Um, yes. I am indeed wearing culottes. If you have not already turned away in horror and dismay, let’s plunge on. I did buy a pair of trousers that were described as culottes, at least by the sales associate at Club Monaco. First of all, I hate the term “culottes”; it always makes me think of the sort of underclothes that French ladies might have worn at the turn of the last century. Second, I am not entirely convinced that the term is appropriate in this case. I thought culottes were cropped much higher than the ankle. Regardless, this is definitely a “look”, and one firmly outside my comfort zone. I think (and my husband agrees) that photos don’t do it much justice; I swear it looks better in real life, although that’s cold comfort in a blog post. The reality is that, after years and years of skinny pants, it will take a while for my eyes to adjust to a new silhouette.
I ended up buying the trousers (new, on sale though not inexpensive) for a number of reasons. One, my evolving style is skewing more towards the archictectural/minimalist direction, where the cut of things is the key to staving off visual boredom and the goal is not necessarily figure flattery. It’s a strange new land for me, but I’m having fun trying to find my way. Two, the colour is one of my favourites, and a core non-neutral in my wardrobe palette. I knew it would work well with several existing pieces, which makes that whole discovering-a-new-style thing much more manageable.
So, there we are. I am wearing culottes and we are (hopefully) still friends. Happy Valentine’s Day!
These are fabulous!! You look great!
Thanks, Katlyn!
Love the culottes, the color if lovely. Not a fan of the blazer with the culottes. Maybe a more sleek top half would be better with the cut of the culottes. Your picture without the blazer is very nice. I was always taught if the bottom is looser fit then the top should be more fitted and vice versa. But truthfully, you always look beautiful.
I totally get what you’re saying, but I was doing a day-long client-facing conference that day, so I needed the blazer. I went with the slimmest cut blazer I have, and I think it was OK. I will definitely be wearing the culottes without a blazer next time to switch up and streamline the silhouette.
I bought a pair of culottes this summer! So, we’re still friends. Like you, I found the new silhouette a little jarring at first. But it somehow has some classic, timeless appeal to it, while at the same time being on the leading edge of a new fashion trend. Its weird. But good. And they look good on you.
I don’t always feel “myself” in the culottes, even if I do like the outfit in the mirror. My husband says they are fabulous. I felt the most comfortable in them while on a tropical vacation, with sandals and a large sun hat.
Whew! Glad I’m not the only one who finally succumbed. I feel like the fashion industry has been trying to make culottes happen for a few years now, and first I scoffed but now … this is the first season when I’m, like, yeah, I can see this working … It still takes some adjustment though.
I think these are gorgeous! I thrifted some similar black Armani pants with tuxedo pleats last year. Unfortunately, dry cleaning them gave them tiny holes so I donated them. It’s good to get out of your comfort zone. Cheers!
Ugh, that sucks. I hope you can find a similar enough replacement pair – those pants sound fabulous.
It works! But if not for those swoonworthy shoes, which this outfit definitely shows off, what kind of shoes would you pair with it? I look forward to future combinations!! Very thought-provoking. Oftentimes I get dressed in an outfit and then…I can’t figure out what shoes and nothing feels right. This outfit feels cohesive.
Definitely pumps, and definitely high heels. I can’t see the silhouette working on my (short) legs otherwise. And true story: the day I bought these pants, I was wearing the same shoes. I think the shoes are at least 75% to blame for my impulse purchase – they make everything else look great.
Beautiful on you. I love both the blazer and shoes you selected for the look. Elegant and stylish!
I love culottes (though, like you, I hate that term – I prefer cropped pants), and I love these on you!
Hi there, I’m a new reader and I’m enjoying your blog very much. I agree – these are not actually culottes, at least, not as I understand them. Years ago I heard ‘culottes’ also being called a ‘divided skirt’ and I think that’s a good explanation. For example, I had a pair of culottes (early ’80s) that looked like an a-line skirt with an inverted pleat down the front. So I guess I could have rode a horse or a bike and still looked somewhat ladylike? :0) It seems like nowadays the term just means wide-legged trousers!
Anyway, I love the plum colourway and those shoes definitely make the whole outfit!
I LOVE them. Definitely still friends.
YEAAAHHHH baby! Love them! I have a pair of white ones and I love wearing them.