It’s officially summer, although it’s been HOT in my neck of the woods for a while and if you follow me on Instagram then you already know how I feel about the heat. Here’s a hint…not a fan! It can be difficult to find summer outfits that deliver the three C’s, (Cute, Comfortable and keeps me Cool) especially when the humidity is just as high as the temperature. I think culottes are a perfect summertime solution. They have the stylish appeal of a cropped pant with the movement and breathability of a skirt…half pant, half skirt, what’s not to love?
Culottes are perfect for curvy girls because they flow around our curves creating a lovely silhouette. You’ll want to keep proportions in mind to keep your outfit balanced. Because culottes can be very wide, you usually want to wear something fitted on top. Although the hem of this top has a bit of flow and movement to it, because it’s sleeveless and somewhat fitted against my upper body, the proportions still work. And unlike our petite sisters, statuesque babes don’t have to worry about the pants cutting off our legs and making us appear shorter. This is a trend that was made for a tall frame.
Perfect for just about any occasion, culottes can be dressed up or down with accessories. Try pairing them with everything from heels to mules or sneakers to sandals. With those type of options, don’t be surprised if you see these culottes make a repeat appearance.
I did a little googling and discovered that culottes have been around forever, in fact did you know they first appeared as a garment for male members of the French elite during the 1500’s? Women began wearing the garment during the Victorian era for physical activities such as riding a bicycle or horseback. During this time the leg split was concealed, giving the illusion of wearing a true skirt.
This lasted until the 1930’s, when Italian fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli, wore her design, the “divided skirt”, while shopping for fabrics in London. Although condemned by the British press as controversial for it’s visible leg split, the “divided skirt” was also worn by tennis champion Lili de Alvarez at Wimbledon in 1931. Culottes have managed to make a come back in just about every decade since the 1970’s.
It’s true, everything old is new again!
Culottes ~ Lane Bryant (similar) | Tank ~ Torrid (similar) | Sandal ~ Payless (similar)
I think culottes are a perfect piece to have in your wardrobe and I would love to know if you’ve tried them. Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on this never ending trend!
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