Ask Angie & ALL: Are These Silk Pants Qualified As Culottes? K/R

Hi Angie and all,

Recently I found these Prada silk pants in a thrift store, and I wonder what you think of the style, fit and the pattern. The quality is great - 100% silk, lovely drape and sheen and no signs of wear. I think they are a tad roomy around my waist, but not more than what can be remedied with a belt. My idea is to wear them as culottes with cropped/short tops and toppers, pumps, sandals and boties with heels, maybe even with sneakers if I dare. I wish they were even roomier, but otherwise I quite like them.

I'm reluctant to do any major alterations, but I can of course have them hemmed if that is an improvement. They were not super cheap, so I think they should be at least a "9" to earn their place in my wardrobe. What do you think?

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Ingunn I would probably call these cropped pants as to my way of thinking culottes are generally wider in the leg. but that just may be my understanding and not correct. I think I like them. My immediate response to them was to add a blazer and pumps (not wedges) and you would have a really modern and elegant outfit.

Ingunn

(website)

Deborah, thank you for sharing your qualified opinion. I think you are right about the definition - culottes are shorter and wider I guess. But I find it encouraging that you don't dismiss them entirely. I'm adding a couple of quick pics, one with a blazer, one with a moto, both with silver kitten heel pumps. What do you think? I'm aware that the heels are low, but I have to keep it real. I never wear pumps with high heels at all except when at parties (which are way too rare).

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

Understand about the heel height. These shoes look great. I like both looks but really love the moto jacket with the pants. This makes me think of some of the fab outfits I see on Street style blogs or the photos we see from people at the various fashion weeks. You could vary your tops too. A button down could look good, a short sleeve cropped turtleneck??

This is fun:) I'll try with a button down, and maybe booties? I don't own any cropped turtlenecks, and my only turtleneck is in action on DD today. But I have a navy cropped sleeveless top that could be an alternative. Thank you again, Deborah!

Anonymous

I think they look promising! Love the moto styling.

ETA just found this pic on Pinterest

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

Suz

They are beautiful cropped pants. Not culottes. I feel very hesitant about the length. I am not sure about that. Hoping Angie weighs in.

texstyle

I may have a sugar eye for the navy and the pattern but I immediately liked them with that simple white top - it just makes me feel "summer" when I see them.

approprio

I love these, they could be a wonderful addition to the sumer wardrobe. I'd wear them with flats though, penny loafers or lightweight oxfords for a contemporary look.

Love these -- especially with the moto jacket! You are getting great suggestions here.

Susie

I have a bit of a poison eye for cropped pants but I like these on you. I especially like them with the moto but I'd prefer to see a more casual shoe with that styling.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I don't think they are wide enough for culottes, Ingunn. Kind of neither here nor there - especially in the bold pattern which accentuates their silhouette.

Sorry to be a wet blanket. To my eye, untra trendy styles have to look DELIBERATE. (Like high waisted cropped pants have to be sufficiently cropped and super high in the waist). If they don't, they look like "dated non-style", for lack of a better description.

I vote take them back if you can.

Thanks, all! This has been very educational for me. I think my initial plan - to keep looking for a pair of shorter, wider culottes, possibly in white or caramel - will be put into action and these will be returned. Even though they are not all that bad, they are not a 9 or 10. I might very well end up without culottes, which will be fine, too.

Angie, thank you for being so clear. You've put words to my inner anxciety about these, and now everything fell into place. I like the silk more than anything else with them: the fit is only so-so, they are not wide enough, and I prefer a shorter length. The lux silk swayed me, I guess, even in this bold pattern:) Next!

unfrumped

I think you're on track. They are not "cheeky" enough and the proportions don't grab attention either way. I also think the pattern is a little too big for ideal, even if you wanted to rock some cool patterned pants.

Category