Wow! Thank you all for your feedback...lots of great ideas and what a mixture of likes and dislikes. I was really hesitant to post at all, especially pictures, because all the things I try to hide were on offer. I thought the culottes would look better with a tucked blouse, so as not to hide the details of the waist and pleats. Then I remembered I never tuck and have very few short tops that would get the proportions correct without tucking. I also tried body con tops/sweaters that I am not so comfortable wearing right now, because, unlike my big/drapey tops, they CAN tuck. The top in 3,4 and 5 is an orphan AllSaints in burgundy that finally can come out and play with my new burgundy boots, so YAY. It's a very loose knit, so can be semi tucked or not, as the transparency doesn't interrupt the lines as much.
Una - no, I haven't tried the Teddies but it sounds like I should. They do look great on you.
Traci - great analysis of the fit situation. I could order a larger size and try, but even these have a ton of extra room in the seat and hip, such that there's a weird creasing over the cheek that happens when I walk (or so I"ve been told). If I had a tailor that understood fashion, I might be inclined to see if there are alterations that don't completely redesign them, but get them to a more flattering state.
Suz - to be honest, the only reason I posted and didn't slink off after this try-on session was in case it helped anyone else make a decision on these, one way or the other. Would love to see them on you.
Gaylene - interesting analysis, I'm having trouble picturing the seam modification you describe, possibly because I know nothing about clothing construction. They have a lot of extra fabric mid-hip, which makes them baggy on the butt.
I haven't returned them yet, so will ruminate a little more on the options.
