How to Choose and Style Culottes: Expert Tips for Every Body Type and Outfit

With their retro charm, comfortable wide-leg cut, and elegant silhouette, modern culottes blend vintage appeal with contemporary flair.

A 1940s favorite making a stylish comeback on runways, culottes are now a wardrobe staple. Yet, they require careful styling—their old-school vibe and voluminous shape can clash if paired poorly, undermining a feminine look.

Drawing from years of fashion expertise, here are proven tips for wearing culottes flawlessly in 2021.

Select a Cut That Flatters Your Body Type

@Stealthelook

Fashion rule number one: prioritize cuts that enhance your figure over trends you love.

Evaluate if culottes suit you—this skirt-pant hybrid can elongate your silhouette or overwhelm it instantly.

Truthfully, every body type can wear culottes, but choosing the right length and style is key.

• Petite frames: Go for longer culottes to visually lengthen legs and create a slimming effect.
• Curvy figures: Select fluid, lightweight culottes, ideally in solid colors to avoid bulky prints.
• Tall women: Embrace shorter culottes for balanced proportions.

Top Culotte Styles to Choose

Not all culottes deliver chic results—some enhance curves, others evoke outdated vibes. For trendsetting looks, opt for these expert-recommended styles.

7/8 Culottes

@She

@Junesixtyfive

For a foolproof trendy pick, choose the 7/8 length. Ubiquitous in current pants and jeans, it flatters most figures, refines legs with heels, and dominates fashion magazines.

Denim Culottes

@Violetsauvage

@Fashionmagazine

Even skeptics love denim culottes for their perfect modern-vintage fusion. Denim's casual streetwear edge pairs brilliantly with the retro cut.

High-waisted in light wash, raw, white, or black—they mimic trendy jeans and ease into any wardrobe.

Leather Culottes

@pinterest

@pinterest

Leather culottes deliver undeniable edge and sophistication, as seen in stores everywhere. They craft envy-worthy street-style looks rivaling Fashion Week.

White Culottes

@FashionJackson

@FashionJackson

The epitome of elegance, white culottes offer crisp femininity with trendy, retro-BCBG vibes. Pair with heels like pumps or block styles for polish.

Styling Culottes Like a Pro

Elevate culottes from vintage to runway-ready with smart pairings. Counter their retro roots with modern pieces for fresh appeal.

These inspiring outfits showcase perfect combinations.

Oversized White Shirt

@Trendymood

A seasonal essential, the oversized white shirt adds '80s elegance. Tuck loosely over culottes with high heels, plus a clutch, bucket bag, or fanny pack. Blue shirts work too!

Oversized Denim Jacket

@pinterest

Channel '80s cool with an oversized denim jacket—it modernizes the culotte's straight lines effortlessly.

Seventies Vibes

@Vogue

Ride the seventies trend with high suede, leather, or velvet boots (camel ideal). Pair denim culottes or floral/tiled prints for thematic perfection.

Best Shoes for Culottes

@123

Shoes seal the look—choose feminine, on-trend options with intention.

• Sandals or pumps that reveal the foot's arch for subtle allure in retro-chic outfits.
• Winter: Ankle boots or heeled boots.
• Retro twist: Slingbacks (skip ballet flats).
• Bold move: Trendy clogs in camel leather with straps and heels to stay chic.

Sneakers with culottes? Selective yes.

@Asos

• Fine for 7/8 lengths in bohemian or casual styles—not chic.
• Vibrant, punchy sneakers like pink add pop.
• Sporty chic: Pair with colored dad shoes.

In Summary

• Despite hesitations, runway and influencer looks prove culottes' potential.
• Prioritize 7/8 denim or leather cuts.
• Add heels and trendy tops (puff sleeves, oversized, balloon sleeves, shoulder pads).
• Finish with accessories!

Photo Credit leather culottes cover @Maje