By Samantha Critchell
The Associated Press

Texture is a big buzzword this season but it's not a look that translates easily from a word printed in a fashion magazine to an outfit on a woman's body.

"If you're wearing texture head to toe, you may end up feeling a little . . . chunky," says Anne Cashill, director of corporate design and merchandising for Liz Claiborne. But she is quick to note that, if worn properly, cozy corduroys, chunky knits and soft velvets and suedes can be both fashionable and flattering.

Of course every fabric has a "texture" but the trendy examples Ms. Cashill's talking about also boast a tactile richness that makes them feel good. The density of these fabrics also keep wearers warm.

"Cotton velveteen is sporty in a five-pocket jean, making it more for weekends than evening, and velvet trim is also sporty and wearable," Ms. Cashill says.

Gap spokeswoman Rachel DiCarlo says that extra Lycra makes corduroy more modern - and less bulky. A thinner wale - the size of the ridge in the fabric - also updates the fabric from its traditional thick ribs.

"Cords are interchangeable with jeans . . . but you can dress up cords a little more," she says, suggesting a black corduroy trouser with a narrow leg and hidden hook closure paired with a blazer for an acceptable office-to-dinner outfit.

Ms. DiCarlo also says textured outerwear, such as a nubby wool peacoat, can become part of an indoor ensemble because the fabric turns an everyday coat into a fashion piece. "Texture somehow gives it more life."

When choosing outfits for herself, Ms. Cashill mixes textured fabrics with smooth pieces, such as a silk blouse with velvet pants or denim jeans with either a chenille sweater or suede shirt.

"You have to be careful about texture with texture. Think of it as mixing prints," she says.

It makes sense - common and fashion - that these fabrics are popular in cooler weather but Ms. Cashill says it was a conscious design decision to offer more texture options this year. "When we were in predesign fall discussions we talked a lot about feeling cozy, like being wrapped in a blanket or robe."

She says the trend follows the switch the past few seasons from sleek city styles in black and gray to an English-country look that features a lot of brown and camel. The colors and fabric hands also lend themselves to the equally popular vintage look.

With wardrobe budgets shrinking, shoppers want to feel like they are buying something "new" not just a different version of something already hanging in their closet, Ms. Cashill says.