The "Dated" Trouser Trend French Women Wear When They're Bored of Jeans

One thing I've noticed about French women is their shared ability to breathe new life into older trends—looks some might even deem "dated". But with their natural flair and laid-back approach to styling, they have influenced me to wear a trend I previously wrote off: corduroy. While this retro fabric has long been considered a basic, I haven't seen it as much in the last few years. But make no mistake—if you follow the Gallic dress code, it's one of the season's biggest trends.
Although the material has roots in the '70s, French women are giving their corduroy staples a modern feel, wearing them in fresh new ways. While I regularly see French Women wearing it in the form of trousers, which make for a chic and no-less toasty alternative to jeans, there are a myriad of ways to channel the material.
Take Julie Sergent Ferreri, whose corduroy suit feels so fresh. And Franny Fyne? She makes her classic tan corduroy blazer feel bang up to date with the addition of crisp ecru denim and on-trend cowboy boots. Throw in a look from Camille Charrière that involves a corduroy miniskirt and a leather jacket, and it's clear that corduroy is an integral part of the current French wardrobe.
And, get this, I have inspiration that serves all of these ensemble variations below. Scroll on to see six French-woman corduroy outfits that have convinced me to dig out our long-forgotten corduroy pieces once more. Don't worry, however, if you haven't already invested in the trend—I've outlined essential buys in the fabric for you below, too.
6 FRENCH-GIRL CORDUROY OUTFITS THAT LOOK SO CHIC (AND RIVAL DENIM)
1. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Style Notes: These trousers look as chic as any denim pair. Salome Mory keeps it simple by teaming her cream corduroy trousers with a navy knit and the Gallic girl's bag of choice, a basket.
SHOP THE LOOK
A French girl's bag of choice, regardless of the season.
2. INVEST IN A VERSATILE MINI
Style Notes: You might not think there’s a place for corduroy skirts in the fashion-girl uniform, but as Camille Charrière proves, they look incredible paired with trending pieces such as platform boots and leather blazers.
SHOP THE LOOK
3. ELEVATE A BLAZER
Style Notes: Trousers not your thing? A corduroy blazer will blend just as seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. Make like Franny and pair yours with white jeans and cowboy boots for a timely update.
SHOP THE LOOK
We're predicting this will be one of the year's biggest boot trends.
4. KEEP IT TONAL
Style Notes: Although colour will liven up the look, classic shades of brown, tan and navy corduroy will always serve you well, just like camel and pale yellow did for Anne-Victoire Lefevre in this look.
SHOP THE LOOK
This will go with everything, from printed dresses to, well, corduroy trousers.
5. TRY CORDUROY TOP TO TOE
Style Notes: If you really love corduroy, then investing in a suit is a natural next step. Of course, the pieces look great worn together, but they also work split up, too (especially when you choose a versatile colour).
SHOP THE LOOK
A light shoe will help lift darker ensembles.
6. GIVE YOUR JEANS A BREAK
Style Notes: The beauty of corduroy trousers lies in their versatility, especially if you choose a shade of navy or black. Simply wear them with everything you’d ordinarily style with jeans—in Léna Farl’s case, a white blouse and cute cardigan—and you’ll wonder how you ever got dressed without them.
SHOP THE LOOK
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.
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