Culottes that didn't cost a lot - YouLookFab Forum

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Culottes that didn't cost a lot

Brooklyn

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Last year I got my first ever pair of culottes. I bought them from ASOS for a knock down price of 16 AUD. It's a look that I have only become interested in trying lately, and I wanted to avoid an expensive mistake. I deliberately picked a pair that looks like an A-line skirt because I like A-line skirts and it felt like a natural progression.

I had planned to wear them last spring but, as they are a heavy polyester, they proved too hot to wear in our warm weather. The weather is cooling down here now, so I have been giving them a trial. FWIW, here are my thoughts so far.

First, I like the "idea" of them very much. My husband says they look like a skirt gone wrong (what is it with men and culottes?) but I prefer to think of them as a skirt with a twist. Because they are so skirt like, it's hard to demonstrate in the photos that they are pants. But with movement they do indeed look and feel like pants.

Second, these culottes have a dropped crotch. Wow, what a revelation in comfort! No fabric clinging to the inner thighs or crotch area. Excellent! But the back view does take some getting used to. (Sorry harem pants lovers, but I think you know what I mean )

Outfit 1 (pics 1 and 2): I wore this outfit a couple of weeks ago. I was not entirely happy with it. I have worn an A-line skirt this way, but with cropped pants this look skewed too boyish for me. (I am sure many women could make this combination look fetchingly gamine, but that's not me.)

I decided I needed to ditch the ankle boots. I took a photo of the same outfit with tall boots that close the gap (pic 3), and felt much happier with the look. It seemed a bit softer (the boots are suede) and gave more of a 70s vibe (which I like).

Outfit 2 (pics 4-6): I wore this on a 17C/63F day this week (that's cold here, ha ha!). This is a pretty similar combination to outfit 1, but it was interesting how just switching one thing - the shoes - made me much happier with the outfit.

I am not sure yet whether I will invest in a better quality pair or a summer pair. But it has been a worthwhile trial because, if I do get another pair, I will get a longer pair so that the gap is not such an issue.

Your thoughts welcome

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Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

viva

Veteran

These look great on you, Brooklyn! I can see how the tall boots were more "you" -- definitely a more 70s vibe there. I would have worn either version happily. Terrific outfits!!

RobinF

Veteran

You always look so polished! I love these and do like them best with the tall boots. I am not really used to the booties with skirt look yet I guess, although you could definitely make it work! I know what you mean about the dropped crotch - I have some sweat pants that have a slouchy crotch and they are my absolute favorites for hanging around the house.

Mirjana

Veteran

Great culottes, suit you excellent. All outfits are wonderful, especially like with boots, definitely retro. You look gorgeous as usual.

Bijou

Veteran

You look fantastic. I have to laugh at your husband's comments, that is exactly the sort of thing my husband would say! I really like both the long and shorter boot. The ankle boot is definitely more of a warmer weather option. Your new leather jacket is simply divine.

shedev

Veteran

I like them with both pairs of boots.

Joy

Veteran

You look stunning as always. I like them on you both ways, but especially with the suede, taller boots. The black and cream jacket is so cleaver with the dark side panels. I want one!

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I like both versions, but I can see how the tall boots might feel more "you." I also think the tall boot version feels more autumnal, so that might be where your mind is right now. The bare legs could seem more appealing come spring.

Angie

(website)

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KILLER

Anonymous

These are great - and I like them with both shorter and taller boots. You're right though about the back view of dropped crotch pants: therer is nothing nice about them. I wore a pair too today, and covered my *** with a jacket and longer top.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Hah! I missed that about the back view. My husband was traveling for business this week, and I sent him pics of the EF slouchy pants for his opinion. He said, "You didn't send the back view." I was like, "Nope...and you're not going to like it."

Anonymous

These are so good on you! I actually prefer the outfits with the shorter boots. I think the open toe variety that you see in your find would be even more fabulous.

I also like the tall boots, and actually that's the look I prefer for myself too. Maybe the shorter boots is just for pictures and the taller ones are for real life.

The chevron top completes the look perfectly.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks Smittie. I did wear them with open toe shoes last year when I first bought them in spring and I liked that better than the closed ankle boots. But the pants were too hot. I think pumps would work too if I was into them. I definitely think if the culottes were longer I would like the ankle boots better. The tall boots are better now for our cooling weather, as Jenn mentions.
Jenn and Lisa, thanks for chiming in. I initially took a photo of the back view for posting but then I self censored. I have my limits! I have a male colleague who constantly teases me about what I wear (I dread the day he discovers I have been posting here) and he is yet to comment on the culottes. It will be dynamite when he does. But they are super comfy. Lisa, I have tried my gilet with them, to cover my ***.
Angie! Thanks for chiming in from the Netherlands. And thank you for the K too I hope all is going well on your visit.
Thanks Bijou. The jacket is actually a wool jacket from last year. But yes, rather similar to my new leather jacket. Is there a pattern here??? I think I can justify the duplication because the wool jacket is for work and the leather jacket is longer (better with jeans). And I think men feel cheated by culottes - like it "should" be a skirt. Why???
Thanks Viva. You do gamine so well. I can see you in the first version.
Thanks RobinF. I was a latecomer to the ankle boots with skirts thing (I have big feet and I didn't like the way it highlighted them) but I am on board with that now. Maybe I will come around to this look also.
Thanks Mirjana and Shedev.
Thanks Joy. I love the jacket. It's a fun statement piece.

Jeanie

Veteran

I think you look chic in all the outfits. Well done!

Sal

Veteran

I like these a lot - and think the tall boots are fab with them. The chevron top looks great with them - that shorter length is just right.

I think you could wear a sandal with them, especially with a heel, but maybe even a brogue? But itf the fabric is hot then a tall boot is better!!

I think a lower contrast ankle boot might be easier than the black one because the horizontal lines do attract the eye?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look amazing in these. Of course I must admit I am a huge culotte fan, but seriously. Nodding with Sal -- the chevron top is a perfect match with these.

I hear you about the booties. With your slim build and slender long legs, it looks fine to my eye ... but I can understand your preference for the taller boot. I agree with those who say these would be absolutely fine with a sandal bootie -- somehow that strip of skin makes a difference. But if fabric weight will not allow, that limits things. I also agree with Sal that a lower contrast (bookending your hair) bootie would work perfectly. Then you'd probably have to choose a different top.

I don't have harem pants but I do have a pair of "sarong" shorts from Zara that are similar to this in a way. They are a bit shorter than these (which works for my proportions) and also have a bit of a dropped crotch thing going on. I ADORE these "shorts." They're polyester which limits their wear in our high summer, but I can wear if going to an AC place or in evenings and I can wear in spring/ fall and they are brilliant for travel. I like them with sandal booties in particular. I will post the Find (old and you won't be able to purchase now, alas) and see if I can also hunt out some outfits. They're similar in that you really can't tell it is "pants" until I move. I cannot tell you the number of compliments I have received on this item (from women, admittedly). Seriously, though -- every time I wear them someone comes up to me and asks me where I got them. And they are 3 or 4 seasons old and still feel current. Janet also has them.

Found a YLF get-together photo -- Alaskagirl, me, Michelle, Runcarla, Merwoman!

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Brooklyn

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Thanks Suz. What a great photo! I love those sarong shorts. We are almost twins because I have a similar pair from monki, with a slightly dropped crotch. I liked them so much I bought a second (better quality) pair from witchery the next summer. I love the wrap effect, which is why I thought the culottes would work for me. If the fabric of the culottes were more lightweight, sandals would definitely be a goer.

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Suz

(website)

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Oh, cool! Yes, these are quite similar. I guess your culottes are a bit wider and more A-line. In any case, it's a great silhouette for you.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks Sally. I am on the hunt for some neutral coloured ankle boots. I just bought these from Styletread and I am still deciding whether to keep or return them. I like the colour and the high shaft but I am not sure about the front zip. I agree lower contrast may make a difference. I am not really into brogues. I think that would also skew too boyish for me. I think I need something softer with the pants. With a skirt, it would be another story.
And thanks for chiming in Jeanie.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Thanks again Suz. We cross posted. Yes, I do like the A-line. There is something fun and unexpected about the fact that it looks like a skirt but wait, no, it's pants!

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like all outfits. But I think I can see why you prefer tall boots. You have the legs for ankle boots with skin showing but maybe it just doesn't feel right. It feels wrong on me when I have tried it, but I am older with shorter legs. I will do shorter skirts with booties and actual tights ( not leggings) come winter. Chevron top looks great and jacket on outfit 2 is awesome.