Well…the crisis continues. Only now, it has a name. Culottes. As in wide legged – above the ankle – possibly high waisted trousers. I make that distinction because I think the French use the term “culottes” to refer to panties and this isn’t a lingerie post.
Jacket: Old Navy Bag: Kate Spade NY Shoes: BCBG
Let me also state there is a bit of culotte snobbery on the internet and many people argue about the categorizing of culottes, palazzo pants and gauchos. Personally, I think it’s much ado about nothing. I choose to call these culottes. Maybe I just want to sound fancy and French. Whatever the reason, I think if you reference these types of pants by any of those names, people will get the concept. Now that we’ve cleared that up, back to my obsession.
As stated in my prior post, I’m having a little bit of a fashion shift – from a classic, girly palette to one that is edgier, bolder and more androgynous. Just in case this is just a phase, I’m trying to find a happy medium between the two styles. While searching through my closet and wading thru midi-skirt, after midi-skirt I stumbled upon this pair of culottes. My world opened up! I love the cut of culottes. They’re good girl edgy. The quirky sibling of slacks…pants masquerading as a skirt!
You must ensure your proportions are correct – typically light on top and heavier on bottom (think a tank top and culottes forming a triangle type silhouette) or boxier on top and wide on bottom (think two squares on top of each other).
You must ensure the pants hit you at the right point on your leg or you’ll lose your height and look disproportionate. Think – just wearing pants that are too short for you and cut poorly.
I prefer heels with my culottes. I actually prefer heels with everything but they especially work well with shorter lengths. Your legs look longer, your ankles smaller and the look is more polished and refined.
I’m now looking for the perfect pair of taffeta (one of my favorite fabrics) culottes in a bright and bold color.
Similar to these below:
Fabulous Victoria Beckham was recently spotted in a fetching pair of culottes a couple of days ago. Notice the proportion of the blouse/scarf to the pants and the heels? Spot on!
Have an excellent week, my friends!
