How to Style the Retro Pants That Are Coming Back

Retro seems to be the new normal these days, with styles like flare jeans and round sunglasses more popular than ever. In particular, it's the retro-chic vibe of the '70s that keeps delivering the coolest must-have trends time and again. It's the decade that keeps on giving, with designers pulling various bits of inspiration from its iconic look each season. Right now corduroy is having a moment, and the '70s-inspired fabric feels so right in all the coolest fall outfits. But the question of how to go about styling a pair of corduroy pants without looking like an extra in That '70s Show is another story. Corduroy pants are inherently autumnal in nature, so to test the waters of the style, lean into that rich fall color palette, and opt for a pair in burgundy, mustard, or brown. High-waisted, cropped, and flare cuts all look ultra cool with a corduroy finish, and if there's one styling trick that's worth knowing, it's about pairing corduroy pants with a knit sweater or lightweight turtleneck.

Almost ready to jump the gun on the retro pair? Keep reading to see what to wear with corduroy pants to bring the '70s style into 2017.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859096666-image

(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Pair a burgundy pair with equally rich fall colors like mustard and navy.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859117034-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Top off the look with an of-the-moment baker boy hat.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859118741-image

(Image credit: Rex Features)

Suit up—a matching jacket-and-trouser combo looks instantly put together.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859088277-image

(Image credit: Rex Features)

Style a high-waisted pair with a simple ribbed knit sweater and accessorize like a French girl with a gold coin necklace and a bucket bag.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859120637-image

(Image credit: Rex Features)

Give corduroy pants an elevated feel by wearing with a chunky-knit cropped sweater and edgy leather bag.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859090635-image

(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Don't shy away from color. Bright fuchsia feels so fresh paired with a red turtleneck.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859092524-image

(Image credit: Rex Features)

Try a relaxed fit, and style with a simple white T-shirt and a cool shearling jacket.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859085825-image

(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

One word: ankle boots. A heeled boot gives the right amount of lift to flared corduroy pants.

what-to-wear-with-corduroy-pants-238703-1507859099441-image

(Image credit: Rex Features)

Put a cool tomboy twist on a pair by wearing with a graphic tee, denim jacket, and combat boots.

Shop corduroy pants:

Explore More:
Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.