The great corduroy debate! - YouLookFab Forum

Hi everyone,
I hate to open up a topic that may have already been exhausted, but I've been thinking about this ever since that last post on corduroys. I've seriously been considering buying a couple pairs of corduroys for the winter season (I live on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada). Brrrr.

I believe Angie says the "rule" is that Corduroy is more casual than denim. That is that. I'm struggling with this rule on so many levels. If we are talking about high quality, dark wash, well fitting denim than I'd have to agree to some extent, but the problem is that the average woman doesn't choose that for their jeans, or they simply can't afford $100-$300 for a quality pair of jeans. Instead they turn to cheaper options of denim, in which case, I would much rather see them in a $50 pair of corduroys.

Does that make sense? I just don't know if this rule applies across the board. I'll use these cords as an example from jcrew.

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../99287.jsp

or
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../95823.jsp

(I don't know why those aren't a link - sorry)

Are these truly NEVER a "smart casual" option (except maybe when they are 'skinnies and cream' which is absolutely NOT an option for everyone, or in every climate)? When paired with heels and a nice blouse as these are, I would call them a far cry from sweats, and much better than a lot of the denim that I see women wearing. I have to say, for work, I am one of those women who would wear a pair of trouser cut, cuffed, fine- waled corduroys and consider them business casual. For me, all denim, whether high quality or not, is a no-no.

Am I alone in this? My thought is that there is no easy rule here. For me the rule comes down to cut and quality. These trouser cut cords are definitely more versatile and "dressy" than a pair of medium washed, poorly fitting skinnies from Old Navy.

I would really hate to think that because I choose some well fitting grey cords (grey because the winters are nasty here and into every day a little slush will fall!) and wear them with a great pair of heels and top, that I am committing some fashion faux pas.

Thoughts?

Thanks, pc

17 years ago

pculbert

Active Member

p.s. I didn't mean to post this in "body type". Sorry!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You probbaly know how I feel about the look:

http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/.....oy-debate/

Tanya

Veteran

I love corduroy pants and wear them pretty often. I have them both in 5-pocket and trouser cut. I agree that in general they are more casual than jeans. But ( sorry Angie) I personally think that a nice trouser pair in fine wail, no bagging, could be dressed up with nice shoes and tops for smart casual. Here's a photo of how I did it with my black trouser pair:

http://s300.photobucket.com/al.....CN3681.jpg

Nicole

pc, I agree with you. I think the style of the pant has a lot to do with the level of casualness. I don't see why corduroy is considered casual. What quality does it possess that makes it casual? I've seen fine wale corduroy that looks like velveteen--so why wouldn't velveteen seem to be casual??

I don’t think it’s a logical thing - it’s an aesthetic one. The wale of corduroy has a ‘ribbed effect”. Ribbed effects are often perceived as casual. Ribbed knitwear tends to look more casual whereas smooth knitwear does not. When I was a buyer, corduroy was grouped with all casual pants whereas denim had categories of casual and smart.

I suppose I’m in the “buying habit” of calling corduroy casual. I’d happily alter my perception, but it still makes sense to me.

That is interesting reasoning Angie. I can understand that corduroy is inherently a casual fabric--but so is denim. Wouldn't it stand to reason that if denim can used in a smart casual way, so can corduroy?

Also, isn't corduroy a woven fabric? Aren't woven fabrics inherently smarter than knits?

I am really surprised that I am being so adament about this whole corduroy debate. It's not like I'm a HUGE corduroy fan or anything.

Debbie

I have found it easy and freeing actually to ban corduroy from my wardrobe.

It really has helped my "up" my style I think. I feel more "put together" now that I do not wear cords.

I bought 2 pair from JCrew last year (before I found YLF) and so this year I have worn them for raking leaves and work around the house.

On my trip to Charleston this fall I was in a JCrew store and they were really heavily promoting their cords and I was so glad I knew to pass on them because I am trying to go for more smart casual---- and I knew (from Angie) that cords would not help me with that goal!

It is funny to note too that my 2 teen daughters have never worn or liked cords----(not that I get my style ideas from them) but maybe they were on to something!

Thank you for clearing your position up a little Angie. That helped me understand your rationale a lot.

But I will say I do still find it a little puzzling, as Nicole mentioned (thanks for your input!) that denim can some how bridge all categories from casual to smart casual, to dressy. Yet, corduroy, no matter the cut or quality is somehow relegated to casual, and under no circumtances can slide over into "smart casual" or "business casual". Dressy? No. I get that. But I do really think it can be appropriate for some office dressing, on casual days. If your denim has a saggy bum and knees and has seen better days it has no place in an office - same rule would apply to corduroy. If your jeans are dark and crisp and fit well they may fit in a business casual setting - I would apply the same rule to corduroy. Its wierd to think I may have been wrong about this all these years. ???

Some have already mentioned this, but perhaps it really comes down to culture and climate? Corduroys are generally well accepted here in Nova Scotia. They can be very casual, but I do believe that when they adhere to all the same rules as denim, (cut, fit, quality) they can also be smart casual and appropriate for business casual days.

There! I'm off my soap box now! :o)

Thanks everyone! pc

And I’m off my soapbox too.

Debbie, thank you for sharing your corduroy perspective. I enjoyed hearing how your daughters see the matter.

Nicole, wovens are inherently smarter than knits, but fabric integrity is key. Khakis can be casual or business casual depending on the integrity of the woven fabric, right?

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