We’ll be the first to admit, we're a little over jeans. And now that summer is in full swing, the need to switch up your go-to bottom-half is strong. One trend on the rise is cropped trousers, from capri pants to gauchos and culottes.
If you’re thinking this silhouette looks familiar, you’re not wrong. Culottes were a staple of the 2000s and 2010s, while the origins of gaucho pants actually go way back to 18th-century South American cowboys. Their contemporary comeback is, in part, down to small, independent brands like London-based label Patcha, whose deadstock guacho pants have sparked online attention.
Admittedly, it's hard to distinguish the specific differences between the wide-leg, three-quarter-length bottoms. Add in the fact that oversized, long-line shorts are taking over right now, too, and the sartorial confusion reaches new heights. One straightforward thing, however, is knowing exactly what shoes to pair with yours, thanks to all the street style inspiration we've helpfully collated all in one place. (Ahem, right here.)
So, as you prepare to tap into the latest trend, we're here to make your styling journey even easier with a few footwear and culottes combinations that’ll have everyone complimenting you.
Mesh Ballet Flats
With culottes once again rising as a fashion trend, and mesh and woven ballet flats being a current popular trend, bringing the two moments together is a sure-fire way to let the world know you’re tapped into the latest and greatest fashion hits.
Strappy sandals
Kitten Heel
A really good kitten heel, in my personal opinion, goes with everything. And these gaucho pants are no exception. Try pairing the look with a pointed-toe kitten heel to elongate your silhouette and create a strong staple look.
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Penny Loafers
There’s something to be said about a good loafer, especially a leather one. It adds a certain charm and academic vibe to any outfit. Pairing your culottes with a leather loafer is a chic way to wear these pants.
Espadrille Wedges
Contrary to the haters, I believe in espadrille wedges' supremacy. These fun, throwback shoes are the perfect footwear to pair with another throwback staple like the gaucho pants.
Peep-Toe Heels
Similar to the kitten heel, a good peep-toe heel with your cropped trousers is a way to create extra length in your look. Plus, the peep-toe allows for much-needed ventilation in the warm weather.
Trainers
Lean into bloke core and the more masculine feel of culottes and pair your trousers with trainers. Bonus points if they're high tops and close that gap between the hem of your pants and the top of your shoe. This combo will not only elevate your look, but also turn heads.
Mary Janes
Combine preppy and feminine, and you get Mary Janes! The tartan print on these three-quarter length trousers really emphasises the school-girl feel, but the combo would work just as well with a pair of plain black culottes. Socks optional.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
