One of the best known staples of cold-weather dressing, corduroy has come a long way from the ’70s when the classic cotton-blended fabric, known for its then-wider wale fabric, supreme warmth and plush feel, might have doubled for drapes. Today the fabric has never looked more sophisticated in lighter pinwale offerings and colors that, thankfully, look the furthest thing from grandma’s shag carpet. That said, cord trousers are a dime a dozen this season. Bonobos, J.Crew, The Gap and even Jack Spade all carry them, so what to buy? Try a non-traditional looking colored cord in pale grey or black or, if going for a bolder look or if looking to simply soften up one’s outfit, a subtle print and some of the exciting new silhouettes brands are now cutting in the fabric. L-R: Skinny Oxford grey cord pant, American Eagle Outfitters, $34.95; printed corduroy shirt, Uniqlo, $29.90; Francis cord blazer in oak, Frank & Oak, $115; tie, Band of Outsiders, $155; fine corduroy button-down shirt, Beams Plus, $220; Ronnie cord pant, Saturdays, $128; Gabrielle jacket, APC x Carhartt, $355; Wall Street navy cord suit jacket (with pant option), Acne, $630.
