So culottes are a “thing” again and I’m not going to lie, this is a tricky one particularly if you are short like me. But there is a certain amount of liberation in a culotte and if you can get it right, you will find the combination of airiness (like a skirt) and ease (like a trouser) intoxicating – well perhaps thats too dramatic – but trust me they are really easy to wear.
The secret to successful culotte wearing is all about the length to shoe height ratio. Go too long and too high and we are talking comedy proportions – a little like the Acne image above – is it just me or does that look ridiculous? And too short and flat and we are looking at a middle-aged Akela – scout pack leader not the woolf in Jungle Book!
The only way to get this look right is to go shopping with a couple of pairs of shoes and try things on. I was horrified when trying on the Top Shop pair below, when wearing Birkenstocks, but determined to make them work (I really do suffer in the name of fashion) I tried them on again with a pair of Hasbeens and they looked great.
If the thought of even entering a changing room horrifies you – aren’t they just the worst – order lots of pairs online and have a trying on session in the privacy of your own home. ASOS (ignore all the super short shorts) and Net A Porter have the best selections depending on how much you want to spend.
Takes me back to my childhood circa 1976 – glorious! Just checked net-a-porter and found a divine Marni pair….. http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/459388/Marni/cropped-wool-twill-wide-leg-pants…..
COS it is then!
xx
no just no! never have never will.
No, think as I wore this the first time round, circa 1972 or so, I’ll be giving this a miss. I had made my own from a Vogue pattern, which I still have somewhere at home. I won’t be making them again., at least not in the lengths shown. Definitely a case of “If you wore it the first time round, don’t wear it again”.
Just me then… I rather like the Acne version – and I remember the last time round too!