I Tried On All the Corduroy Pieces Out There So You Don't Have To

Here at Who What Wear UK, we want to take all the stress out of shopping, and to help us do just that, we're launching a new series, We Try Before You Buy, where we'll be road-testing new trends, fresh labels, the latest drops and key buys.

Am I late to the game? Quite possibly, yes. But corduroy isn’t the kind of fabric I’ve ever felt was missing from my wardrobe: I’d always associated it with the vinyl-buying, gig-frequenting crowd—you know, the kind of people who might team it with worn-in Converse and a hoodie, blissfully happy in their state of corduroy-induced comfort. That’s not to say that I’m not into that look: I dig it—just not on me. But lately, you can’t escape it; from the high street to the runway, it’s everywhere. Mango and H&M are even seeing success with the most nerdy of all corduroy creations: the brown trouser suit.

Keep reading to see (and shop) all of the cord pieces I rate the most—and pick up some tips on how to style them.

On Anna Rosa Vitiello: Prada Suede- and Corduroy-Trimmed Houndstooth Blazer (£1335); Vestiaire Collective x Toni Garrn T-shirt; Miu Miu Corduroy Boyfriend Trousers (£540); Max Mara sunglasses; Fendi scarf

It was a pair of Miu Miu trousers that convinced me to give it a go: These are just the right shade of brown, with a nipped-in waist and a subtle balloon shape to the leg. I thought, If Miuccia Prada says it’s worthy of your wardrobe, then who am I to argue? A flattering fit is key, I imagine, to avoiding that “10 pounds extra” camera effect that I remember the cords from my teens having on my legs.

On Anna Rosa Vitiello: H&M jumper; Isabel Marant Roy Trousers (£345); Fendi scarf; Kurt Geiger Damsel Boots (£219/£179)

Then I tackled the chunky cord, as I like to call it—the slightly thicker variety as seen on the Isabel Marant runway. Though it might not work in a slimmer cut, Marant’s paperbag waist and wide-leg trousers make for a truly flattering silhouette.

On Anna Rosa Vitiello: ASOS Cord Utility Jumpsuit (£55/£16); Loewe Jacquard Knitted Sweater (£625)

But I wanted to experiment beyond tailored trousers, and when I stumbled on cream dungarees from ASOS, I couldn’t resist. They’re versatile in a really unexpected way: a T-shirt and sandals make them perfect for warmer days, while a cosy knit works just as well for winter. All that, and they’re on sale for just £16.

On Anna Rosa Vitiello: The Cords & Co Crew Neck Sweatshirt (£170); Max Mara sunglasses; Fendi scarf; The Kooples Emily Bag (£348); Black Brown Liana Belt (£80); Pascale James Large Moon Earring (£360 for a single earring)

And on the subject of seasons, I wanted to road-test the theory that corduroy can be as warm as a jumper, courtesy of an oversized men’s sweatshirt from new-to-London store The Cords & Co. Worn off the shoulder and belted at the waist, it was love at first pullover.

On Anna Rosa Vitiello: Rouje Tomas Sweatshirt (£80); Swedish Hasbeens Short Boot-Cut Pants (£120); Topshop Vinyl Beret (£14); Claudie Pierlot Anouck Bag (£260)

Lastly, I decided it was time to face my biggest fear—one of the figure-hugging variety. I may have cheated a little (opting for black pants with a kick flare was intended to counterbalance the “unflattering” fabric), but I can now happily announce that these high-waist pants from Swedish Hasbeens are to be my new go-to on days when denim just doesn’t cut it.

Next up, the autumn/winter 2017 fashion trends you should know.