When culottes came back in style this year I thought, “No way in Hell am I wearing those again!”
The first time around, when I was about eight wasn’t pretty. They were unflattering even on an eight year old…which speaks volumes as to how these pants can make even the tallest and skinniest look downright schlumpy.
I was 100% sure that there was no way I’d do that trend again…until I was reading a magazine while at the hairdressers and came across these…
You know what they say, “Never say never.”
I like the raw edge on the hem.
So now I’m rethinking the whole culotte idea.
Here are some outfit ideas on how to wear culottes that won’t make you look dated or schlumpy.
I actually think a pair of very wide legged jeans could easily be turned into culottes like this. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled while thrifting.
Looking at this set that handbag is insanely expensive. I could see that someone like Melanie could actually make a better version of this using paint or markers. In fact I’m now on the lookout for a leather or pleather handbag similar when I’m thrifting so I can try to DIY this.
I like this idea of a culotte jumpsuit.
I also really like the culottes when paired with boots…it creates a 1970’s streamlined look.
And maybe my favourite way to wear culottes is Vix here wearing a vintage silk culotte dress. So chic!
I’m still not 100% sold on the idea of culottes, but should I find a pair while thrifting I’d be willing to at least try them on.
Will you be willing to give culottes a try this year?
Never say never, indeed. I’m warming up to them. Love the culotte jumpsuit, with a little print jacket, for drinks with friends in Canada!
There’s me!! I knew we’d win you over in the end! Great selection, I love those denim frayed ones especially.
I was trawling eBay yesterday and found a pair of vintage “clots” listed. I nearly fell of my chair laughing. xxxx
I can’t believe this trend is on again – but I am so willing to try it when THE ONE comes along!!!
Best!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I echo your thoughts!! I’ve decided that the more we see of a trend (on others) the more likely we start to like it again. For some reason, once the trend ends, we think it’s bad! I felt this way about maxi dresses (although didn’t we just call them long dresses?). I’ll probably try them…maybe. (Or should I say, if you try it, I will? ha ha) jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I’ve been a huge fan of maxi dresses for as long as I can remember. I wear them ALL THE TIME. Maxi skirts too. And I’m not tall. I’m 5’4″.
The last one I got…
http://suzannecarillo.com/bold-floral-maxi-dress-giveaway/
And a vintage one…
http://suzannecarillo.com/how-to-wear-vintage-maxi-dresses/
Plus about another 10 or so! LOL Not including maxi skirts.
You need to try it! I guarantee you’ll love them.
I agree! I think I have 4 or 5 maxi dresses, and I won’t stop there. 🙂
Am I the only one that likes culottes? Love your idea of thrifting a pair of wide leg jeans and turning them into a pair of culottes.
Darlene
http://whosaprettygirl.com
I REALLY want a pair of culottes. I also haven’t worn them since I was about 8 and I am not willing to shell out a huge amount of money for them, but I have definitely been keeping my eyes peeled while thrifting. I love the idea of making a pair from some wide legged jeans. Those would be easier to thrift, too. Genius!
To my eye, those aren’t culottes; they are really, really short wide-leg jeans. If I look at them from that perspective, I like them. I like Vix’s culottes too because they look like a dress. What I’m saying is, culottes, I’m not over my fear of them. They’re kind of like peplum for the knees.
Thanks for the vote of confidence in my bag-farking skills, but I can’t wait to see what you can come up with. I know I’ll learn a thing or two from your masterpiece.
I love your ideas! I think culottes can be super fun and chic, and Vix in this bright blue culotte dress is just a fantastically sexy and classy proof. Love the idea of cutting wide legged jeans – can’t wait to see you wearing them! I would go for it, no doubt. And as for handbags, both you and Melanie should think about creating your own clothing/shoes/accessories line! You both do such incredibly unique things as DIY. Team up and sell them on etsy! 🙂 xxx
Ooh, I’m unsure. But as with all pieces of clothing you might feel ambivalent about, you might as well give it a go. Though I’d agree with Mel, I think those are wide-legged cropped jeans rather than true culottes, which tend to be fuller and have more fabric and flow.
Funnily enough, the manager at my charity shop just gave me a couple of pairs of vintage culottes which were donated, she said she thought they were my style. They’re great colours, and they fit perfectly but oh my, goodness, they do NOTHING for my hips and arse! I might have to wear them and take a photo just to give everyone a bloody good laugh! xxx
Hi Suzanne!
I remember my mom wearing culottes when I was little! Amazing they have come around again. I like the ones in the magazine. I think they look best with the looks you showed the boots or heels for length, being that I cant wear a high heel, …
I say, give em a shot!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I saw this add too and really wanted these jeans. I think you have to have a certain figure for them. I have a pair that I had from ages ago that I wore recently and decided I need to skip it this time around.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you for TBT Fashion link up.
I am right there with you, not sure I am sold but the samples you showed definitely got me more interested. It would be hard for me to think of styling them without boots so I am thinking more of a winter look for me. I love how you post about pieces or shapes you don’t exactly like, it is an interesting way to think about an article of clothing from a different perspective.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
love the denim culottes
http://www.stylentonic.com
Hmmm…I’m like you. Before I would have said no, but I’m seeing some in the shop windows that have me wondering. I plan on keeping my eyes peeled in my favorite thrift shops.
I guess I am an early adopter,
I wore them in a post last year.
I Love them, and this year especially, they designs are great.
They allow more movement!
Love your choices here,
especially the denim!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
I must live under a rock, since I’m not sure eI’ve ever heard of coulettes or seen them? They do seem an odd place to visually cut your leg in two, but then again, with the right sense of style most things can be made to look good (or, without that style, bad).
If I found a pair of culottes that fit perfectly, I’d definitely incorporate them into my wardrobe. I do have a couple of pairs of pants that are very “culotte-like” and wear them with boots in the colder weather. I love Vix’s culotte dress, and I could see you wearing something like that. I’m digging the black leather pair too.