The "Dated" Trouser Trend French Women Wear When They're Bored of Jeans

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

Although the material has roots in the '70s, French women are giving their corduroy staples a modern feel, wearing them in fresh new ways. While I regularly see French Women wearing it in the form of trousers, which make for a chic and no-less toasty alternative to jeans, there are a myriad of ways to channel the material.

Take Julie Sergent Ferreri, whose corduroy suit feels so fresh. 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.

And, get this, I have inspiration that serves all of these ensemble variations below. Scroll on to see six French-woman corduroy outfits that have convinced me to dig out our long-forgotten corduroy pieces once more. Don't worry, however, if you haven't already invested in the trend—I've outlined essential buys in the fabric for you below, too.

6 FRENCH-GIRL CORDUROY OUTFITS THAT LOOK SO CHIC (AND RIVAL DENIM)

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

Style Notes: These trousers look as chic as any denim pair. Salome Mory keeps it simple by teaming her cream corduroy trousers with a navy knit and the Gallic girl's bag of choice, a basket.

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2. INVEST IN A VERSATILE MINI

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.

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3. ELEVATE A BLAZER

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 timely update.

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4. KEEP IT TONAL

Style Notes: Although colour will liven up the look, classic shades of brown, tan and navy corduroy will always serve you well, just like camel and pale yellow did for Anne-Victoire Lefevre in this look.

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5. TRY CORDUROY TOP TO TOE

Style Notes: If you really love corduroy, then investing in a suit is a natural next step. Of course, the pieces look great worn together, but they also work split up, too (especially when you choose a versatile colour).

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6. GIVE YOUR JEANS A BREAK

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.

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.