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.

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

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

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

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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(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.

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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

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

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

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

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(Image credit: Rex Features)

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

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Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.