Oh Shiny I didn''t see your comment before I posted. I think you're right about the quality. The highest quality ones I've had are from BR and while they are nicer I still get the baggy butt which is a common problem for me with BR non-wool pants. I'd be curious about how J Crew ones wear. I am not very impressed with their denim so far.

Cords are different. I've been on the fence about them for years.
I agree that they are casual. I'm totally generalizing but I think football game, sitting around a fire, after ski. They are warmer then jeans. I have a pair of small wale gray ones and now that I think of it I've worn them out to dinner and they weren't as nice as jeans. I didn't know why. I'm starting to get the picture. I always want a pair of winter white cords. I've been through a few pairs. I think the wale has to be very fine, especially in white or it does add bulk. I had some wide wale white cords a few years ago and every time I wore them I thought wale=whale, Ugh. I couldn't get past that. I could use some advice and options.
JB

Angie, I know Seattle is cool...but do your winters get as cold and snowy and New England winters?

I do think there's something to the East Coast thing though--or maybe a Massachusetts thing. Shiny, Tanya and I are all okay with cords. Coincidence? I can't think of anyone in my circle of friends or family, who don't wear cords. Maybe it's just because they are commonplace, they become acceptable?

Seattle does not get as snowy as the East coast. Cords could be an East coast thing. It’s interesting how I have personally never found cords warm. They are usually 100% cotton (just like denim), with the odd bit of stretch. But cords are softer and cozier than denim for sure. That’s what gives us the impression of warmth I think.

Angie, I agree on the whole soft & cozy aspect of cords. I tend to wear them when I am sick, or have an extra long and difficult day, or something along those lines. I do find them warmer, especially skinny ones tucked into boots, but it would be my impression only. On cold, snowy days I tend to gravitate towards outfit that's warm & snugly: fake fur lined suede boots, cord pants, cashmere turtleneck and down parka.

I have several friends on the East Coast (MD, DE) who wear cords, riding boots, blazers, and caps. I like the look a lot, but it seems more common in that area.

I agree that cords work well paired with a cozy thick sweater, a pair of ugg's, and a parka. That's a good casual snowy day look around these parts.

For smart casual snowy days: tweed lined slacks with a wool turtleneck, cashmere socks, long leather boots, long wool coat, hat, scarf, gloves.

Jeans are not that warm when it's super frigid cold out, unless you can squeeze in some silk long johns underneath!

This reminds me of a talk between me and my ex-coworker. I told him that cords are more casual than jeans and he totally disagreed, he said that it was OK to wear cords to work but not jeans. I'm not saying that he's right but at least that's his impression that a lot of people may share.

I can't wait to see Angie's blog on this topic!

We shall continue to thrash out “the cord debate” next week on the blog itself. Please don’t lose your gusto about this topic!