The “Dated” Trend French Women Still Love to Wear

March 01, 2022 at 08:00AM

One thing we’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 us to wear a trend we previously wrote off. Enter corduroy. While this retro fabric has long been considered a basic, we haven’t seen it as much in the last few years. But make no mistake—if you follow the Gallic-girl dress code, it’s one of the season’s biggest trends.

ADVERTISEMENT

Although the material has roots in the ‘70s, French women are giving their corduroy staples a modern feel, wearing them in fresh new ways. Take Julie Sergent Ferreri, whose bright-pink corduroy suit was one of the sleekest looks we clocked during Paris Fashion Week. 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.

Scroll on to see six French-girl corduroy outfits that have convinced us to dig out our long-forgotten corduroy pieces once more. Don’t worry, however, if you haven’t already invested in the trend—we’ve outlined essential buys in the fabric for you below, too.

Style Notes: Although brown corduroy might teeter on feeling dated, Tamara Mory makes her trousers feel more modern by wearing them with a tonal camel jumper and then offsetting with sleek black sock boots. 

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT



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 2022 feel. 

Style Notes: Although classic shades of brown, tan, and navy corduroy will always serve you well, don’t be afraid to channel the fabric in brighter coluorways, just like Anne-Victoire Lefevre has here with her delicate yellow trousers. 

Style Notes: Speaking of colour—wow! Julie Sergent Ferreri’s Longchamp corduroy suit is the stuff of fashion dreams. Although hers has sold out, we’ve spied a very similar (and more affordable) option on the high street. You’re welcome. 

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. 

Next Up: According to French Women, These Are the Only Jeans You Ever Need to Own

Author Maxine Eggenberger | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC