What to wear this weekend: FEMAIL picks out the best corduroy clothing

VELVET WITH BRAINS

If you’d asked me to pick the fabric least likely ever to be chic again, I might well have said corduroy. Yet it is officially ‘in’ according to Stella McCartney and Chanel.

The modern fabric emerged in the late 18th century, when it was worn by factory workers in the North during the Industrial Revolution. 

It became a robust choice for farmers before Jane Birkin gave it a fashionable edge in the 1970s. For decades since it’s been left on the shelf, but now it’s got the sophisticated upper hand on denim. Consider it a velvet with brains, since it was traditionally worn by bookish types.

NEW SHAPELY FIT

It’s hard to justify ‘of the moment’ trends, but this one earned a place in my wardrobe because it’s cosy and hard-wearing. Vintage cords quickly lost their shape, but today’s are super-soft, with lots of give for a comfortable fit. 

Corduroy’s versatility lends itself to evening, too — something to do with those vertical lines that always look sharp and team well with laces and satins.

Camilla Ridley-Day shared advice for embracing corduroy clothing this season

GO FOR SKINNY STRIPES

Going top-to-toe in a chunky cord trouser-suit is how the celebs are doing it. Victoria Beckham has a powder blue version in her current collection. But the trousers alone will do just fine. Alexa Chung wore a similar pair to these Brora ones I’m wearing: fine stripes are more flattering to legs than wide ones, as is a loose-fitting, flared style.

CHOOSE JEWEL TONES

Winter whites are big, and if you’re brave there are cream and pale neutrals around (look at this elegant biscuit shade, below right, from The White Company).

The reality, however, is that darker tones are more practical, especially for a winter of outdoor socialising. Look for blacks and blues if you want a subtle, stylish break from jeans.

NOW SHOP THE TREND…