ICYMI: culottes are back. Beloved by the Scandi girls flocking the streets between shows at Copenhagen Fashion Week, the style typically comprises a wide-legged 3/4 length trouser (though some stop at the knee).
A winner for transseasonal dressing, the culotte generally possesses more fabric (and therefore more coverage) than a traditional pair of summer shorts, so are great for chilly late summer nights, but retains a level of breathability due to its wide-legged silhouette, ideal for the random blasts of sun we seem to be getting throughout August.
But (and this is a big but) they can be tricky to work out how to style: after all, they're neither a proper trouser, nor a short. They can have the volume of an A-Line skirt, but don't quite have the same feminine vibe. There are a lot of contradictions to reconcile!
Aaaaaand, when it comes to culotte-appropriate shoes: well, that can be a bit of a quandary. Due to the silhouette, which can swamp more delicate styles like ballet flats or jazz shoes, you have to give proper consideration to footwear and how to maintain a level of ~harmony~ to the outfit.
Thankfully, we have been moodboarding, scrolling through Pinterest and IG, and talking amongst ourselves about the best footwear styling options for culottes and we've compiled the best in a handy list. Keep scrolling for our hand-selected picks (informed by IRL trial-and-error as we tested diff options, FYI) and thank us later.
Culottes and sandals
As we reach the tail-end of summer, we're all keen to get additional wear out of our sandals, especially when the heat continues to crank up across the UK. So, styling culottes with a pair of sandals seems like a no-brainer. There are a couple of tips worth keeping in mind, though.
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For example, if you're keen on a more voluminous or longer pair of culottes (or culottes in a stiffer fabric, like an organic denim) you will want to opt for a sturdier, blockier pair of sandals: for example, sandals featuring platform soles or thick, statement straps. Alternatively, if you're more into delicate sandals, you can opt for culottes which are either a little bit shorter (just below the knee, for example) or made from a more light-weight fabric such as linen or breathable cotton. Pair with a crisp tee and you're good to go!
Culottes and loafers
Culottes are also a winner when it comes to smart dressing - easily worn at the office, or for a fancy meal - due to the fact they often come in range of fabrics, from a stiff darkwash denim, to linen, and even tweed.
In order to smarten up your culottes, or just give off a preppy vibe, you can opt for a pair of loafers, set to be a major shoewear trend in autumn. Keep the top more lightweight, as styles like an Oxford shirt might be a bit bulky and difficult to style. Take it from us: just pop on a tank top and you're good to go.
Culottes and biker boots
You may have noticed, biker boots are everywhere. So why not pair this trending item with culottes, another trending item?
The key to this one is experimenting with proportions, whether you leave a sliver of ankle visible above the boot, or opt for a super wide-cut pair of culottes to pair with the slouchier boots. This pairing works better on colder days and, visually, will appear better with another strong silhouette (ie a workwear jacket) on top to stop the outfit from being too bottom-heavy.
Culottes and trainers
For some people, there's no way of prising them out of their beloved trainers. And we get why: comfortable, durable, and good for running around in, trainers deffo have their perks.
When it comes to styling with culottes, you might want to opt *specifically* for a pair of low profile trainers (ie low top sneakers with a low sole, which fits closely to the foot). This is a majorly trending style, embodied by the Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66 or the Puma Speedcat, which is known for its versatility and more sleek appearance compared to chunkier styles.
Pair with a cropped tee, or a vest worn under an open, striped shirt, and you've got a shortcut to cool girl style.
Culottes and stiletto boots
Some of us, this writer included, need a little bit of height with our shoes. And when it comes to culottes, which are not exactly designed for hitting the club, it can be hard to work out how to integrate an inch...or three...or five of heel.
Enter: the stiletto boot! Paired with a pair of culottes for autumn dressing, this combo is a cheat code to a chic and elevated approach to styling. Pair with a statement top (since we're committing to the bit) and a tiny bag and you're golden.
So, there you have it! Easy, breezy, beautiful: culottes.
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
