Few garments are as enigmatic as culottes. Half skirt/half pants, this garment is usually associated with stifling modesty … or 70s housewives. However, there is something rebellious and fascinating about a garment which refuses to be labeled.
Either way, I think the culotte has a bad rep and should be reconsidered as a mainstream staple.
About every 7-10 years, we flirt again with the idea of a practical skirt. The last cycle saw us wearing knit gaucho pants, usually from Target. It really was kind of a culotte cop-out, because they were basically shortened yoga pants.
But the trend is back and I highly encourage you to find a properly tailored pair of culottes. Just remember to keep length in mind – just as you would for skirts. Above the knee: good. At the knee: good. Right below the knee: still good. Mid-calf: bad.
Shopping credits (top left, clockwise): Paul & Joe, Warehouse, vintage pattern from Etsy, Asos, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Asos
PS – I bought the vintage culotte pattern from Etsy and I intend on having my own pair of culottes made for late Summer!
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