Lust, caution

Corduroys are your best bet this winter for generating versatile looks. We go through six looks for the season, in which wide wales are pitted against narrow wales—let’s see who gets the girl.

Jackets

Cord jackets are the ultimate word in dressed down cool. If you’re going for a smart casual look, then you could do a lot worse than putting one on. So, while you vie for her attention, look sharp. After all, the better you look, the more you see.

A medium wale jacket is best worn casual. For this guy, that translates into pairing the jacket with a Polo T-shirt and black trousers. This ensures that there’s enough of a shine to the fabric without going for out-and-out gloss. Maybe she’ll hazard a look.

If you’re wearing a jacket with wide wales, then it is best to pair it with a bold check shirt to break the monotony.

Another way to wear wide wales is to go for a lighter colour, where the wales tend to stick out less. The only thing this guy is not doing right is the conversation.

Trousers
When it comes to medium wales in trousers, the trick is to wear it without fuss. A fitted cord is a flamboyant thing, so add to the variety by combining it with a waistcoat. Sure to earn you some points.

When you’re wearing trousers with wide wales, try and balance the gravity of it all with something light and breezy.

While he tries to walk off with the girl, he does just that—layering one T-shirt on another and finishing the look with a pair of sneakers.

Thin wales won’t lose you the girl, especially when you’re off-setting the high gloss with a fine-checked shirt and a subtle grey sweater.

The gent on the left, no doubt, hates to be left glowering in a corner but he’s dressed right, so who knows?