Hi AG,
I just bought a pair of grey culottes with an elastic waist very similar to these at Totokaelo. Mine have more detail; they have assymetric panels set in that give an irregular hemline and there is a diagonal "skirt" flap (like you see on some drop crotch pants)in the front. I wore mine for the first time yesterday and got a few compliments from SAs (and a wolf whistle - I must be doing something right, LOL) I wore mine with black suede ankle boots very much like the ones below, with dark hose. (To my surprise, my knee high boots, both the ankle-tight ones and the wide ankle ones, looked wrong)
http://www.retailtherapy.nl/wp.....lottes.jpg
When I put the culottes on yesterday morning, the elastic waist had me stumped for a bit. Tucking and belting didn't seem right, neither did wearing a top fully out . I finally settled on a long black cotton cami which I wore out in a sideways halftuck on the diagonal. This really worked with the diagonals and the assymmetry of the culottes. I did the same thing a few weeks ago with my ice-grey silk blouse over silk harem pants, and it looks really modern - and flattering too. I am a total convert to the diagonal half tuck now, it really vibes with the current assymetrical aesthetic. All you need to do this is a top that is soft enough to drape when you scrunch it up at one side.
I also wore a grey waterfall cardigan over, loose. I think you do have to consider what jacket you would wear over this look, and the view from the back is also important as Clarissa says. Like any garment, it won't suit everyone. But I am thrilled to bits with mine.
