Gone are the days of skinny jeans ruling the millennial fashion scene of the 2010s. Instead, wide-leg pants have taken the spotlight, with styles ranging from baggy Y2K jeans to Daisy Jones-inspired bootcuts. Google Trends reflects this shift, showing a five-year peak in searches for wide-leg pants. Among these trends, culottes stand out as a favorite silhouette, resembling dramatic, skirt-like trousers that are making waves in national department stores and local boutiques.
While culottes tend to cycle in and out of fashion, they are particularly suited for spring and summer wear due to their lightweight and shorter length.
As warmer weather approaches, we're excited to showcase various ways of styling culottes. Our collection of Women's Knee-Length Bottoms offers versatile options to elevate your look for any occasion.
Culottes Style Pants
Culottes belong to the family of wide-leg pants and are essentially a variation of capris. Alongside culottes, gauchos, and palazzos also fall under this category, each distinguished primarily by their length.
Palazzo pants feature wide legs that often reach the floor while gaucho pants typically stop mid-calf. Culottes, however, can vary in length, spanning anywhere from mid-ankle to just below the knees.
Originally introduced in the mid-1500s, culottes were initially worn by male aristocrats and military personnel. Their resurgence in contemporary fashion reflects a nostalgic nod to past eras.
How To Choose Culottes
Let's start with the basics: finding the perfect pair makes styling culottes so much easier. Here are some simple guidelines to keep in mind while you're on the hunt for culottes.
Look at the length and width.
Ideally, culottes should reach a mid-calf length. However, you have the flexibility to adjust the length a few inches shorter or longer based on your height. The crucial aspect is ensuring that the length remains proportionate to your individual height.
In addition to length, it's important to consider the width of the pants. The broader the cut, the more volume you'll add to your lower half.
Go for high-rise waistbands.
Going for a higher waistline isn't mandatory, but it works wonders for most. Elevating your waistline creates the illusion of height, offering a flattering silhouette.
Say goodbye to low rises that cling to your hips. Instead, embrace higher waistlines that elongate your legs and accentuate your figure. Don't shy away from this style even if you have a shorter torso. It's still incredibly flattering, especially with culottes.
Luckily, culottes typically feature waistlines that sit above the belly button, further enhancing your proportions. Coupled with cinched waistbands and roomy, wide legs, they offer a tailored fit that complements petite frames beautifully.
Check the fabric or material used.
Don't solely focus on the silhouette. Pay attention to the fabric of the culottes as well. Choosing the right fabric can enhance the appropriateness of the garment for the event or setting you're attending. Given that the typical cropped style might appear less formal, going for a luxurious fabric can elevate the look, making it suitable for office wear or even weddings.
How to Style Culottes Pants
Now that you've mastered the art of finding the perfect pair, it's time to explore how to style them. Take inspiration from street style icons as they demonstrate innovative ways how to wear culottes.
Go dual-toned.
Wondering how to style culottes that come in various colors? Pair them with another color. Consider going for a complementary hue to achieve a straightforward color-blocking effect. Alternatively, explore neighboring shades for a more nuanced, monochromatic ensemble.
Dare to don an all-white ensemble.
There's nothing quite like the freshness of an all-white ensemble. Culottes are perfect for achieving this look as their cropped cut adds a casual touch without sacrificing style. Additionally, you won't have to fret about your white pants dragging on the ground. Enhance your ivory outfit by layering various textures. For an added flair, experiment with bold prints and vibrant colors on your footwear.
Play with fabrics.
Searching for chic culottes suitable for the office? Go for faux leather bottoms to infuse a luxurious feel into your work attire. These pieces effortlessly elevate any button-down shirt, particularly when you choose pleather culottes in a rich, deep hue. Keep in mind that black isn't the only neutral option for office wear.
Hop in the utilitarian trend.
It's time to refine your office attire with utilitarian-inspired elements. Embrace warm browns, beiges, and khakis in structured pieces for a sophisticated look. Instead of sticking to plain trousers, go for voluminous culottes to add a touch of femininity and balance out the androgynous aesthetic.
Pair with classic button-downs for the office.
When it comes to office attire, embrace a more relaxed and laid-back approach with the addition of culottes. Pair your button-down shirt with soft fabric culottes for a comfortable yet stylish look. Throw on your favorite check blazer for a polished touch and tackle your meetings with confidence. For an extra boost of style, consider swapping out your skinny trousers for colored culottes to elevate your office outfits.
Go athleisure.
Wondering how to add some flair to a simple pair of culottes? The trick is to balance the culottes with athleisure-inspired pieces, such as a bomber jacket, sports bra, or tracksuit. Finish off the look with your favorite sneakers, and you're ready to hit the streets in style!
Get the beach vibe.
You can rock this versatile piece even at the beach. It serves as a stylish cover-up option! Pair your lightweight culottes with a beloved bikini top, top it off with a hat and a straw bag, and you're all set for a fabulous afternoon by the shore.
Break patterns with your culottes pair.
Utilize your culottes to break up bold patterns. Wearing numerous prints simultaneously can create a bulky appearance, but you can overcome this fashion challenge by incorporating a pair of culottes to provide a refreshing visual break. Pair the culottes with strappy sandals to accentuate your ankles, instantly adding height to your silhouette.
Play with the proportions.
Similar to petite individuals, you'll want to maintain a sleeker silhouette on top to avoid feeling swamped by fabric.
A fitted cropped top exudes chicness, especially ones with stylish shoulder cap details. These styles complement various body types, but for curvier figures, the sleeve fabric subtly widens the shoulder line and then tapers back in at the waist. Paired with culottes that gracefully drape over your curves, this ensemble creates a stunning hourglass shape that is absolutely irresistible.
Create the illusion of height with heels.
Pair your culottes with heels, whether they be sleek stilettos, kitten heels, or chunky-heeled sandals. Even a modest boost in height can make a significant difference. Another tip is to go for heels in a shade similar to your skin tone, which creates the illusion of longer legs instantly.
Flaunt Your Style in Culottes
Embrace the versatility of culottes. Whether you prefer gauchos, cropped wide-leg pants, or square pants, these fashion staples deserve a prime spot in your closet. Why? Because they effortlessly marry style and comfort.
Say goodbye to wardrobe dilemmas. Styling culottes offer the perfect solution when you crave freedom of movement. Swap out your skirts and bid adieu to the confines of skinny jeans or trousers, especially for those office days. But here's the real scoop: don't relegate culottes to the back of your closet as a mere reserve piece. Wear them out casually and flaunt your fashion prowess!