The Affordable Trend New Yorkers Will Wear Instead of Suede This Winter

On Robin Reetz: Alex Mill Camden Cotton Corduroy Miniskirt ($135)
Oh, how we love suede. It's on-trend, very easy and cool, and elevated yet low-key, and it layers beautifully with everything from silk to wool to leather. On the downside, suede doesn't come cheap, which honestly seems rude given how temperamental it is. It also doesn't do well in the rain and scuffs easily. Not only that, but it's tricky to clean and continually out of stock, which you know if you've tried to buy a suede blazer or tote at any point in the past few months.
If any of these things have deterred you from filling the suede-shaped hole in your closet, I have great news: A few weeks ago, I noted that corduroy is having itself an adjacent moment in NYC—particularly in trending brown hues that have me suspecting that corduroy is simply suede's more durable, readily available, and wallet-friendly little brother. When I spotted a corduroy Miu Miu tote, I knew it was time for this story, so here we are. Keep scrolling to see 46 of this season's best corduroy picks with or instead of suede. (Most of these are under $250, but there are designer buys in there as well just to prove that corduroy can be luxurious too.)
If you didn't know how good a studded belt looks with creamy cords, now you know.
The perfect crop if you'd like your footwear to have its moment.
When a corduroy collar detail just isn't enough.
Not to mention these chic ballet slippers.
I would add knee-high boots and an oversize knit for a seamless winter look.
Please don't skip out on the matching pants.
For everyone who fell in love with the silhouette of Everlane's barrel-leg jeans.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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