The last time I wore corduroy pants I had hair halfway down my back and a massive Old Navy belt that said “Capricorn” in studs across the butt.
The early aughts were a weird time.
Truly I haven’t messed with corduroy since Paris Hilton had a “hit” single and low-rise jeans were still very much in style.
5 Ways To Style J.Crew’s Green Vintage Corduroy Pants This Season
But, maybe like the Grinch who Stole Christmas, my heart grew three sizes the day I spotted these Vintage Straight-Slim Corduroys from J.Crew in a very festive green.
I just had to try them…astrology sign belt or not.
Since J.Crew sizing (bottoms in particular) are all over the place for me, I ordered a 29 and a 30. The 30 were way too big, the 29, just right. Snug but not pulling, appropriate for holidays spent with visions of sugar plums dancing in my…belly.
Before I decided they were firmly in the “keep” pile (and I was pretty dang sure) I shopped my closet to make sure they worked with pieces both in regular rotation and for the holiday season. In the process, I came up with five outfits for the holidays and beyond.
Looking for holiday outfit inspo for 2022? Run (don’t walk, sellout risk is real) to our holiday style page.
1| Sporty Spice (Cords + Sneakers)
There’s never a bad time for a disgruntled zebra, especially around — erm — certain family members (I kid, I kid). I adore the mustard yellow of this Maeve Zebra Cashmere Sweater (similar sweater) against the evergreen cords. I finished it off with my adidas Superstars Superstars to complete the look.
Fit Notes: The J.Crew Corduroys run big, size down. (I’m wearing a 29). The sweater runs TTS (I’m wearing a large). The sneakers are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).
2| Lovely Layers (Cords + Boots & A Sweater)
Turtleneck | Sweater | Pants | Boots | Clutch (similar)
With climate change, I don’t know if I’m dreaming of white winter or a 75 degree December day. Layers are key. I love how the Free People Gather Turtleneck looks layered under my Cotton-Cashmere Mockneck Sweater. The turtleneck peaking out adds a bit of intrigue…a little bit of spice if you will. Add the J.Crew cords and suede platform boots for a chic holiday look.
Fit Notes: The J.Crew Corduroys run big, size down. (I’m wearing a 29). The turtleneck runs TTS (I’m wearing a large). The sweater runs TTS (I’m wearing a large). The boots run TTS (I’m wearing an 8).
3| Holiday Casual (Cords + Mules & Tie-Neck Top)
As I wrote in my J.Crew Try-On Haul, this Tie-Neck Chambray Shirt is giving Oregon Trail vibes, but with these cords, there’s a Yuletide twist. It looks fab tucked in. My Madewell Frances Loafer Mules, that I can’t stop wearing, complete the outfit.
Fit Notes: The shirt runs TTS (I’m wearing a 10). The J.Crew Corduroys run big, size down. (I’m wearing a 29). The mules are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).
4| Everyday Cozy (Cords + A Varsity Sweater)
I can’t get over how fun this varsity-esqe cardigan is. It looks great with jeans, but festive with evergreen cords. And, of course, my favorite (erm…only) mules.
Fit Notes: The cardigan is TTS (I’m wearing a large). The J.Crew Corduroys run big, size down. (I’m wearing a 29). The mules are TTS (I’m wearing an 8).
5| Merry & Bright (Cords + A Sequin Duster & Heels)
Duster | Cami | Pants | Heels (similar)
She’s baaacckkk. Wearing the Sequined Duster, aka Vegas Mrs. Roper as a TMEI (The Mom Edit Insiders group) patron cleverly named it, is like wearing a box full ornaments and I don’t hate it. To truly dazzle this holiday season, I paired my sparkle duster with a simple under $10 black cami, the vintage slim-straight cords and a pair of heels I’ve owned forever (I believe these are nearly the same pair except close-toed). More sizes/colors of the BB Dakota Sequined Duster here.
Fit Notes: If between sizes, size down in the duster (I’m wearing a medium). The cami is TTS (I’m wearing a large). The J.Crew Corduroys run big, size down. (I’m wearing a 29).
There are a lot of things I’d like to keep in the early aughts; low-rise pants, LFO, frosted tips…but corduroys I am quite content to embrace in 2021. They are truly the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season.
x, Meredith
