If you love the midi skirt trend, here’s an alternative! Culottes have made it back to the future and i'm loving how they have been modernized. They’re comfortable, versatile, and somehow make lady-like feel edgy. In many ways, they achieve what jumpsuits or rompers do by mimicking a dress or skirt with all the practicality of a pant.
As one can imagine, there are numerous ways in styling this look; ranging from super casual to chic to smart casual, and so I recommend letting your imaginations run wild! Not sure where to start? These basic guidelines below should help!
1. Think of them as you would an A-line skirt when going about styling them (tucking in a blouse, for example, or choosing a high-waist pair and adding a crop top), and stick to basic colours like black, navy, and off-white to get yourself started. Before you know it, you’ll be living in culottes and experimenting with fun prints and colours, but this is the best way to start.
2. midcalf is the best place for your culottes to fall on your legs. Which will give the appearance of wearing a fun swingy skirt. If you’re on the petite side, opt for a pair that falls right below the knee, and tailor them if you need to.
3. Arguably the whole point of culottes is getting to show off your shoes. Sleek ladylike options (you really can’t go wrong with a pair of pointy toe pumps with a slim heel) work best, and will instantly elongate your shape. For advanced culottes wearers, think of the pants as your carte blanche to go to town with more daring options like a thick-heeled platform or fun booties.
4. Culottes are most definitely not just a summer staple. Wear them with stalking peeking out, a blazer and a scarf for those slightly chilly days, or even with boots, which will give the illusion that you are wearing a continuous pair of pants.
As one can imagine, there are numerous ways in styling this look; ranging from super casual to chic to smart casual, and so I recommend letting your imaginations run wild! Not sure where to start? These basic guidelines below should help!
When shopping for culottes, keep these tips in mind:
- They are generally high-waisted, so they should fit snugly around the waist to really accentuate it
- Buy your first couple of pairs in classic colours that will pair with most of what you have in your closet
- Go for a clean, simple style that’s not too voluminous at first—so you can get used to the look
- If you’re bothered by the length, add a heel then look again
- Pair with a fitted top that is comfortable and hits the waistband so you balance out the look and show off your assets
1. Think of them as you would an A-line skirt when going about styling them (tucking in a blouse, for example, or choosing a high-waist pair and adding a crop top), and stick to basic colours like black, navy, and off-white to get yourself started. Before you know it, you’ll be living in culottes and experimenting with fun prints and colours, but this is the best way to start.
2. midcalf is the best place for your culottes to fall on your legs. Which will give the appearance of wearing a fun swingy skirt. If you’re on the petite side, opt for a pair that falls right below the knee, and tailor them if you need to.
3. Arguably the whole point of culottes is getting to show off your shoes. Sleek ladylike options (you really can’t go wrong with a pair of pointy toe pumps with a slim heel) work best, and will instantly elongate your shape. For advanced culottes wearers, think of the pants as your carte blanche to go to town with more daring options like a thick-heeled platform or fun booties.
4. Culottes are most definitely not just a summer staple. Wear them with stalking peeking out, a blazer and a scarf for those slightly chilly days, or even with boots, which will give the illusion that you are wearing a continuous pair of pants.
MY MUST HAVES
Whether wide, cropped, or ankle length —there is a culotte out there for every taste. Shop my picks for the chicest culottes to try this season.
STREET STYLE INSPIRATION:
Scroll through for great ways to wear your culottes.
I’d love to know how you like to wear your culottes or if you have any questions, so feel free to leave a comment below.
I’d love to know how you like to wear your culottes or if you have any questions, so feel free to leave a comment below.
