This year, corduroy has made a comeback in fashion, with a more subtle nod to the 1970s. Instead of tight bell bottoms, the key is to opt for a loose, baggy fit similar to the denim styles that are currently popular. This silhouette prevents cords from looking like a costume, giving off more of a hippy music teacher vibe rather than a rock star at Woodstock. The return of cords was solidified by designers like The Row and Miu Miu, who incorporated corduroy into their spring/summer 2024 collections with baggy trousers and various other pieces in earthy tones.
While corduroy may be associated with 1970s style, it also has roots in ’90s minimalism, as seen in Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s cropped toffee cords paired with a black rollneck and leather loafers. Inspirations like Jane Birkin showcase how cord trousers can be aligned with French-girl style, softening any archival references with a modern twist. The current fashion landscape has seen nods to the ’70s, largely influenced by designers like Chemena Kamali at Chloé. Styles are updated for 2024, with a focus on brown hues and suede textures, ensuring that the look is contemporary rather than retro.
Styling corduroy is easy, as it can be substituted for baggy blue jeans and paired with everyday basics like oversized tees. Dakota Johnson exemplifies this vibe with her cinnamon cords, styled with a white t-shirt, a red jumper, a baseball cap, and Adidas trainers. The high street has also embraced the corduroy trend, with brands like J.Crew, Madewell, and Banana Republic offering a variety of corduroy pieces. In this way, corduroy has become a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down for a range of occasions.
The resurgence of corduroy in fashion has been evident on the streets, with celebrities like Dakota Johnson and Emily Ratajkowski seen sporting the trend with their own unique styling. Dakota Johnson’s cinnamon cords and casual, yet chic outfit combination embody the laid-back, cool vibe of corduroy. Emily Ratajkowski’s on-trend pairing of corduroy trousers with a leather jacket and white sneakers showcases the versatility of this fabric in creating modern, stylish looks.
Overall, corduroy has reemerged as a key trend in the fashion world, with designers and high street brands alike embracing the fabric in their collections. The shift towards a more relaxed, baggy fit and updated color palettes have given corduroy a fresh, modern appeal that resonates with today’s fashion landscape. Whether styled with everyday basics or elevated with statement pieces, corduroy offers a versatile option for those looking to incorporate a retro-inspired element into their wardrobe.
