How to wear culottes.

With a flattering hemline and versatile shape, there are many ways to style these balloon pants…

Ralph Lauren jumper, Topshop culottes, Miu Miu shoes and Prada bag.
By Victoria Adamson.

Culottes are one of my favourite trouser shapes and can be easily worn all year round, but I especially love them for the summer. Unlike some trousers, they work for my petite height and can be paired with a structured top, boots, flats or heels (look 1 and look 2).

The wide style can seem overwhelming but it’s actually very flattering, especially for those who have more of a tomboy frame and if you tuck in your top into them, it creates an illusion of a tiny waist. If they seem like a bit of a weird concept, just think of how you’d wear an A-line skirt, the silhouette is very similar.

Louis Vuitton top, Topshop culottes, Chloe shoes, Prada sunglasses.
By Victoria Adams

One of my favourite ways to style these voluminous bottoms is with a chunky sweater in winter but now that it’s finally getting warmer, I’d swap it for an oversized/boxy tops as they work perfectly on a small frame. I’m also considering getting a couple of tops that match my culottes to achieve a more uniform look. I wore these denim ones during a really warm day and opted for my beautiful Chloe sandals (similar from Topshop) just to add a bit of length.

If you are worried of looking short, as culottes do cut at your legs at an awkward point, my tip is to to keep it simple, avoid loud prints and wear heels or platforms. Here is a selection my favourite culottes available now:

• Blush pink from Topshop
• Like the white ones in the first pic? Whistles have a similar style.
• Reiss have the perfect pair for the evening
• If you love indigo denim check out Self Portrait

 Let me know what you think!