Are you ditching jeans this autumn : three M&S cord colours at £40 give shape, warmth and comfort

Corduroy keeps edging back into smart-casual dressing as temperatures dip and texture suddenly matters more than a brand-new wash of denim.

Marks & Spencer’s corduroy wide-leg trousers, priced at £40, are drawing attention for a simple mix: clean shape, soft handle and everyday practicality that suits school runs, office days and weekend errands alike.

The £40 proposition

Price points on the high street move fast, yet £40 for a structured pair of trousers still lands in the sweet spot. These cords were first launched in 2023 and continue to reappear season after season, a sign the retailer sees lasting demand rather than a fleeting trend. The combination of a high waist, a relaxed leg and a tactile cord finish meets current tastes for comfort without sacrificing polish.

At £40, you get a cotton-rich cord with a hint of stretch, a neat zip fastening and real pockets that pull their weight.

Value also shows up over time. Wear them three times a week through a 16‑week cool spell and you’ll notch roughly 48 wears; that puts the cost per wear at about 83p before spring even arrives. Keep them in rotation for transitional months and that figure sinks further.

Fabric that works, fit that flatters

Composition matters with corduroy. This pair is cotton‑rich for breathability, with modal in the blend for softness and elastane for stretch recovery. The fabric weight feels reassuring on chilly mornings yet doesn’t drag. A zip fastening gives a sharper line than a pull‑on waist, helping tees and knitwear sit cleanly when tucked.

• High waist: supports the midsection and pairs well with tucked shirts and ribbed knits.
• Wide leg: gives movement and a laid‑back silhouette that balances chunky boots and trainers.
• Stretch content: allows bending, lifting and long commutes without sagging at the knee.
• Front and back pockets: functional storage for keys and phone when you’re bag‑free.

Cut and movement

The relaxed leg reads modern while skimming rather than clinging. That line suits thicker socks and ankle boots, and it handles a turn‑up for a cropped look without bulking at the hem. The slight stretch keeps the seat smooth after sitting, so the trousers hold their shape during a full day.

Three shades, three moods

Colour options steer the styling. Olive, Spice and Bitter Chocolate cover muted green, russet and deep brown—easy partners for neutrals you likely own.

Olive, Spice and Bitter Chocolate give three distinct routes: utility‑leaning, retro‑warm or quietly refined.

How people are styling them

Day to day, trainers and a crew‑neck knit get the most miles. Swap to a heeled ankle boot and a fitted top for evening. A boxy blazer sharpens the wide leg for meetings, while a quilted liner channels that practical, British‑weather energy. If the hem hits the top of your shoe, try a single turn‑up to show a hint of sock and keep the drape crisp.

Quick outfit formulas

• With boots: cords + ribbed roll‑neck + structured coat.
• With trainers: cords + Breton tee + cropped puffer.
• With loafers: cords + silk shirt + slouchy cardigan.

Practicalities: sizes, care and longevity

Corduroy lasts when you treat it right. Wash cool and inside‑out to keep the wales tidy and the colour rich. Skip heavy fabric softener, which can dull the pile. Dry flat or hang on a trouser hanger by the waistband to avoid ridge marks. Brush the nap lightly with a clothes brush to lift any flattened patches.

Care checklist

• Wash at 30°C with similar colours, inside‑out.
• Air‑dry; avoid over‑drying in a hot tumble.
• Steam rather than heavy ironing to protect the pile.
• Store folded along the crease or hung by the waistband.

Fit is easiest when you focus on the waist and rise. The high waist should sit comfortably above the hip bones without gaping. If you’re between sizes, consider the stretch: a snug fit will relax slightly after an hour’s wear, while a looser size may soften further and read slouchy.

Trend context and why cords are back

Texture is doing the heavy lifting this year. Corduroy gives you visual depth that plain twill can’t, so even a simple tee looks considered. The wide leg nods to 1970s silhouettes while anchoring neatly in 2025’s softer tailoring wave. That blend explains why these trousers slot into both weekend layers and office‑ready outfits without fuss.

Who benefits most

If you live in denim and want a warmer option without switching to tailoring, cords bridge the gap. They bring more structure than joggers and more ease than suit trousers. The high waist supports knitwear styling, while the wide leg balances chunkier shoes and thicker socks common in wet, windy months. Those who run hot will appreciate the breathable cotton content; those who run cold get welcome heft without bulk.

Before you buy: two‑minute fit test

• Sit, stand, and climb a step: check the rise stays comfortable and the waistband doesn’t dig.
• Phone in pocket: confirm it sits flat and doesn’t pull the fabric out of shape.
• Try with your go‑to shoes: the hem should kiss the top without dragging.
• Do a stretch: knees should recover quickly with no bagging.

What to know about cord types

Not all cords feel the same. Pinwale (narrow ribs) reads dressier and lighter; wider wales feel bolder and a touch warmer. This M&S pair aims for an everyday balance—enough rib to show texture, not so much that it overwhelms a blazer or a smart coat. If you prefer a sleeker line, choose the darkest shade and keep layers tonal.

Extra tips to extend wear

Consider a simple cost check: if you expect 60 wears across autumn and winter, the effective cost sits at roughly 67p per wear. Add spring weeks with a tee and trench and you lower that again. For maintenance, rotate between shades to reduce friction wear on inner thighs and seat. A quick brush after drying keeps the nap fresh, and storing them away from rough zips helps prevent snagging.

High waist, wide leg, three versatile colours and a £40 tag: a straightforward formula built for everyday rotation.