These Vintage-Inspired Corduroy Pants Are Replacing My Jeans This Winter
I’m giving my denim a break, for now.
While decluttering my closet this past weekend, I realized that I own over a dozen pairs of jeans, from high-rise to barrel-leg to pretty much every other viral denim trend. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I’d like to wear something other than jeans every now and then. Eager to find an alternative style that would be as versatile in my capsule wardrobe, I’ve decided to test-drive fashion’s current favorite vintage-inspired trend: corduroy pants.
Corduroys are receiving a modern upgrade this season. Instead of leaning into flared silhouettes with a ‘70s appeal, designers like Ganni, Proenza Schouler, and Chanel are favoring billowing constructions that feel far more contemporary. Even affordable brands like Everlane, Madewell, and Mango have co-signed the wide-leg agenda with their own riffs on the look.
It appears as though street stylers are also catching onto the trend, too, demonstrating that there are endless ways to incorporate corduroys into your cold-weather wardrobe. You can elevate your look with an elegant coat and a designer handbag, or keep things casual with a cropped jacket and a set of chunky "Dadcore" sneakers.
Inspired to copy these easy ensembles for myself, I compiled a list of the best corduroy pants to shop this season. Defined by neutral shades and streamlined shapes, these bottoms will go well with just about any winter outfit. Don’t be surprised if they end up replacing your favorite jeans.
Ditch your skinny jeans for a balloon-like barrel-leg style with Everlane’s chocolate brown corduroys.
As someone who will never hop on the low-rise bandwagon, I exclusively shop high-waisted pants. So, yes, Banana Republic’s corduroys have found a special spot on my wish list.
I’m a firm believer in wearing white past Labor Day. The key to making this color feel more “wintry” is to opt for warm shades, like cream and ivory.
While I’m typically partial toward floor-sweeping hemlines, these ankle-length corduroy pants from Cos are calling my name. I can easily see myself wearing them with a cardigan, riding boots, and a duffle coat.
For all you minimalists out there who don’t love vibrant shades—I’m talking about myself, TBH—try olive green corduroys. They’re colorful, but can still considered neutral.
Allow me to introduce you to the perfect pair of hybrid pants. With a roomy shape and deep pockets, Free People’s corduroys can easily cosplay as cargo bottoms.
For a relaxed holiday party outfit, team these Zara corduroys with a buttoned blouse and pointy ballet flats.
While spacious pants are trending, the standard straight-leg look isn’t going anywhere. AG’s Brinley pants are proof.
Nili Lotan’s Florence pants boast a subtle bohemian flair. Play into the free-spirited vibe with a frilly top and suede boots.
Make heads turn with Gap’s leopard-print corduroys. You’re bound to stand out among the crowd with these spotted bottoms.
Designed with a pull-on fit, these Anthropologie bottoms will feel like snug sweatpants.
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Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.