I’m not exactly sure why I put off mastering how to style corduroy pants for so long. It’s not that I don’t like the look—I just never thought the soft, textured bottoms were my sartorial vibe, per se. But as I marveled over all the corduroy-heavy street style moments I saw during the Spring 2026 fashion month, one thing became clear: These trousers are inherently chic, and I’m doing myself a fashion disservice by not wearing corduroy pants.
The recent influx of corduroy pant styles on the market could be fueled by an increased appetite for nostalgia. The retro-looking bottoms were popular in the ‘70s, when rockers and Hollywood stars like Stevie Nicks and Twiggy embraced the look in full corduroy suits. In the decades following, nearly every style icon has put their stamp on the look. Princess Diana famously wore a camel-colored pair with a printed pink sweater and Hunter rain boots for a photoshoot before her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, while Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the reigning queen of minimalism, contrasted her brown trousers with an understated black turtleneck.
This begs the question: How does one style corduroy pants in a modern, of-the-moment way? Fortunately, there are plenty of styling opportunities ripe for the picking when it comes to the bottoms. On that note, scroll onward to see how the fashion set will be wearing their cords in the new year.
In a baggy ’fit
I’ve never met a tonal outfit I didn’t like, and this formula is no different. In different but complimentary shades of earth tones, this fashion person’s oversized jacket and baggy corduroy pants make for the perfect casual look. The printed silk headscarf is just the cherry on top of an already stellar laid-back fashion moment.
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With lots of texture
Category is: fall textures. For a business casual outfit that screams autumn, pair your cords (ideally in a wide-leg fit) with an oversized black leather jacket. Give the mash-up an extra boost of intrigue by way of a blouse in another luxe fabric, like a preppy polo in wool. Create a cohesive finish with sleek leather accents. It's a look so timeless, you can wear it any time of year. Just ditch the heavy outerwear once the snow starts to melt.
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In rainbow-bright colors
Don’t be afraid to crank up the color, even during the chillier months. Though many cords on the market are rendered in neutral shades, break the sartorial mold with a bright pair in a straight-leg fit. The punchy bottoms and an equally bold knit makes for a winning combo, one that’s sure to strike a chord with maximalists. Finally, a rainbow-hued striped hat is your secret weapon for curing any sort of cold-weather blues. For a little more balance, and warmth, add a white button-up underneath your vest or sweater.
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Old Navy Oversized Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt
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With a classic striped sweater
Striped knit sweaters are perennially in fashion, and for good reason—I’d argue they pair with any bottom, including corduroy pants. In fact, the duo couldn’t feel more timeless. Take a page out of this street style person’s book and marry a striped crewneck with trousers in another tone. Interesting shoes, like the cutout leather heels pictured above, will take the otherwise casual pants to new heights.
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As a set
For a one-and-done corduroy look you can toss on in a pinch, turn your attention to a set. This olive green vest and trousers look will feel right at home with your other cold-weather mainstays, such as leather boots and suede bags. Cinch in the vest with a skinny leather belt, and finish off with a khaki trench coat or oversized blazer. Note: There’s always the option to layer a turtleneck under the vest for an additional layer. In the spring, simply switch to a T-shirt underneath.
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In a preppy look
If you’re wondering how to style your corduroy trousers with preppy pieces, you’ve come to the right place. Here, content creator Molly Blutstein showed us how it’s done, pairing her chocolate brown corduroy pants with a layered look consisting of a navy cardigan over a white button-down shirt. She upped the ante with a pair of black leather loafers, a hallmark of smart-casual preppy style. Want to push it even more? Look for high-waisted, wide-leg pants or slim-fit styles, and don’t be afraid of adding a tweed jacket on top.
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