How to wear cord:
4 cord outfits for autumn and winter

Cord is a natural choice for the autumn and winter months. You can pair cord trousers with knitwear and denim for casual days, add a blazer for a smarter look, or embrace rich seasonal shades of burgundy, chocolate and bottle green. With its soft texture and easy-to-layer feel, cord works incredibly well with the cosy fabrics and colours of the colder months.

Looking for a little inspiration? Here are four ways to style cord this season.

Cord trousers are easy to style, making them a great alternative to jeans and chinos in your everyday outfits. Wear cord with denim shirts, Fair Isle jumpers and boots for a casual look, or dress them up with blazers and smart layers. Neutral cords add extra versatility, while richer colours like mulberry or bottle green can become the focal point of your outfit.

Use cord to bring colour to everyday staples. Mulberry cord trousers work particularly well with familiar blues like navy and denim, giving an everyday outfit a richer autumn feel without making it difficult to wear.

Style Tip: Opt for a long sleeve denim shirt. Not only will it keep you comfortable all day long, but the 100% cotton offers natural breathability: the perfect layering piece. We all know the weather has a habit of changing its mind, so finish your look with a Fair Isle jumper. Heritage charm with a comfortable fit, it’s a jumper designed for the season.

Can cord look smart? Yes. Cord trousers are easy to dress up. Choose a neutral colour and pair them with tailored pieces like your favourite blazer. Light mocha cord offers the versatility of chinos, while its textured finish gives the outfit a softer, more seasonal feel: an ideal choice for autumn and winter.

Style Tip: If you’re looking for a soft base layer to wear with…well, pretty much anything, a long sleeve top will do the job perfectly, with natural stretch and a close (but comfortable) fit. A seasonal hero is always a cosy jumper, especially with some rather lovely cable stitch detailing. Worn underneath a check blazer tailored to create a flattering silhouette (hello, shoulder pads), this is smart styling for any occasion.

Cord works particularly well with rich, earthy colours such as chocolate, burgundy, ruby, bottle green, navy and cream. Rather than trying to match shades exactly, combine colours with a similar warmth and depth for an outfit that feels coordinated.

Style Tip: Red and green should never be seen? Not when it comes to cord. Shades are where it really matters here. The deep green base of these pull on stretch bootcut cord trousers complements the ruby tone of this roll neck cable detail jumper. Finish with a classic heritage layer. The chocolate check coat brings the whole outfit together, with its check design and cord-trim collar adding even more seasonal texture.

Cord and knitwear? A match made for winter. Cable knits, Fair Isle patterns and soft roll necks complement cord’s distinctive textured finish. Stick to complementary seasonal shades and even multiple textures will feel effortlessly pulled together.

Style Tip: Layers, layers, layers. Did we mention layers? When it comes to autumn/winter styling, layers are your best friend, especially balanced with your favourite pair of cords. The Fair Isle jumper design is the lead act in the ensemble, with a dark chocolate, on-trend wide-leg trouser anchoring the ruby and gold highlights above.

Cord trousers work with everything from ankle boots to trainers. For a casual look, pair flat boots or trainers with a relaxed, pull-on cord. If you’re looking for something a little smarter, ankle boots and wide-leg or bootcut styles are essential. Top tip: let the trouser shape guide your decision-making and make sure your hem sits neatly over your footwear.