The culotte cut has made its way on to the fashion scene once again. Before we get into whether or not this is a wearable trend for the fashionable masses, let’s start by really figuring out what these “are.” At first glance, I am taken back to the knit gauchos that I begged for (but – in retrospect, thankfully never received) back in my middle school days. Knit gauchos were essentially a wide legged yoga capri pant that had to be one of the most unflattering styles of the early 2000s (I know they date back much further but this was the first the millennial generation saw of them).
Culottes as a fashion term actually dates back to Renaissance time as many men wore knee length pants with a tall trouser socks. We’ve made some changes to the style but kept the term over the years. The best definition I can come up with for culottes is a bifurcated skirt. They feature a fitted waistband but then widen from there. A more structured form of the early 2000s gauchos, I suppose. Here are few looks from a collage put together by Fashion Trends and Tips.
Various forms of culottes, collage via Fashion Trends and Tips blog.
So, now you’ve got the feel for this style. I’m going to come right out and say that I absolutely hate these and I hope they don’t last more than a few seasons. I’m even going to go so far as to argue that these are worse than those knit gauchos of the early 2000s.
Take a look at the body type of all the women wearing this style. All are tall, thin and have perfectly skinny ankles. Imagine this style on a normal, curvy body. I see myself putting on a pair of these and having a dressing room breakdown because they make my legs look like tree stumps. I don’t think one could pull this look off without wearing a sky high heel so this trend nixes all women who prefer flats, too. They’re awkward, dear readers. If you want to wear an A-line skirt, wear a skirt. If you want to wear cropped pants, wear cropped pants. Let’s stay away from mixing the two.
I want to know if I am on an island with my distaste for this trend.
What are your thoughts on culottes? Will you be wearing them or do you already? I’d love to hear your style tips and see some pics if you’re on #TeamCulotte! Share with me below!
I completely agree! I (thankfully) did not like/ever purchase those knit Gauchos in middle school, and I still don’t like this look now. Even “dressed up” this silhouette just looks sloppy and lazy to me. These won’t ever be in my closet.
I am with you there, Kayla! Thank goodness I steered clear of the knit ones, too. I just think they make everyone legs look so stumpy!