Wide-legged cropped pants, commonly known as culottes, might have you scratching your head at how to style them. However, did you know that there are tons of ways to make these super comfy pants look elegant, stylish and more appealing?
While culottes have been making a major comeback recently, you may be surprised to learn that they’ve been around since the late Middle Ages. Originally worn by gentlemen of the European upper-classes, culottes were normally closed and fastened about the leg, to the knee, by buttons, a strap, and buckle, or a draw-string.
Culottes can make a great style statement without compromising your comfort. Perhaps these celebrities will convince you to give them a chance.
1. Katherine Heigl in Business Casual Culottes
The 36-year-old looked ready to conquer the world in her tan culottes that she wore with a long coat, white button-down shirt and a pair of metallic pumps. This outfit can easily turn into your workday favorite!
Katherine Heigl leaving her hotel in Manhattan wearing sunglasses, long peach coat, cropped pants and gold patterned shoes in New York on November 13, 2014
2. Jennifer Lopez in High-Waisted Pleated Gaucho Pants
The American Idol judge went to work wearing chic Alice + Olivia high-waisted pleated gaucho pants. She teamed them up with her Naeem Khan Pre-Fall 2014 gold chain top and Giuseppe Zanotti suede ankle-strap platform pumps.
The embellished top added just the right amount of wow factor to her look!
Jennifer Lopez arriving at the Hollywood week auditions in high-waisted pleated gaucho pants at The Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on October 29, 2014
3. Rita Ora in Patchwork Culottes
The British singer saw it fit to match her Whistles ‘Hoshiko’ patchwork culottes with a matching Whistles ‘Mitsu’ bandeau top. With that much confidence, even a completely matchy ensemble is stylish and chic.
When leaving the event, Rita Ora also rocked a ‘Hoshi’ check coat from the same brand and a pair of Fendi ‘Iridia’ PVC ankle-strap sandals.
Rita Ora wearing Whistles ‘Hoshiko’ patchwork culottes with a matching Whistles ‘Mitsu’ bandeau top
Rita Ora switches on Westfield Christmas Lights and performs for fans at Westfield London on November 3, 2014
4. Alexa Chung in Wide Leg Cropped Wool Pants
The TV personality recently launched her new line of nail polish wearing black Vilshenko ‘Tania’ wide leg cropped wool pants and a matching embroidered wool Vilshenko ‘Sofia’ jacket.
Alexa Chung wearing an embroidered wool Vilshenko ‘Sofia’ jacket and wide leg cropped wool pants
Alexa Chung attends a photocall to launch Nails Inc: The Alexa Editions at Selfridges on November 20, 2014 in London, England
5. Jennifer Lawrence in Flowy Culottes
The ‘Mockingjay’ actress also rocked a pair of culottes during Paris Fashion Week in a head-to-toe Christian Dior ensemble. She partnered the flowy charcoal wool pants with a pink cropped top.
Jennifer Lawrence wearing flowy culottes at the Christian Dior show at the Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2014 in Paris on July 1, 2013
6. Victoria Beckham in Comfy Black Culottes
As for David Beckham’s better half, she wore her Victoria Beckham culottes with a cropped white shirt and cropped knitted vest also from her fashion label. She capped off her look with a pair of Casadei ‘Blade’ suede pumps.
Victoria Beckham attends the Vogue party in black comfy culottes during London Fashion Week SS14 at on September 15, 2013 in London, England
7. Mila Kunis in Wide-Leg Pants
The popular American actress wore a belted Brunello Cucinelli jumpsuit with ribbed knit bodice and poplin legs.
Mila Kunis hit the red carpet while attending STX Films’ presentation at 2017 CinemaCon at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on March 28, 2017
Mila Kunis styled the look with Santoni ‘Brigitte’ ankle strap sandals, earrings, and bracelets by EF Collection and EFFY Jewelry, as well as rings by Sara Weinstock and Graziela Gems.
Mila Kunis in a belted Brunello Cucinelli jumpsuit with ribbed knit bodice and poplin legs
We don’t know about you but these outfits made us want to try wearing culottes. We even spotted some cute pairs in our favorite stores. How would you like to wear these?
1. Rebecca Taylor Splashy Flower Print Culottes, $350.00 at Shopbop
Deep pleats and a wide-leg silhouette lend a relaxed feel to fluid, mid-weight crepe Rebecca Taylor culottes. A painterly floral print rendered in muted tones lends graphic versatility.
2. Tibi Escalante Stripe Pleated Pants, $795.00 at Shopbop
Deep pleats create a cool, swingy profile on these striped Tibi trousers.
3. Solace London Cort Culotte Pants, $229.50 at Shopbop
These cropped Solace London pants have an exaggerated, wide-leg profile for dramatic volume.
4. Tibi Pleated Wide Leg Leather Pants, $1100.00 at Shopbop
Pleating accentuates the cropped, wide-leg cut of these leather Tibi pants.
5. Whistles Allover Lace Culotte Pants, $255.00 at Shopbop
In this season’s modern length, these lace pants are sure to become a wardrobe staple.
6. Issa Judy Wide Leg Pants, $270.00 at Shopbop
These creased ISSA trousers have modern proportions with a cropped, wide-leg profile.
7. Creatures of the Wind Proxi Culottes, $405.00 at Shopbop
Rich, substantial faille composes these Creatures of the Wind trousers, which cut a retro, wide-leg silhouette.
Who do you think looked best in culottes? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
Credit: TNYF / WENN / Cousart / JFXimages / Joe / Credit: Lia Toby / Craig Harris / Judy Eddy