Corduroy pants feel like jeans but look warmer, and the ridged fabric makes a simple sweater outfit look finished. This year the best pairs come in rich fall colors like espresso, wine, moss and camel, not just the classic tan.

 

The shapes have changed too. Instead of skinny cords, the pairs worth buying are wide, straight or flared, with a high rise that sits at your natural waist.

 

I split the edit into two groups: relaxed wide leg and straight pairs first, then flares and bootcuts for anyone who wants a longer leg line.

If you only buy one pair, make it a straight or wide leg in a deep brown. The espresso straight pairs go with everything from a cream sweater to a leather jacket, and the tan wide leg reads softer and a little more relaxed.

 

For color, the wine palazzo pair and the forest green slouchy pair are the most fun, while the navy wide leg works like a dark jean. The olive pairs look great with brown boots and a chunky knit.

 

What I check: the wale. Thin ridges look sleeker and more grown up, while wide ridges feel cozier and more vintage. What I would skip: very stiff fabric that bags out at the knee after one wear.

A flare or bootcut in corduroy is the most seventies way to wear the trend, and it makes your legs look longer, especially with a heeled boot underneath.

 

The berry and burgundy pairs are my favorite way to add color to a fall closet. The bronze and tan thin wale flares feel warm without being too loud, and the dark brown bootcuts are the easiest to wear every week. The cropped crimson flare is the one to wear with loafers and socks.

 

My fitting room test: try them with the shoes you plan to wear. The hem should almost touch the floor in heels. What I would skip: low rise flares that cut you in half under a tucked sweater.

Pair a dark brown or burgundy pair with a cream knit and loafers for a weekday outfit that looks thought through. On weekends, try a flare with a denim jacket and boots.

 

Wash them inside out on cold and hang them to dry so the ridges stay soft and plush all season.

 

If you want to keep going, Corduroy pants and Dress Pants for Women pair well with this edit.