You know what else comes with the changing season, the sudden urge to nest, the imminent spirit of the holidays? A big ol’ mess of fast-paced micro trends, all competing for relevancy. I struggle to define “my style” and take the first steps towards fulfilling my dream capsule wardrobe because there’s just so much out there. My Pinterest feed has become a flurry of all the fall aesthetics, and, as I’ve sifted through dreamy inspo pics, wanna know what struck a (pardon the pun…) chord?
Corduroy.
I haven’t worn cords since…elementary school? (I’m a Gen Z’er, so the 2000s-2010s were just a lot of leggings, A&F logo hoodies and UGG boots, in my experience.) There was something about seeing corduroy pants, jackets, even shirts pop up in this past year that stuck in the back of my mind…Corduroy is coming back in a more chic, perhaps even tailored way.
I’m Obsessed With These Bootcut Corduroy Pants
I’m a fiend for a hot pair of pants, and when I saw allll of the corduroy pants at Reformation, it was love at first sight. There are a few different pant styles — wide, straight-leg, relaxed and — my Holy Grail Of Pant Styles: the bootcut. I could rave on and on about why the bootcut is my favorite cut for jeans (OK, short version — serious legs-for-days magic). Seeing corduroy meet the bootcut, in a delicious chocolate color? Immediate heart eyes.
The ultimate question, however: can the revival of corduroy as bootcut pants fit in an everyday closet? Brown is a timeless fall color (understated and polished, if you ask me), so I’m confident that styled with my favorite muted tones, these pants make the cut.
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1 Capsule Wardrobe + 5 Outfit Ideas With These Bootcut Corduroy Pants
After throwing together a little capsule wardrobe to pre-test how these bootcut corduroy pants would fit in with my other fall essentials, I’m super-happy with how the color palette came together. I find the easiest way to style an outfit when I’m racking my brain for any inspo is to rely on some color theory: neutral basics + a few muted colors.
So…let’s put it to the test! Can these brown bootcut corduroy pants be styled for all of the outings…even running errands?
Outfit Idea 1: Running Errands
My favorite way to dress down some bootcuts? I think anything can be styled casually when worn with some white sneaks. I own a similar pair of FILAs, and lemme tell ya…these sneaks are so, so comfy. Tuck in an oversized graphic tee (I love this muted blue-grey) throw a puffer jacket over top and done! Not too preppy at all. For carrying all the things, I’m grabbing a convertible tote/backpack (big enough to fit my laptop!).
Outfit Idea 2: For the Office
I mentioned I find bootcut pants to lean more chic and polished, so styling this pair for the office was a fun task. With a more creative job, I’m aiming for professional and put-together, but not Wall Street conference. To avoid going the all-neutral route, I pulled in my other muted pops of color that complement the brown corduroy.
Outfit Idea 3: Dinner + Espresso Martinis
I live in the city, so walking is a big factor to consider on date nights…low-heeled booties and pants styled up a level is usually the way to go. I have (and love) this moto jacket — it’s roomy (just how I like my layers) and warm enough that even in winter, I can get away with a pretty cami underneath (half-tucked into the waistband). For booties, I hunted for a chic pair with a low heel and a more pointed toe (something about a pointed toe is just a touch “dressier” than a rounded toe). A pair of sleek earrings, grab a cute bag with a sporty strap (big enough for my phone, wallet, chapstick (ya know, the essentials))…and date night = done.
Outfit Idea 4. Weekend Brunch With The Crew
For outings with the crew, just call me casual-cute. Any daytime occasion with friends, and I’m reaching for my fav leather jacket to layer over an easy fall sweater, tucked up into a sporty/fitted crop top. When in doubt, I turn to some daily gold hoops for a simple-yet-chic accessory. Just like with any date night look, I would finish off the outfit with a crossbody bag for just the necessities and sleek walkable booties.
Outfit Idea 5. Urban Exploring
My no. 1 rule to dressing for a full day out and about in the city? Light tee + a no-fuss jacket to warm up. With all of the walking and running around, it’s easy to start to heat up under the sun (even now that we’re dipping into the lower 60s). This packable puffer isn’t bulky and provides enough warmth and protection from city wind that I can layer a relaxed tee underneath and stay comfortable. Throw on a pair of fresh white sneaks and finish up with a small bag to hold the essentials, and I’m set for the day.
Shop More Bootcut & Flared Corduroy Pants
Ahhhh. Maybe it’s my passion for flattering pants, but something about these bootcuts in a cozy textile is just so comforting to me. Here are some more bootcut (and flared) corduroy pants to swap for your standard blue jeans:
Shop More Corduroy Pants
I’ll be adding some bootcut cords into my forever wardrobe, but however you wear it, corduroys will give your fall wardrobe the right kind of update. And if you’re not totally on board with the bootcut but still want want in on some good corduroys…here are some more worth falling in love with:
That’s all for now, folks!
Xo,
Jeni
