Everybody loves a good comeback story. We’ve seen it with the Red Sox in the 2004 World Series, kale’s reintroduction into mainstream culinary culture, and now, corduroy’s return to fashion.
First, some backstory. Corduroy exploded in the 1970s, with working-class roots tying the fabric to the decade’s anti-establishment movement. After fading and returning and fading away again, the material has reappeared in collections from Moncler to Rachel Comey—and not just in the form of the best corduroy pants. From miniskirts to sneakers to work bags, if you can wear it, it comes in corduroy.
Designers are capitalizing on corduroy’s comeback, but adding the texture to outfits requires close consideration. Carolina Cucinelli, Brunello Cucinelli’s daughter, co-creative director, and co-president of the brand, likens wearing it to another classic material. “Corduroy has a timeless allure, more or less like denim, paired with a stylish blazer or an English rib knit sweater,” she says. Designer and founder Nili Lotan uses corduroy to create “an iconic 70’s rock and roll style,” which she recommends pairing with chunky sweaters and low boots. For a more boho take, Free People’s fashion stylist Julie Parladé loves the brand’s corduroy micro mini skort, layered “underneath a thicker tight, knee high boots, a cashmere turtleneck for all the fall coziness, and then a longer length trench jacket to offset the micro cord.”
With endless styling options, corduroy has earned its place in fall wardrobes. Cucinelli describes its appeal best: It’s “an iconic, unisex fabric that has character and conveys a casual yet sophisticated style.” So take on the trend, whether it’s with the baby steps of a simple Kangol baseball cap or diving in with a lemony yellow Marni jacket. Whichever take you prefer, show your support for the corduroy comeback with a style that suits you ahead.