How To Wear Culottes: Your New Season Hero Piece

Each year there’s an improbable trend that rises like a phoenix from the fashion fringes and becomes a must-have hit. It’s usually unassuming for some time, with many deriding its existence, before BAM! It’s the trend you begin to wonder how you ever lived without. And for 2014, that trend is culottes.

MORE: 2014 TREND ALERT – ROCK THE CROP

Spotted among the style set during February’s fashion weeks around the globe, culottes started getting some serious attention earlier this year, baffling even the most dedicated fashion followers. But several months on and you’d be hard pressed not to notice their ubiquitous presence as the trans-seasonal saviour of the latest bout of changeable weather.

Culottes street style inspiration. Image: satorialgravy.com

 

If you’re still haunted by memories of the last time the style was in vogue (1980s brightly coloured prints anyone?), fear not, because the culottes’ reincarnation for this season is impossibly chic and surprisingly flattering. The liberating leg wear is cool, comfortable and more versatile than you might think. Combining the feminine flair of a skirt with the functionality of shorts, and the silhouette of a cropped pant, culottes are the perfect fashion piece for spring/summer.

At first glance culottes appear as another tricky trend, but whatever your personal style the pants/shorts hybrid is pretty easy to work into your wardrobe. If your 9-5 look is in need of an update, team black culottes with a fitted top tucked in and classic pumps to turn this piece into a work wear staple; or for a street style edge that will see you through an off-duty day packed with plans, wear a slightly shorter version of the shorts with slip-on sneakers. Make culottes sexy by teaming with strappy heels and a lingerie-inspired camisole, or pull on a tailored cut with a crisp white shirt and a blazer for an on-trend interview outfit that will see you stand out.

HOW TO: WEAR THE MOST DIFFICULT PIECES IN YOUR CLOSET

Trust us, there’s more charm to culottes than meets the eye, just check out your social media feed for an influx of images from fashion darlings who have already fallen for the look. Culottes come in all shapes and fabrics, so whether you prefer a leather or silk composition, bold prints or a super wide-legged fit, you might just find you need more than one pair of the fuss-free style this season. And with so many iterations from high-end to high street now available, there’s a pair for every budget, meaning treating yourself is guilt free.

We’ve handpicked our favourite styles that will see you want-in on the culottes bandwagon in no time:

Pink Culottes from Top Shop   /   Valentino Black Culottes From Net-A-Porter   /   Black Culottes (on model) from Forever 21  / Striped Culottes from Tibi   /  Acne Printed Culottes from The Outnet   / Checked Culottes from Warehouse

What’s your view on the culottes trend? Let us know in the comments below what you think!

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23 Comments

  • Reply Crystal Wednesday 26th November, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    love it !

  • Reply xlilda Thursday 6th November, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    Taller people can pull it off. I think my petite figure will be overwhelmed by it.

  • Reply candicelee22 Tuesday 4th November, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    Not flattering for every body type..

  • Reply Isabeau Monday 3rd November, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    Not my hero 🙁

  • Reply lovelyloves Monday 3rd November, 2014 at 7:59 am

    I am liking this trend!! Big pants!

  • Reply priyanka.ashraf Sunday 2nd November, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    These are divine! Culottes were part of my high school uniform!

  • Reply pascaline Sunday 2nd November, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    I like it but I’m way too petite for this look.

  • Reply dhey Sunday 2nd November, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    not my cup of tea but they look great

  • Reply Fiona Saturday 1st November, 2014 at 8:27 pm

    @acidwash wear heels! I’m 5’2″ (158cm) and have a pair, comfiest item in my wardrobe! Also try opting for a silk fabric, or super wide legged style so they have the appearance of a midi skirt 🙂

  • ivysaurus
    Reply ivysaurus Saturday 1st November, 2014 at 2:24 pm

    they look so chic but not sure how it’ll look with my body shape

  • kk77
    Reply kk77 Friday 31st October, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    Hmm not sure if this look is for me..my legs are too short!

    • Vanessa Roberts - Editor
      Reply Vanessa Roberts Saturday 1st November, 2014 at 9:07 am

      I think it’s all about proportion @kk77 – maybe go for a shorter length top (a long crop if that makes sense?!) and a chunky shoe with a small platform! x

  • Reply christybui Friday 31st October, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    hmm not keen on this trend

  • Reply Crystal Friday 31st October, 2014 at 12:49 pm

    hmmm, it does takes a nice body to pull this off

  • acidwash
    Reply acidwash Friday 31st October, 2014 at 12:47 pm

    Any tips for shorter girls, or should I give these a miss?

  • Reply jayla1987 Friday 31st October, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    These looks super comfy

  • Reply milli Friday 31st October, 2014 at 11:01 am

    Reminds me of guys shorts. I don’t think its flattering to the female body. Esp if you have short legs like me.

  • Reply dj23249 Friday 31st October, 2014 at 10:25 am

    Cannot see this catching on, not with sane people anyway

  • Reply amanda6393 Friday 31st October, 2014 at 9:08 am

    No, no, no. Those top culottes are just hideous.

  • Reply Whatthe Thursday 30th October, 2014 at 1:37 pm

    lol that’s one trend I won’t be afraid of missing out on!

  • Reply candicelee22 Wednesday 29th October, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    Not a fan..

  • judi1
    Reply judi1 Wednesday 29th October, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    Not keen on these culottes!

    • Vanessa Roberts - Editor
      Reply Vanessa Roberts Wednesday 29th October, 2014 at 6:11 pm

      They are kinda an “acquired taste” aren’t they @judi1 and @candicelee22! Probably have to be a more adventurous dresser to get your head around them 🙂

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