Cord trousers are the comfy denim alternative fashion editors are loving this autumn
Here's how to embrace your softer side
We all rely heavily on jeans in the autumnal months. Find the perfect pair, and you'll wear them on repeat with jumpers, boots and coats all season long.
But this time around there's a strikingly stylish alternative to denim that I'm seeing everywhere right now. Enter, corduroy trousers. Sure, they're nothing new, but in rich shades of chocolate brown and burgundy, and in trending shapes like barrel-leg, 2026 is officially the year of the cords.
They certainly can feel a bit warmer than jeans for the colder months, and I, for one, find cotton corduroy infinitely comfier than rigid denim. They're surprisingly versatile and fit into so many autumn outfit ideas that making the switch from denim to corduroy is easier than you think. They'll bring a welcome bit of texture to your seasonal wardrobe, plus they'll work for everything from the office to dinner and even a weekend in the countryside. Best of all, my favourite styles are all from the high street and start at as little as £28.
Shop the best corduroy trousers on the high street
At £28, these are the most affordable option on my list, and they're an M&S bestseller. They're available in five different colours and four different lengths, so you really can find your perfect pair of cords thanks to everyone's favourite British clothing brand. Chocolate brown is a particularly big trend this season, so that's a safe bet. The straight-leg shape lends itself particularly well to wearing them with loafers.
I love the slight sheen on these cords, which are machine washable and look amazing dressed up with a blazer. COS is really on a roll right now, and it's worth spending a bit more than you normally might on the high street.
I always fall for burgundy in autumn, so why not combine this rich colour with sumptuously soft corduroy? One reviewer wrote: "goes with everything and great for cold weather as the cord is thick".
I'd go so far as to say that ME+EM make the best trousers on the high street, and these cords are a perfect example of that. They've got a comfortable elasticated waist but a perfectly tailored silhouette and a velvety soft finish. Well worth the investment.
Grey will fit seamlessly into your autumn capsule wardrobe, and these have got a bit of stretch to them, which makes them even more comfortable. They're available in short, regular or long lengths, and there's even a lilac version too.
If you're a big fan of barrel-leg jeans, these have got your name written all over them. They're up for grabs in burgundy, navy or tan, and the relaxed shape will look effortlessly chic paired with chunky knits and flats.
If you don't want to stray too far from denim, this blue pair from Zara is as close as you can get to jeans. They're made from 100% cotton and will work with lots of the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2026.
If flares are for you, M&S has got you covered. One customer called these "the perfect flared trouser in the softest cord". They'll work really well with ankle boots and a fitted knit to balance out the silhouette.
These are a popular piece from Louise Thompson's Nobody's Child edit, and whilst cream might not feel super practical for autumn, they are surprisingly wearable. The short length is great if you're petite.
When it comes to deciding what shoes to wear with corduroy trousers, first of all, it depends on the shape you choose, but you can essentially style them like you would your jeans. Whether you choose chocolate brown, burgundy, grey or tan, treat them as a neutral and wear them with loafers, trainers, ballet flats, boots - anything goes!
Another massive benefit of corduroy is the fact that the fabric won't crease, making your outfits look immediately more expensive. It's an easy swap to sub in cords when building your favourite formulas, like jeans and a nice top or jeans and a blazer. Plus, they're already being worn by everyone from fashion editors to royalty, such as Duchess Sophie.
