As we move into autumn, we're looking for staples that can be easily mixed, matched and layered. And while jeans are a safe go-to, sometimes we want something that feels a touch posher.
Enter Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, to demonstrate the ideal alternative. Appearing at the Cornbury Horse Trials, the royal wore a favourite piece of hers that makes for the perfect autumnal investment: a cord midi skirt.
For the occasion, which took place in the Cotswolds, Sophie stayed on theme in an equestrian-meets-countryside ensemble. She wore her cord skirt with a chunky belt, a simple white shirt, a lightweight jacket and suede cowboy boots.
But the Duchess has proven that the cord skirt is a piece that can be worn in endless ways. She previously wore the same piece – the Long Fluted Needlecord Skirt by Scottish label House of Briar – for the Royal Windsor Horse Show with a smart blazer and a blouse decorated in a leaf motif, and again for a visit to Capability Scotland's Riccarton Hub in August, but that time with a blue silk blouse and a pair of wedges, both from Penelope Chivers.
We can picture the royal bringing the skirt back out all through autumn and winter, perhaps layered with chunky knits or a nice wool coat. The exact skirt is still available to buy and costs £89.95. It has a gently flared shape that's flattering on everyone, plus pockets.
House of Bruar Ladies Long Fluted Needlecord Skirt
A cord skirt will work just as well in non-royal wardrobes. Choose a neutral shade and a slight A-line and you'll have a go-to piece that you can wear in endless ways. There are a few options on the high street, and we've picked our favourites ahead.
Monsoon's take comes in a deeper chocolate brown (which remains a trend this autumn/winter) and will look great dressed down with a T-shirt for the in-between weather right now, or with cardigans once it gets a touch chillier. You could even dress it up for the evening with a sequinned blouse.
Monsoon Nora Corduroy Midi Skirt Brown
If you prefer a bit more drama, Me+Em's full A-line maxi skirt definitely delivers – and you can nab it in olive green or deep pecan brown. Lovely stuff.
ME+EM A-Line Maxi Skirt Fluid Micro Cord
And finally, Boden has a 'gingerbread' colour corduroy skirt with buttons down the front. Again, it's got that easy-to-wear shape that will go with everything in your wardrobe.
Boden Val Button Cord Midi Skirt Gingerbread
