hues – from neutral toffee and caramel to trendier alternatives such as khaki and burgundy.
While the trend has had legs since the ‘70s when corduroy was the first port of call for artists and musicians known for their anti-establishment perspective, corduroy has since made its tactile appearance on numerous style icons. Think Princess Diana in corduroy trousers and a multicoloured jumper in Balmoral or Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s baggy trousers paired with a classic black turtleneck.
Armed with an illustrious past, corduroy trousers are still making their mark on the fashion set today – from insiders at fashion week wearing monochrome corduroy looks to celebrities, including Dakota Johnson and Gwyneth Paltrow, sporting cropped cords.
Although their versions are excellent, they’re also very likely to cost over three figures. The good news, however, is that high street brands have come through with an array of cords that’ll be perfect for the colder months ahead. Our favourite? The Marks & Spencer Wide Leg Cord Trousers, £39.50. Available in five colours, the popular design has already sold out in the copper and navy colours. Universally flattering, this design will pair well with just about everything in your wardrobe – from chunky knits to sleek shirts.
Shop: M&S Best-Selling Cord Trousers
www.marksandspencer.com
Cos, meanwhile, offers a cropped design which can be styled up or down with a cashmere cardigan or a basic white T-shirt. If you're looking for a brighter dopamine-boosting alternative, Zara’s dusty pink trousers can be styled with jumpers and button-downs alike for a weekend look. You could also always go vintage with Arket’s flared trousers paired with a matching corduroy blazer.
Shop: Best Corduroy Trousers
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S currently boasts an incredible collection of trousers and we've got our eye on this internet-favourite cord design. The chocolate brown hue, in particular, practically screams autumn.
www.arket.com
Channel Mila Kunis in That 70s Show with this flared burgundy pair. Platform boots and bouncy blowout not mandatory, but highly encouraged.
www.zara.com
Winter doesn't mean you have to stick to deeper shades. These dusty pink trousers will fit right in with your neutral-hued knits.
www.massimodutti.com
Massimo Dutti is known for crafting refined, minimalist basics with a modern edge. Case in point, these straight fit cords in a striking sage green hue.
www.mytheresa.com
If you're looking to make an investment, Prada's caramel pair with a relaxed fit, low-rise waist and triangle logo detail is a great option.
www.meandem.com
A smarter take on the trendy barrel-leg silhouette, style ME+EM's panelled design with a frilly white blouse and a suede bag to master the boho trend.
www2.hm.com
If you're not one for baggier silhouettes, add this straight fit design to cart immediately. It'll pair well with everything from button-downs to jumpers.
www.cos.com
Take a page out of Dakota Johnson's book and style these baggy cropped cords with your favourite white T-shirt and trainers.
shop.mango.com
For a corduroy trouser with a relaxed off-duty look, consider Mango's high waisted culottes. Style with a cashmere cardigan and loafers for a preppy vibe.
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commercial content writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.