Not your grandma's trousers: bringing corduroy trousers up to date

Cord gets a bad rap sometimes – but that doesn't have to be the case. Far from looking dated, today you can find fresh, funky corduroy trousers that will turn heads for all the right reasons. If you want to wear a pair of these classic trousers, there are a few ways to make sure you look sharp. First, keep the rest of your look ultra-modern. By pairing your cords with a big chunky pair of trainers or a cool floral bomber jacket, you'll be making a bold statement. Match them with platforms and a tunic, and you'll head straight back to the 70s – not such a good idea!

Cord trousers that stand out from the crowd

When it comes to corduroy trousers for women, there's no reason to stick to a traditional colour palette. In fact, you'll look more modern and cooler if you embrace different tones. Lighter colours ensure that the unique, stripey texture of corduroy will really stand out. Go for pale pink, lemon yellow or baby blue, and you'll definitely attract attention. These will look equally good with black or white on the upper half of your body; just make sure that your top complements your trousers in exactly the right way. Soft, silky camis and blouses look particularly good against corduroy, as the delicate fabric creates a striking contrast. You can add a denim jacket over the top for a look that draws on classic style inspiration but is still thoroughly modern. Now that’s how you make yourself seen in corduroy trousers!

Corduroy trousers for women: beyond the bellbottom

When choosing a pair of cord trousers, you'll want to stay away from flares or bell-bottoms. Even a bootcut silhouette can be a little bit too 70s, so take care! Instead, look for modern silhouettes. Stretch corduroy trousers will fit like a pair of skinny jeans and can be styled in pretty much the same way, too. Feel free to cuff the hems to just above your ankles for a style that's very 21st century. You can also find corduroy capris, which are great for a fun summer look, ideal with wedged sandals and a cute cami. If you want something that you can wear on a smarter occasion, then go for a simple, straight-leg cut. In this case, it might be wise to stick to neutral colours.