I last owned a pair of culottes in about 1991. They were brown, voluminous and I wore then to Brownies. Just like mules and high-heeled jelly shoes, these were one trend I was happy to leave behind. Until now.
Warmer weather makes us more receptive to new things, doesn’t it? In my last post I mentioned that I’ve been trying different styles lately – things that defy the way I normally dress for my shape. Last week, I tried the cold-shoulder top and loved it. Now feels like the time to welcome culottes back into my life.
Culottes are a great choice for me. I love skirts and dresses, but hate shorts. Culottes are the perfect middle ground. So in the spirit of trying new things, I ordered a pair in the Joules sale, and waited with trepidation for them to arrive.
Why the fear? I’ve become so conditioned to only ever wearing skinny jeans, that anything baggy or voluminous feels wrong. Won’t it accentuate my curves, and make me look short and dumpy?
When I first tried them on, I liked them, but then the doubts crept in. All I could see was the lack of flat stomach and the emphasis on my hips. But then I showed my boys and my husband and they all immediately said how cool they looked. Which made me realise that the perception of how a pair of culottes should look was really just in my head.
They’ve taught me a lesson in self-confidence. If I slump and look down at the floor, then they will look awful. But if I smile and hold my head high, they’ll look amazing. Every time I put them on, I get that little voice of doubt, but then I remember what the boys said. I like them, and trust this feeling, rather than looking for things to criticise.
On a purely practical note, they really do feel amazing to wear. This pair is light and soft – and I love the pattern. They’re smart, but laid-back. Pretty and versatile – they feel just at home on the school run and they do in a meeting. They’re also going to feature in my holiday packing.
As with most loose trousers, I prefer a defined top half – so, for me, it’s always going to be a tucked-in top. A simple white shirt or vest would also look amazing.
My culottes are by Joules. They’re in the sale at £29.95, but are selling fast. My tee is by White Stuff and my necklace is past-season Joules (try eBay).
Luckily, there are lots more to choose from! For a classic look try these…
Nancy culottes, £80, Boden / Lennon culottes, £49.95, Joules
Or, how about a floral pair? I love these two…
Wild garden culottes, £36, Warehouse / Floral culottes, £19.99, New Look
So, cullotes: would you, could you?
You look great in them! Very stylish and confident.
Thanks Anna! x
Lizzie you look BEAUTIFUL! I too bought my first pair of culottes this year – a prettily printed super duper wafty blue pair from Monsoon and i ADORE them! So much more versatile then i ever imagined that i sort of want another pair!
Sending love,
Sally xxx
Oh thank you Sally! I’m loving them so much too! They’re so comfy yet feel really smart! xx
They look gorgeous and really suit you! I recently chopped off a pair of very long wide trousers to make them into culottes and whilst I too was sceptical at first I loved wafting around in them in all that recent hot weather. Although I did get some not so flattering comments from my eldest…..!
They look amazing! I love them. I have also not worn cullottes since I was little, but seeing how great these look on you has inspired me to give them a go myself. So, I’ve just ordered some!!
Yay! I’m so that this has inspired you! Mine have quickly become my favourite item of clothing now! x