Culottes that is.
I am totally on the fence with these. Literally can not decide either way. I see them, i even pin them, but i just dont know if i can actually wear them. Well I'm sure i can wear them, i learnt how to dress myself many moons ago (i'm clever like that), but will i be able to, you know, wear them with conviction?
Jurys out.
Culottes first came in to my little world at the ripe old age of 9 as a Brownie. The yellow blouse and brown culottes will mentally scar me forever i'm sure. But i can't help but think of this poor kid in the horrendous brown itchy cullottes anytime i go near them.
But i know that worn the right way (and in the right colour.. obvs no crap-brown insight) then they can look chic and stylish. The other thing is they are perfect for Spring and possibly our British summer, for the times when you want to bear a little leg but its not
that warm. Culottes could well be my answer.
So lets take a look shall we.
All these ladies look uber cool, street-styled to perfection, like they've literally just been walking around waiting to be papped all day long. Gorgeous but lets be honest, slightly unattainable for moi. However, taking what i can from these inspirational beauties, the shapes, the styles and the corresponding items, i really like what culottes bring to the party(the party being getting dressed everyday that is, woopwoop!)
What do you think?
I love that dressed with birkies and a masculine styled shirt they can look nonchalant and cool. But add heels and instant smarty pants.
I'm sticking with plain colours here, mostly monochromatic, as i just can't get my head round patterned culottes, i'm struggling with plain, full on frilly floral fancies is just too much.
So options to try?
Well..
First up we have what i would be considering myself (if i could get my head round them that is)
The Classic Black Culotte.
If in doubt with something, try it in black i say. Instant chic points without trying. Plus, ya know slimming.
Left is
New Look These look swishy and when your legs are together(that sounds weird but you know what i mean) they just look like a lovely black midi skirt. Swishy and girly culottes.
Right is
F&F (and possibly worth a punt at nine whole pounds on sale!)
More structured but still with volume.
Next up Cream or white, which would be just lovely for summer! Paired with tan or black these could look fabulous.
Left is the gorgeous cream high waisted
Zara pair, love love love these. They're quite a thick material making them less floaty and more rigid, which surprisingly i like, but bummer, they are out of stock. Obviously culottes are all the rage, particularly this pair and i am late to the culotte party. Poo.
Right we have a creamy/white pair from
Warehouse, love how these are styled on the site, they look office smart, great with navy.
So how about denim? Denim culottes. As above with the black culottes, if i'm ever in doubt of something or feel its too dressy for day to day life, then i usually turn to denim. Denim makes everything more casual and that can work with culottes too.
Left again are
Warehouse and i am sold! Put a stripe top on anything and i would love it. Perfect weekend wears right there.
Right we have a bit of a cheat. Not quite a culottes, more of a cut off, but i fell in love with them. They're from
Asos and they're High waisted, wide leged with a D-ring waist adjuster. They're different but i like them.. a lot. But i guess cut off jeans could be a whole other post.. shall ponder on that..back to full on culottes..
Next up we have linen style culottes, something i hadn't considered until my colossal culotte research.
Left we have
Asos bringing it with a khaki linen culotte, which i have to say are growing on me (its khaki, are we surprised?) and then
Navy from
Zara.. not sure about these.. they are somewhat girl guide revival, but that's probably just me.
And lastly Some vertical stripes.. leg lengthening, not widening, stripes can be your best friend when worn in the right way.
Pinstripe wide leg option on the left from
Asos, which i really like with the sliders. Also think some black mules could look gorgeous.
Or some navy and white stripes for a bit of a sailor/nautical vibe from
zara. Not my favourites, but an option non the less.
So there we have it. Culottes.
Judging by the fact that some of my favourites have indeed sold out, i'm guessing i am pretty much late to the culotte party, but better late than never hey (even though im still yet to buy a pair, so perhaps i haven't quite made it to the party yet, i'm at the window peering in with curiosity shall we say)
Have you tried culottes yet? Do share? i'd love to see if you have or share your thoughts?
Do you think they could be a good option for a British Summer?
