Corduroy

If there was ever an official fabric of fall, it’d be corduroy. Textured, heavy weight and cozy, corduroy is stiff enough to look dressy yet soft enough to skew casual. Ranging from preppy to high style, it has many personalities and a flair for looking chic styled high, low or high-low. Balancing corduroy’s bulk is an art, especially for those already minimizing a heavy silhouette. The trick is avoiding other fabrics, cuts, textures and colors that add weight which, surprisingly, is easier that it seems:

1. Trousers
   A classic elephant wale corduroy trouser is a stylish autumn staple for anyone at any age. Let the wide wale texture be the star of the show by keeping all other elements simple and streamlined. Pair with a cashmere turtleneck or sweater set, statement belt and smooth Chelsea boots, loafers or pointy-toed pumps for an upscale look. Make sure trouser pleats are not exaggerated to avoid bulk and look for other design details like heavy creases and pintucking, both of which have an elongating effect. Also consider straight leg, boot leg or ankle flare cuts, and look for elastic waistbands and spandex blends for comfort and longer wear staying power.

2. Overshirts
   Corduroy overshirts are a classic American Sportswear look. Wear the lower half unbuttoned and top half buttoned to top with a thin turtleneck layered underneath. Pair with upscale joggers and a statement sneaker for a casual, slouchy vibe. For a smart-casual look try a neat sleeve-roll and belt at the waist with a Breton striped t-shirt underneath, jeggings and chunky platform loafers. Avoid multiple layers and dark denim to minimize bulk.

3. Suiting
   Consider corduroy suiting instead of separates for a smart, chic look. The pairing creates an outside column of color that lengthens the head-to-toe silhouette while minimizing bulk. For a dressy look, style with white shirting and a floppy silk bow at the neck with kitten heels. Or pair with a graphic tee and leather platform sneakers for a casual, on-trench vibe. Make sure the trousers are creased and avoid double-breasted blazers and wide wale corduroy to minimize bulk.

4. Shirtdress
   Corduroy doesn’t always have to be stiff and structured. In fact the combination of soft, lightweight corduroy and an unstructured, comfy shirtdress is the ultimate in cozy chic style. Try a buttoned or belted-style shirtdress with knee high boots and sweater coat, then add a crossbody bag to tamp down bulk. Also consider adding tights as the temperatures drop. If you have a thick midsection, look for an A-line tunic-style shirtdress that is camouflaging.

5. Utility suit
   Corduroy was built for the utility suit. One-and-done wonders, utility suits are great weekend uniforms that combine form and function in a single onesie. Plus the monochromatic color block is slimming and lengthening, then adding the vertically-striped corduroy texture makes the whole package über elongating. Look for a soft, lightweight corduroy with spandex for maximum comfort and wearability. Style with a thin t-shirt layered underneath and Duffel coat for early fall, then swap t-shirt for a thin turtleneck as winter approaches. Finish with a suede clog or engineer boot, depending upon weather.

See BestLifeOnline.com press feature here.