Corduroy … need I say more? With its distinctive texture, who among us doesn’t enjoy the cozy tactile feel of this lush fabric? Y’all might be digging out your sweaters and boots as the temps turn chilly, but I’m tugging on my cords.
The roots of corduroy go back to ancient Egypt to a heavy, woven fabric called fustian. Back several hundred years ago, the earlier versions of corduroy were labor-intensive to manufacture making it a favorite of royals who could afford this luxury fabric. It was during England’s Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s and early 1800s that machinery was developed that modernized how corduroy was made. In the early 1900s, Levi Strauss began to offer corduroy options and secured the fabric its place as a hardy and durable textile.
Corduroy is a ridged fabric, usually cotton, made up of pile-cut yarn that’s been woven and cut into cords, or wales. There’s a similarity to velvet due to the plushy handfeel and its lush appearance. Like with velvet, you’ve probably been intrigued by the nap or directionality of corduroy tufts. Perhaps it’s an optical illusion but corduroy is typically similar in weight to denim. As such, there’s no need to avoid it if you’re concerned about overheating.
Typically, the thicker the wale, the stiffer and heavier the fabric. Pants and jackets are often made with wide-wale while narrow-wale corduroy is well suited for use in shirts and dresses. Designers are known to vary the height of the pile and the spacing between the wales to create alternate looks for this textile. Corduroy is as suitable for a dressier occasion as it is for a casual one.
Regarding the specifics of my look in these photos, the cords were a thrift store find from a couple of years ago. The color caught my eye and then the feel sealed the deal. Being that they are full-length pants, I’m wearing a wedge-heel bootie for a bit of height and a lightweight sweater (both were retail purchases made a few years ago). My denim jacket is a recent secondhand purchase that I bought with the intention of reselling. Because of the embroidered pieces, I’m a bit on the fence as to whether I’ll be keeping it or selling it as planned.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week is Di who shares her fresh and creative outfits on her blog Di-alog.
Have I made my case for bringing in some corduroy into your Fall wardrobe? I’m interested in hearing about where your focus is these days, style-wise. Are you staying only with what’s current or do you look at what has worked in the past? What details are staples in your wardrobe? And since it’s Fall Y’all, how have your fashion choices changed since this time last year?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
22 Comments
I love the feel, look and color density of corduroy. Cosy and comfortable it cleverly manages to bridge the gap between smart but casual! Love the burgundy.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Fascinating to learn how corduroy came about. I haven’t had any corduroy pants for years but there are a lot around at the moment so it’s something to think about. I’d say the jacket’s a keeper, the embroidery makes it special
I love corduroy! I have several tunics and dresses in a fine wale corduroy as well as some favorite pants (currently don’t fit). It’s the fabric of fall, right?
The color of your corduroy pants is fabulous! I love wearing corduroy in the fall! It’s a refreshing change from denim!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I have my eye on a blush pink coloured pair of cords for this winter Rena. I haven’t worn cord for years but I really fancy a change. Love the colour of yours xx
I don’t own any but I do love the look of it. This color is so pretty for Fall . I always appreciate the history of a garment or fabric and I didn’t know that about corduroy. I do remember back inthe day selling it at the Gap, what goes around comes around! The floral jean jacket is a lovely touch with the pants.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Hello Rena, thank you for favorite on your post! Corduroy is such a great fabric for the season, it just feels like fall. You pants are the perfect color and were a nice thrift find. I have a brown baby wale corduroy skirt that I love and can’t wait to unpack it, when I change to my fall wardrobe. Hope you have a good weekend and thanks for the link up party!
I don’t own a piece in corduroy, but I am looking for a corduroy jacket in a classic denim tucker jacket. Maybe it’s like looking for Daisies with plaid pattern, but who knows.
Love this fabric. It’s so cozy and this look is absolutely gorgeous.
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/10/october-accessories-edit-5-designer.html?m=1
I’ve always adored corduroys and am actually on an active thrift search these days! And everytime I think of corduroys I’m reminded of Senior corduroys and all that fun tradition- don’t know why but this fun bit of history always comes to mind! Have a great weekend xx
As a young woman, I was a big fan of corduroy. Then it seemed to slip off my radar. I may have to fix that. These cords are really cute!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
These are fun pants on you! I don’t think I ever had any corduroy pants but I did have a corduroy jacket I bought as a kid in the sale once and I loved that jacket until it became threadbare – wore holes in it! still have fond memories of it!
Thank you for the link up!
Hope you are having a lovely weekend 🙂
I enjoy corduroy in small doses, like in a jacket or a skirt – I find that, like with velvet, the clinginess of it annoys me.
This is a really cute outfit. I like the jacket too – I live for details like embroidery.
Thanks so much for the link-party, Rena!
Cute outfit, Rena! And I really enjoyed learning the history of corduroy. I used to have a very similar pair of corduroy pants in a dark burgundy but they have been resold because they didn’t fit me any more. I really like the denim jacket, too. The floral embroidery is just too cute. I just photographed some corduroy which I will be sharing next week!
Shelbee
Super chic color, we love a classic look!
Love the deep burgundy of those trousers!
I used to have a pair of corduroy pants and a shorter skirt. Not anymore. It’s not something I usually look for when shopping. I like the pairing of that cute denim jacket with your colorful pair.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Love, love, love the red corduroy.
Interesting to learn the history of Corduroy. Love the color of your pants. Beautiful find!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I’m a huge fan of corduroy—always have been. My problem though, is that I have three cats and I just can’t wear it because it gets covered in cat hair and it’s not so easy to wipe it off lol!! I love your outfit, I would definitely keep the denim jacket, Rena. It looks fabulous on you! Also, I’m in love with the colour of your cords!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Nice to read about this. Not really a fan of corduroy, but I know it’s making a come-back this season. Looking super Rena. Jacqui x
That was fascinating to learn about corduroy! I love the berry shade of your pants. They are so pretty!