The "Dated" Trouser Trend French Women Still Love to Wear

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: 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 dress code, it's one of the season's biggest trends.

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(Image credit: @pia_mbd)

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 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.

Scroll on to see six French-woman 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.

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Style Notes: Put the fun back into trousers. Tamara Mory keeps it simple by teaming a dark-green pair with a logo tee. 

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2. INVEST IN A VERSATILE MINI

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(Image credit: @camillcharriere)

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

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(Image credit: @frannfyne)

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 2024 feel. 

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4. KEEP IT TONAL

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(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

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

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(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Style Notes: Speaking of colour—wow! Julie Sergent Ferreri’s Longchamp corduroy suit is the stuff of fashion dreams. Although Sergent Ferreri is wearing a matchy-matchy bright set, you could also try clashing colours for a 2024 twist or choose a neutral set if you'd rather.

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6. GIVE YOUR JEANS A BREAK

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

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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Next Up: The Best High-Street Pieces We've Seen on Instagram This Week

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

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.