Culottes

I’ve had a long distance love affair with culottes for awhile.   Always admiring their beauty and inherent chicness, but too afraid to make them mine.   Afraid because culottes are one of those pieces that you have to get exactly right or it can be a sartorial disaster.  One must consider leg width and length when finding a pair that compliments their body.

The number one concern with culottes is shortening the leg.  If you choose a very wide pleated pair I would generally say that high heels should be considered mandatory because the added width will shorten – kind of like a pair of wide leg pants.

Below are some more tips for finding the perfect pair:

Choosing a pair that ends below the knee would work beautifully for someone who has killer calves.  This is also a great option for warmer weather.  Choose a full style that mimics an A-line dress for a more dressy option.

For petites and ladies with shorter legs culottes can still be done!  Most woman that are on the short side veer away from culottes in fear that they will make them look even shorter and won’t even entertain the idea of wearing them.  Many culottes are 3/4 length, meaning they end mid calf, which can shorten.  Instead try a pair that is a little longer and ends just above the ankle more like a cropped trouser or a pair that ends right under the knee.  Also a pair that has a more narrow leg and is high waisted will help elongate the legs.  Although not mandatory heels are always a good option to give a little vertical boost.

The 3/4 style, like I’m wearing, works will for ladies with calves that are on the thinner side.  Choose a pair that ends slightly above or below the thickest part of the calf for the most flattering style.  A tailor can adjust the length very easily if needed.  This length also works best with heels.

 

Sweater: Helmut Lang
Culottes: Few Moda
Shoes: Coquette
Bag: M2Malletier
Sunnies: Missoni
Rings: Geoffrey Scott, Vita Fede

Thanks for visiting!  xoxo Erica