How To Wear Culottes (See Jane’s Favorite Pants)

Vince pants (old but similar also here and shop more culottes here), J Crew cami, old IRO jacket (similar on sale here and here and shop more IRO here), Manolo Blahnik pumps,(look for less and shop black pumps here) YSL bag

Ok, first of all, what ARE culottes?  They’re essentially a pair of cropped pants that are made to resemble a skirt.  They made a resurgence in fashion a few years back and have become a mainstay of my wardrobe over the years.  I love them because you can dress them up or down and I feel like they add a certain chicness–a je ne sais quois, to any outfit.  I reach for them just as easily as I reach for a pair of skinny jeans; it really just takes figuring out how to play with the proportions.

My tips for rocking culottes:

• Pair them with a slim, slightly cropped top–it will make you look longer.
• If you do pair them with a longer top, keep it tonal to keep you looking long and lean.
• Try them in jumpsuit form to segue into the culotte silhouette–it’ll look like a casual dress (this white one is perfect for summer and this simple black one can be easily dressed up or down.
• Don’t be afraid to wear them to work! They can be super polished with a simple blouse, especially in the summer.
• Make them casual and chic by wearing them with espadrilles and a skinny strap cami.

Great culottes to try:

This silk, navy pair closely resembles a beautiful midi skirt.

I can’t resist the olive color OR the paper-bag waist.

Silk culottes with lace details?!  I’m in.

Topshop sleeveless sweater, culottes, Manolo Blahnik pumps, YSL sunglasses