Another is the cloth itself: that twisted cotton can be a touch heavier, a touch stiffer, without any suggestion of cashmere in the weave, to help prevent that dreadful bagging of the knees. We can also hang and press them properly. And most importantly, we can buy them in more contemporary colours. So less of the sandy trouser of the geography teacher; none of the bright cord that has its own, equally damaging associations.
Instead: dark, urban tones that befit a cloth worn largely for wandering around town, buying coffee, socialising and working in professional but not restrictive offices. In fact, corduroy in this incarnation has the potential to be extremely versatile, for any age and many occasions. Without even the slightest hint of academia.