Things you never knew you wanted: the pink corduroy blazer
Photos: Claire Pepper
Readers, the ‘not buying anything new’ pledge has ended. As I knew it would. What I hadn’t envisaged was that the item to break the bond would be a pink corduroy double-breasted blazer. Life is full of surprises. But then, corduroy is perennially cool. Worn by the likes of Jane Birkin and Jarvis Cocker, its velvety texture adds a hint of rakish, understated luxury to everyday outfits. And, I’ve never believed that the 1970s was the decade that style forgot….
So. My new adventures in colour continue. Grey hair (slightly windswept in these photos) has brought a fresh potential for chic-not-shouty combinations. Maybe I am a Pink Person after all? The key to introducing a smidgen of boldness – and of course, to being a Considerate Consumer – is to stick to the shapes and styles you’ll wear again and again. Zandra Rhodes would waft towards an embellished fuchsia kaftan, whereas I’ve gone straight for a Gentlewomanly Jacket. Silhouettes that feel easy, make wearing new colours easy.
Weekend Max Mara ran a similar blazer last season and when I saw the same style had carried through to autumn, the year-round potential of the pink corduroy jacket became apparent. And as pink goes wonderfully with khaki and navy, I knew there’d be no problem acquainting the corduroy blazer with other wardrobe favourites. There was no buyer’s remorse, adding one new item to boost old treasures is the way I tend to shop. The pink corduroy jacket is selling out fast but there are sizes HERE and HERE.
Layered up
The checked mac/car coat is great for layering, and I’m enjoying the combination of a cotton shirt over a jersey polo neck, right now. The camel corduroy trousers I found in a local second-hand shop for 20 quid are brand new Etro menswear but they fit brilliantly. Only one minor alteration required: the hidden, sewn-in label on the fly saying ‘Riding the Tiger’ must be unpicked pronto. Feels far too Silvio Berlusconi does dress-down Friday for my liking…
Double corduroy
For more colourful corduroy blazers: Boden has an almost-sold-out Vibrant Plum cord jacket (also available in navy) and matching Chawton cord trousers.M&S has an ochre coloured jacket HERE. Check out Helene Berman’s lovely royal blue version and John Lewis has a red corduroy blazer reduced HERE, the same style is available in a versatile denim blue.
*Please note affiliate links in this post may generate a commission.
Discussion (25 Comments)
HilaryO says:
Morning Alyson, longtime reader first time commenting …. love the colour combo of this outfit on you, reflects the lightness of your personal colour blends in your hair, etc. Will be look through the mens section in the charity shop from now on, never thought to do that before.
As an avid knitter thorouly enjoyed the Debbie Bliss podcast, and …. Patrick Grant has inspired me to put elbow patches on a cashmere sweater which has worn through.
ThanksCatbird Farm says:
Menswear – secondhand or new – is a fantastic option. At 5’10” and with an uncurvy body type, I’ve been shopping the men’s dept for years – so perfect for gentlewoman style! Often the quality is better for the price, plus menswear tends to have useful pockets. I’ve ditched being lumbered with a handbag in favor of traveling light, so these days I carry nothing but my phone in its wallet book, keys, maybe a lip gloss. And men’s coats and jackets always have interior pockets! For taller women with a straight-up-and-down build, men’s departments are a goldmine!
Lorna Neuber says:
Looking fab! I got so excited about jumpsuits after your earlier posts this year, I bought one at (surprise) Urban Outfitters, and it is (surprise surprise) – rosy pink. I do struggle a little with pink trousers in the Berlin winter, but I do look forward to spring!
Anne says:
Beautiful. I’ve been looking for some pink to add to my wardrobe but haven’t seen anything that fabulous.
Evie Squadrille says:
You look gorgeous! I love how you paired the pink with camel and the plaid…
Mrs Tonia says:
The two tones of pink worn together with the fine striped top underneath looks very cool. Pink with camel and brown checked coat a felicitous mixture and suits you well. It’s a good colour combination and complexion enhancer like wearing some rouge. Who would have thought this might work, experimenting the way to go.
I’m also enjoying cord this season, last year’s teal cord dress from Toast sale is proving very versatile now I’ve got a high necked Uniqlo heat tech top in the same colour to wear underneath. And my trusty black cords have come out now it’s cooler. I have yet to wear my new navy cord wide cropped trousers which I may convert to more of a culotte length.
Looking forward to this mini sewing project.maudie says:
Hmmm? I was just talking to my friend today about velvet – bear with me here – and said that I had a gorgeous, great condition, vintage fuschia pink velvet blazer that I wanted to plan an outfit around at a Christmas ‘do. It met with a resounding ‘no’ from her! Now just maybe I will reconsider.
Isobel says:
I love this inspired layering of colours, textures and patterns, it’s so joyous! I’ve been searching for something in pink for ages without any luck, but I have found my ideal khakis at last, after deciding to check the men’s – heavy-duty cotton, deep side pockets to stick my hands into (but none on the thighs), and a bit baggy… I’m thrilled! Several inches to cut off the legs, tho’, before I can even think about hemming them!!
Goddessinthedetails says:
That colour really suits you. My own non-buying stint came to an end yesterday with an absurdly expensive cashmere dress from Matches fashion. I hummed and hawed to the OH about it, justifying the purchase because I’ll wear it forever; it can be dressed up with heels and down with polo neck and leggings etc etc. And then, this morning, he just walked in the door after a trip to the bank and handed me a bundle of cash to cover it. I knew I married him for a reason.
superb colour mixing!
I have the pink baggy cords from uniqlo a couple of years back, do you think a whole suit would be tooo much?
bestest
Ashley
PS congrats on winning best fashion blog too!Sarah says:
Like you, I love the layering, and am wearing pink for the first time ever, having found a lovely Hobbs pure wool Cardi-type jacket in a charity shop for £8 so no breaking the ‘no new stuff’ pledge. But I never thought to try men’s trousers – I definitely will do now though, thanks for inspiring me!
Isobel said ‘joyous’ and Mrs Tonia used that lovely word ‘felicitous’ – what beautiful words to describe outfits and TNMA. What an erudite and ebullient bunch of people we are. Supposedly pink relates to unconditional love and understanding and the giving and receiving of nurturing. We still have optimism, hope and joy despite all the doom and gloom of politics and terrorism. Keep up the amazing work, Alyson!
Such warmth in your comments, Maudie 🙂
I’m just checking in with TNMA before an early night, after a marathon Christmas lunch with about 40 co-workers (mostly volunteers, some paid staff at our big, local charity shop), many of whom I haven’t seen for months, having taken some time off for health reasons. You’d have thought we were all dressed in pink, from your description, such was the affection and camaraderie in the room!
Now, promise you’ll wear that pink velvet blazer?!!
Claire B 
Karen 
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Oh, I love it!! I’d totally buy one …if I could find one. This is a totally cool and fab outfit, Alyson