Styling the controversial culottes. Long and pic heavy.

Yesterday I posted a few more items from NAS.

The Chelsea 28 denim culottes were a controversial item. Thank you so much for your honest responses. I saw what many of you saw, looking at those photos. Her thighs are bigger than her waist, my mum once said of me. And stubby legs., too. But hey, if you've got it, flaunt it, right?  ;)

In all seriousness, I am highly motivated to see if these can work, for these reasons:

  • Angie particularly encouraged me to try them after seeing them on several clients. 
  • I have a casual lifestyle and wear denim almost every day, so refreshing my denim capsule is the easiest and most practical way for me to refresh my style each autumn. 
  • They are surprisingly comfortable!! I am usually against stretch in jeans but in these, I actually like it. 
  • Plus, it's a hassle to return.   :) 

Greater love hath no woman for her wardrobe than to try on clothes on a stinking hot day. I apologize for the lighting. I did my best and over exposed a bunch, which does tend to make the distressing look more obvious. 

Herewith a few potential ways I might wear these if I keep. 

1/2  I bought this Land's End pullover for my late mother. I loved seeing it on her (she looked spectacular in it) and so I saved it after she died. (I have the cardigan, too, so it's a twinset.)  It's petite, so too short to wear with lower rise pants. I thought it might work here. 

3. Thrift store 60s brocade shell with the same Okalas.

4. Club Monaco split back tank and different Okalas. I tried to get a photo of the rear but it went all blurry; I guess I moved. 

5. Zara batwing silk/cotton sweater and Topshop Jolenes. 

6. For a cozy at-home day -- Zara slipper booties and J. Crew toile sweatshirt. 

7. Sailor style outfit for late spring -- J. Crew tee and Topshop sandals. 

8. With the gilet? Maybe too many things going on here. Not sure. Anyway, underneath is a slim fitting layering t-neck -- that type of top works easily with the culottes. 

9. Semi-tucked blouse and darker booties for fall. 

10. Trying with my Reiss jacket. 

11. Deep winter -- super heavy Theory woollen asymmetrical cropped sweater. You can't really get a sense of the asymmetry here, alas, but it's angled to one side. 

12. Pinned up about 1. 5 inches (to the end of the let down hem) with booties. This makes them much less wearable in my climate as a year round item. 

13. With the Jolenes, pinned. 

Are your opinions the same or different now that you have seen them styled? 

Also -- if I get these (and like them) I might also seek out a plainer dark wash wide leg pair of crops similar to the ones Angie sported today, or a pair of J. Crew Teddies, which seem to work extremely well on many body types. 

Thank you for reading and looking! 

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

81 Comments

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    These are great. I personally like best where you can see ankle.

  • Joyce B replied 8 years ago

    I think you styled them very nicely. I love them with the two flower tops and also with your special mum's sweater.
    The cold weather versions are great, too.
    The only one that gives me a little hesitation is number 7 because the different color of the ribbing on the waist changes the proportions and shortens your torso.
    Enjoy your culottes, they are great for your style!

  • Traci replied 8 years ago

    I think you're into something in pics 8-12, where the semi tuck effect breaks up the hip line. I found them way more flattering in the pics where that's going on, rather than the straight crop tops.

  • Chris987 replied 8 years ago

    Most of these looks are really good. I LOVE that LE floral top! I don't often love floral prints but that one is really nice. I also recognize that stripes-split-down-the middle top, which I tried on in a red version which I didn't like nearly as much as your blue one.

    Not sure about the gillet look, looks a little "choppy" proportionally. Maybe if you had no skin showing above your boots (tights underneath or something) it would look better. Could be just too much going on as you suggested.

    3, 4,5, and 6 to me are the least flattering. Something about proportion and making the thigh area really stand out. Nothing wrong with your thighs at all but proportionally these outfits seem unbalanced. I'm not a fan of the cropped flare on myself so I'm probably biased. :-)

    You really are tuned into the seasons, aren't you! Every one of these looks is designed for a specific season...I'm impressed!

  • Barbara Diane replied 8 years ago

    Suz, what do you see when you look at the photos one by one and pretend it's not you?
    I can see by the effort put in that you really want them to work. Are you trying too hard to make them work or do you love them and want to keep them and are trying to convince yourself or us? Would you be happier in something that's not distressed? Is it such a pain to return that you want to keep it and they are JFE? If they are so comfy are you happy to wear them and then decide if they were truly a keep or not?
    I have some items I'm trying to decide about also. :) And I have my own body issues that don't give me the best judgement on this particular one.

  • El Cee replied 8 years ago

    Well Suz, I love them on you. (I admit to being biased as I am an enormous fan of culottes and have jumped on this trend without hesitation.) I think you have styled them beautifully and brilliantly. I agree with you about what you said here: "I have a casual lifestyle and wear denim almost every day, so refreshing my denim capsule is the easiest and most practical way for me to refresh my style each autumn." My lifestyle is similar and updating my denim capsule -- especially with respect to silhouettes -- is always a great investment. One of the wonderful things about culottes is that they can be worn three (if not four) seasons. I have been wearing mine all summer long and also wore them throughout the winter with tall riding boots.

  • catgirl replied 8 years ago

    I'm still not a fan even though I can see the effort you've made here - and I rarely dislike anything on you! - but if you love them, my opinion is not that significant. You do not have large thighs, woman.

    The culottes I tried and rejected without even posting were much the same on me - and it's not easy to make me look larger on the bottom half.

    Carry on!

  • Janet replied 8 years ago

    Barbara Diane makes excellent points. And her last sentence applies for me as well.

    I wonder if you may be happier with a version of these without the fading/distressing. My original opinion on these stands, although I readily admit that my own bias and struggles are partly to blame, and the one person who really matters here is YOU! How do you feel wearing these? That's the bottom line. Actually, I like the long gilet with these the best because the proportions look long in a very intentional way -- just like how I seem to prefer my cropped flares on me the best with a long jacket, since the proportions mask my own short torso issues.

  • Liz A. replied 8 years ago

    Ok, this might be a weird thing to say, and maybe it's actually true, but are you leaning back in many of these pictures?  I get the distinct impression of your lower half being thrust forward.  Maybe it's the pants?

    Anyways, I find 11 and 12 the most flattering of the bunch.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    WOOOHOOO. You are a SPORT. Thank you for your outfit creation session despite the heat. Adore you. 

    I think these denim culottes are Killer Fabulous. Soooo fun, and very different to what you have. I would absolutely tell you if I thought they didn't work, Suz. LOVE the way you've styled them here. Everything looks great to my eye.

    (When you break up the line with the semi-tuck, you are shortening the length of the rise, which makes things look more proportionate. That's what people are reacting favourably to). 

    They look as good pinned shorter as they do full length. The former is more traditionally flattering, the latter more dramatic and JFE. Cutting off the distressing makes for a more streamlined look. Your call. 

    I am also going to be a spanner. I like the straight hems on your waistline as much as the slanted semi-tucks. Maybe even more judging by my faves. My favourites here are #1, 3, 6, 9 and 13. More fashionable and fresh somehow. But every styled rendition looks great, Suz. 

    And I also think you should retry the butt vest. I am not joking. 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    El Cee, you are my best cheerleader!! :)   

    For me these would be pretty much a spring/ fall/ and winter item IF I can get the footwear for winter sorted or it seems good as is -- and only in their longer iteration. Shorter, and I could not wear them in winter. I probably would not wear in summer as our summers are too hot for denim most of the time. 

    Barbara Diane, good points. I'm experimenting with stylings because that's how I find out if something works or not and I need to take photos because I don't have a good full length mirror right now. The only way I stretch my style is by doing this kind of thing. 

    That's an excellent question, though -- would i be happier with something not distressed. Hmm. I think I might like BOTH, assuming these are JFE. And it sounds like opinions are still divided on that! 

    I ought to say that I am part of El Cee's club. I LOVE culottes and have loved them since they emerged but have been trying and failing to find "my" perfect pair. This summer I found, on incredible discount, a black sequinned pair, of all things -- but those are obviously not for daily wear. 

    Chris, that is interesting. So you and Traci do not care for the cropped tops. 

    Joyce, good point about the ribbing on that top. 

    Rachy, I think I agree with you and wonder if it limits their usefulness to me since I would need to wear with booties in cooler weather (which is mostly all the time here, ha!) 

  • Diana replied 8 years ago

    I think these look good on you.  I like 1/2, 3/4, 8,9,11,12.  And for once I know exactly why I like these (probably because it's exactly the same thing I go for with bottom-half-emphasizing things).  It's because they all have strong shoulder lines (either from the shape/structure of the top or in the case of the striped top the horizontal lines) to balance out the larger silhouette on the bottom. 

    To my eye, #5 doesn't work so well because of the straps of the top tilting inward at the top, which creates a triangular sort of shape which visually narrows the top part.   The grey top and the printed sweatshirt don't have defined shoulder lines.  And the turtleneck by itself also makes a slight triangular effect because of the high narrow neck.  (I think with the blazer over it, the strong shoulders of the blazer balance it back out.) 

    I didn't see the original post, but... how do you feel in these?  One reason why I personally (for myself) dislike denim culottes or wide legs is that denim just feels so bulky and stiff with all that fabric; I much prefer culottes and wide legs in softer fabrications.  (But keep in mind I also don't really like very thin, stretchy denim for unrelated reasons so all the denim culottes I'd be trying would be in more traditional denim-y feeling fabrics.) 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Oops, looks like Angie and El Cee are tied for best cheerleader!! :) 

    Una, Janet, thanks for your honesty. So interesting how differently different people will see something, right? And yeah, our own issues do affect that, no doubt. 

    Liz, I'm not exactly leaning back but I do have one foot forward in a number of the photos and the camera may be angled improperly, a bit. I struggled to get it set up right again today. Daughter has been messing with it. 

    Angie, yes, I have a long rise, and the rise on the pants is high so that emphasizes the fact. (They're not snug in the rise, though -- the cut is fine for me).

    I actually feel the way you do -- I don't mind the short cropped tops one little bit. But that is because I'm a lot more sensitive about my shortish legs than about my short waist -- I never realized a short waist was a problem! (Or that I had one, for that matter, since my rise is so weirdly long). Being small breasted means a short waist is really not such a difficult thing, but I think those who struggle with that modifier might strongly dislike seeing it on others. I tried a full asymmetrical skirt last year with cropped tops and also tucking, and many responders hated it. (You weren't around that day and did not comment so I don't know how you would have viewed it; I returned the skirt anyway as impractical.) 

    How do you feel about the booties vs. shoes showing ankles? That might be the clincher for me. I really need them to work with covered ankles as well as bare, and like Rachy, I think maybe they look better with bare ankles. 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Diana, really interesting insights -- thank you! And yes, because you are thinking about shoulder balancing, you would understand what others might only intuit. Very cool. 

    These actually feel amazing on!! I normally hate stretch denim and normally prefer a sort of drapey fabric for wide pants but these to my surprise feel really good. They feel a lot better than they look, to tell the truth. 

  • RoseandJoan replied 8 years ago

    #9 makes my heart sing, the proportions are very fresh and deliberate which makes these trousers a slam dunk with your cranberry wool coat come fall. You could also try to layer with your dresses to see if those work.

    On the whole I wish I could see these on you in motion. In the photos these read as a skirt but in motion you will see these are trousers and the effect will be more dynamic.

    In summary I do see the potential.

  • Diana replied 8 years ago

    Coming back to add that interestingly, the short/high waist look does not bother me at all on you, even though it's a big dealbreaker for me.  I think it's because you are built straighter than me through the waist area, so it just looks fashionably high-waisted on you whereas on me it looks like "hey look my waistband starts right below my bra!". 

  • Ledonna N. replied 8 years ago

    Ummmmm I love these that is all....

    well 9 is the best picture

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    I love them on you Suz! Count me on team cheerleader ^^ I much prefer the straighter cropped hems, and my favorites are the similar to Angie: 1, 3, 7, 9. 11 is coming in close behind, and I would like to see 8 swapped with metallic footwear. Also prefer the longer length; more like "cropped wide pants" vs. "culottes" though I am sure the distinction isn't, like, the most important thing ever ;)

    Interesting about the short waist thing you wrote; I could have written that word-for-word! There must be something about the strong shoulder, small chest, short waist, long rise combo (all of which I also have). Throw in technically petite but doesn't wear petites, to boot.

  • AviaMariah replied 8 years ago

    I'm not super crazy about these in the pictures but I wonder if I would like them better in motion.  I like the pictures where you're standing so I can see "air" between your legs (which is probably kind of an awkward stance) but I think this would happen naturally as you move around.  You obviously like them and you have Angie's blessing so I think you should go for it!  

    ETA: I think they give me a jean skirt vibe when I can't see between your legs and I have a huge poison eye for long jean skirts.  Again, I think this would be negated IRL.  Can't wait to see how you wear these this coming year.  :)

  • El Cee replied 8 years ago

    I would never guess from these culotte outfits that you have shorter legs. They look a mile long in these photos. One other thing I did not mention in my first post is that adding culottes to my wardrobe has given new life to my previously orphaned shorter/cropped sweaters and tops. So I really like what you have done here with your own stylings. You have treated the culottes in the way you might treat a trumpet style midi skirt. You have given me more ideas. Like Angie -- I really like the straight hems on your waistline. To my eyes, they are as flattering as the semi-tucked versions. Count me as another culotte-wearing spanner. :-)

  • skylurker replied 8 years ago

    I still find them unflattering. After seeing all the pics and Angie's own straight pair, at least I understand what's bothering me now : it's the dramatic flare of these. I'm not a fan of long flare jeans either.
    To be clear, I don't see big thighs, I see wide jeans, and I don't see stubby legs, I see too short, I mean, cropped jeans - which btw I find great in summer but which look seasonally confused to me in winter so that might influence my negative opinion here, too.

  • replied 8 years ago

    I like them better longer! Quite a lot better. Of course, Angie will have the final say though. :)
    Love the spring version with the tulips!
    Love the gilet and blazer versions!
    Love the super stripes version!

  • replied 8 years ago

    Love the Victorian version too. I just love that top.
    For the gilet version, I would wear a simpler boot.

  • Sara L. replied 8 years ago

    I really like these!  I have to admit that I was ready to hate them after reading your post and some of the comments.  I think they look good on you and like both the bare ankle and bootie looks.  I really like the cropped pant and bootie look right now though - it's somewhat of a sugar eye.

  • claire replied 8 years ago

    I'm on Team Cheerleader too, I love these on you. But I have a preference for the longer length with the frayed hem. Darn, now I want denim culottes too...

  • texstyle replied 8 years ago

    I feel like I see the same thing skylurker said - they just seem like a lot of jean, really big flares. But it's not like I'm one to wear new trends easily, so my opinion really shouldn't sway you much.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    VERY interesting. (Suz, I hope you are okay with all of this. A hundred opinions can be harmful rather than helpful, so hang in there and say your bit when you've had enough). 

    I'm high fiving El Cee, Aida, Ledonna, Diana, Sara, Crackers, Smittie and Jules. We seem to see the same thing here. 

    Loved Diana's insight on the strong shoulder line. 

    Thank you Janet, Una, Isabelle, Tex and Aviah for adding your own biases to your perceptions. I always appreciate that, and I know Suz does too. 

    Suz, I like BOTH the sliver of skin on the ankle and the lack thereof. The former is very "now", and the latter very '70s. 

    I look at #3 and it's hard for me to understand how that can be anything but Killer Stunning to anyone. I LOVE IT. The same outfit in #4 has shadows playing with the proportions which is quite distorting - take that pic out, perhaps. 

  • Karie replied 8 years ago

    Two to four inches above the ankle bone is where Angie said they should fall (I asked her in this morning's post). At their longest, that looks to be at least two inches. After seeing these styled, I like them at the longer length. I like them slightly better with some skin showing but I think they look great with no skin showing too. Your legs look a mile long in these. I say you've turned a "NEXT" into a "KEEP!"

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    I am still at work so can not comment in detail ( will come back later), but wanted to add that I am in the cheerleader team too and agree with everything Angie said.

  • Style Fan replied 8 years ago

    I love #3 and #4.  What a gorgeous top.  I also like the culottes with the gilet.  I am also a Denim Woman so I can see wanting new styles of denim.  Plus they are comfy.  Lots of pluses there.

  • replied 8 years ago

    My eye has not adjusted to this look.  I have a hard time liking them, but I defer to you and your preferences.  If you love them, then I am prepared to like them for you.  

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Sterling, I love your spirit. Thank you. It is very big of someone to ignore a poison eye!

    Style Fan, yes, I love this fun top. I got it for $5 at the thrift shop. A great buy with closet "longevity" as Angie says. 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Angie, I took the offending photo out. The difference was flash and no flash. I couldn't control whether it went off at one point.  

    It seems to some extent opinions are divided according to who like and who does not like culottes, period. And I get it about the flare. I think if I keep these, I would also (eventually) want a straighter leg darker wash version more similar to Angie's. 

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    Suz FWIW I think your winter is so looooong that if you have the footwear for it, you can absolutely swing this more trendy casual pair of cropped jeans as well as a dressier straighter pair like Angie's :)

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Jules, you have a great eye and appreciate fashion forward looks so I value your opinion!

    That is indeed interesting, Diana. I think it’s true that being a little bit straighter in build mitigates the effect.

    Ledonna, you are a sweetie.

    Aida, yes, we share some body type modifiers for sure. And I am relieved you like them at the longer length because it is so much more practical for my life.

    Avia Mariah — I get that. They don’t drape and swish the way some culottes would (because, denim) but they do show two legs. You might be reacting to the unileg effect the way that Angie does to maxi dresses.

    El Cee, yes, I was thinking that these might rescue a few near orphaned tops. Score!

    Isabelle, I value your opinion. I think you are right that they are not the most flattering item on me. At the same time, they might be just flattering enough. I am not sure yet.

    Smittie, you are a culottes lover!! :)  

    Sara, thanks - and thanks for letting me know it’s your sugar eye, too.

    Crackers, go for it!!

    Texstyle, I hear you. They do seem like a big flare at some angles.

    Angie, I am TOTALLY okay with the range of opinions here. It is all grist for the mill and I’m not sensitive on this point. In the end I will decide based on how they feel and whether I can make outfits that I enjoy. I think both are in the affirmative right now.

    Karie, yes, I think they are abotu 2 inches above — i will measure. I have short legs so 2 inches is like 4 inches on a taller person.

    Tanya, thank you!

  • Runcarla replied 8 years ago

    I prefer the longer length and think the cropped tops and gilet combination are the best, but all of the looks work. The fact that you have come up with so many options demonstrates the versatility. I think this is a bottom you should add to your collection. My only caveat is would a dark wash feel more 'you' vs the faded rendition? Or do you have the closet space and budget for more than one pair of this style?

  • marianna replied 8 years ago

    I'm late to chime in, but I'll join the group of cheerleaders because I think these are exceptionally FABULOUS. I mean, honestly, if you want trendy denim, THIS IS IT. Love them on you. Elegant, sassy, stylish, different, confident. Really really love them.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Well, Marianna -- thank you! That about does it. :) 

    Carla, I'm encouraged you like the longer length, too, because as you know that makes them easier for us. 

    I think a dark wash would feel more flattering. I have a feeling that it will come down the pipe pretty soon at a reasonable price point. On sale, these were considerably less than a pair of GAP jeans, so not a major chunk of my budget -- which is another reason to keep, given their high quality. Aida's right that I could easily enjoy and use two pairs of similar pants -- one dressier and one more casual. 

    I just retired 3 pairs of jeans and put another in the holding zone. 

  • shedev replied 8 years ago

    They look like a fun style refresh. I like them best with the long vest and longer tops.

  • rachylou replied 8 years ago

    Well I like the grey and red booties quite. The red ones have that V-cut that reveal a little ankle structure. And the grey - well they show clearly in pics, so I can see structure that way. The dark round toe booties - on my phone here everything from the knee down is one dark blur... Probably better IRL.

  • Marilyn replied 8 years ago

    I LOVE the first 4 pics with shorts sleeves/sleeveless tops and open footwear.  Just lovely!  I guess I like a bit of skin. :)

    I also like the look with the gillet but I would probably try a higher shaft bootie to close the gap more.

    pssst.....Don't tell anyone but after everything I said about the gillet I ended up buying the stupid thing. LOL  I tried it on just for kicks on the last Saturday of the sale and loved it.  Everyone around said I had to buy it....yada, yada.....and now it's in my closet.  It really is a fab piece.  Anyway, I tried it on yesterday with my BR cropped flares and it felt JFE to me.

  • Column replied 8 years ago

    1) Love them.
    2) Love them full length.
    3) Love them with cropped and fully tucked tops. Reining in volume on top balances the (trendy, beautiful) volume on bottom.
    4) Love footwear that contrasts with dark blue jeans and shows ankle slenderness. Maybe put a pair of silver, brown, cognac, nude, etc. high shaft bootie on your winter list.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Column, that silver bootie is definitely on my wish list!! :)  I, too, like them better with lighter footwear. Hmmm. 

    Marilyn, that is so funny!! We are gilet twins then!! Are you having it altered? We should meet up in the Ottawa Nordstrom's both wearing our wardrobe pets. :)  Also, I am with you -- skin helps everything. I only wish we could bare more of it in winters. Ugh, let's not even think about it. I worked out two years ago that the main reason I am less happy with my fall/winter style is the inability to show just a little skin.  :( 

    Rachy, there you go -- we like the same thing. Those booties (roundish toe) are the grey Aquatalias and they are a similar colour value to the jeans. 

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 8 years ago

    Sorry, but I am not a huge fan. It's certainly not because of the shape of your legs, though. I find something about the short hair at the top is skewing the balance of this look for me.

  • Runs With Scissors replied 8 years ago

    I loved them before and still love them now that you've styled them.  The only thing that doesn't work so well for me is where there's just a sliver of leg showing between the top of the boot and the bottom of the jeans.  More open shoes work, and so does footwear that comes up to (or beyond?) the cuff.  

    Incidentally these were on my rather long NAS wish list, but I let my husband prune a few of his least favorites because I really had too many things.  These pants were the first to go!   I think the look is too new for him. I need to give him some time, but eventually a pair may find its way to my house ...

  • catgirl replied 8 years ago

    Last comment and then I'll shut up.  I think Ummlila is onto something - it may be the camera angle that is causing me to see a reverse taper effect from top to bottom.  I am not culotte-averse, but I do find them a bit of a struggle especially when they are voluminous all over on a shorter or more delicate figure.  I would prefer that these not bell out starting as high as they do for that reason.  If I cover your head, it's hard for me to recognize you! 

    Now I'm just treating this as an academic exercise... Will zip it and comment no more!  I'm sure you will do these justice as you always do, especially since you've already styled them so many ways.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    The camera is about at hip height. I think that emphasizes the width of my hips and gives me a bit of a pin head, LOL. My head's actually quite large proportionately. 

    I should take a photo with my phone camera from that angle. It won't be a "true" image, either, but it would be fun to compare. It's dark here now so it will have to wait until tomorrow. 

    And Una, UmmLila -- I actually love to hear from those who do not care for them. I think you are seeing the same things that worried me initially in the photos -- but in fact they look a bit different in the mirror and feel really comfy and "me" -- which is usually a great sign, as is ease of styling. If you find you have a dozen tops that work and don't have to go buy a support act, well, that's pretty easy, right?  Especially for a new silhouette. 

    Do I think they are as flattering as a slim jean on my shape? No. Definitely not. But fun nevertheless. 

    Mr. Suz saw them in passing. He is smart enough to mostly keep his mouth shut when he knows I am experimenting with a new item but if he really dislikes something he will say so. Today he just smiled without comment so I guess they didn't offend him too terribly. Unlike poor RunswithScissors' husband his eye doesn't seem to need to adjust! 

  • DonnaF replied 8 years ago

    I'm wondering if the camera angle is a bit off and distorting your body as was mentioned a bit up thread? 

    I am generally a culotte fan, but I have mixed feelings about these:

    1.  These are fairly loose, so even at the original longer length (which I prefer), will they be warm enough?  I envision air going up the legs. . .

    2.  I wish the fading stopped higher up.  I am not a huge fading/distressing fan to begin with, but I'd like the fading to stop an inch or two higher.  Or not be faded at all (like Angie's).

    3.  I think the style of these are like really wide flares or wide leg crops.  When I think of culottes, I think of something wider at the hem, so perhaps therein lies the disconnect.

    How does it feel to be the queen of receiving (mixed) feedback?  I hope you're not feeling overwhelmed.  Sounds like you're leaning toward keeping these, especially after Angie's weigh-in.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Glad you're okay Suz, and if Marianna didn't seal the deal - I'm not sure who else can! (And Sterling is adorable). 

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Donna, I'm totally fine with the mixed feedback! I invited it. And I do have mixed feelings myself; the distressing is a bit more than I might like ideally. Still, the comfort is so great and the price so reasonable and I have a lot to wear with them. So I think I'll give them a bash. What's the worst that can happen? I'll look at a photo of myself 3 months from now and say what was I thinking, and put them in the donate bag? It's really not a lot to spend for a bit of fun in the wardrobe. It's the cost of 4 or 5 magazines (which I never buy, but whatever) or a couple of bottles of wine (which I do buy) or a lunch out. 

    I think another issue is what others have mentioned and you also refer to  -- they may be called culottes but that isn't really what they are. They're more like wide cropped distressed jeans. 

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    OK, I am back to comment in more details.  As mentioned, I love this on you for precisely the reasons you mention: they are fun and very different. My favorites are the first two outfits with cropped tops as well as the gilet outfit, simply stunning.  All the others look pretty good to me as well.
    Of course, I may be biased, because I already own a similar pair.  Mine is a bit shorter on me, minus the fancy the hem, but it is also distressed and has a similar vibe.  I love all the different footwear options you have for yours. I will mainly wear mine over fitted tall boots, very 70's, to satisfy the lab dress code police :)   I have also been playing with some possible looks and thought they were lots of fun. So much, in fact, that I have decided to turn two pairs of wide-legged pairs into two more pairs of culottes - one fairly dressy and high-waisted soft black denim, for a similar vibe to Angie's fantastic pair, the other one in tweed. I have not 100% decided on the tweed as the pants are lower-waisted which might present styling issues.  Either way, I need to post both soon for opinions and length advice, and I have no doubt I will receive very mixed reviews too.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Tanya, thank you. It will be great to compare. I think you should also do those eggplant velvet pants but maybe they are not wide enough to become culottes? 

    I share your misgiving about the lower waist. I have a great pair of wool Theory wide legs that I never wear as such for all the reasons we have moaned about so often (dripping hems, sigh) but I suspect I would wear them a lot as culottes. The only problem is that they are quite low waisted and I think that makes styling a lot more difficult for those of us with shorter legs. (Not that you ever look short legged to me, and I predict your willowy shape will mean you get more positive reviews than I did for these culottes!) 

    I also want to show my other culottes, bought for $26 on final sale from BR. They have a medium to low rise. They are quite structured because of the sequins. I wonder what people will say about them? I am completely unsure how I will wear them and I feel a bit like a mermaid in them, but I love them irrationally anyway. 

    It turns out that I have a sugar eye for culottes, I guess.  :) 

  • Marilyn replied 8 years ago

    Suz....Yes, the gillet needs to be shortened.  The SA said bottom of my knee and with it pinned up I think it looks good there.  Must get it done soon so it will be ready for fall.

    And yes, I too dread winter dressing.  I love bare arms, skirts with bare legs and open footwear.  Covering up and then layering a coat on top is just dreary ***sigh***.

  • Jaime replied 8 years ago

    Whoa - the culottes of controversy! I stopped reading the comments because I was losing track of my own thoughts, but I think it is great that everyone can not only express their view but can analyze the bias that might be informing it. Pretty evolved aren't we! So, well I love culottes, I like them long (and sometimes short) and the outfits I love here are #3 (great thrifted top!), #4, #6, #8,9,10 and 11. The lighter grey top is too unstructured somehow and I like the longer length of the culottes. My sore spot is more my mid to upper body than my legs. And I think these will be workhorses for you.

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    I am looking forward to embarking on the culotte adventure together, Suz :) The velvet pants are just going to be normal cropped kick flare pants, with real flare, so in a different category.

    Your sequin culottes are soo pretty!  They are going to make an excellent holiday piece.  I envision them with fitted black cashmere turtleneck or black lacy high-neck Victorian top.  I share your taste for sequin bottoms too, as I have black pencil skirt , mentioned in your Thoroughbred thread.

    I agree with you on difficulty on styling not-high waisted culottes for us not-quite long legged people ( now that is a strangely composed sentence if there ever was one).  For me, at least, the main trick are going to be heels. I am also thinking of trying to style mine  with either fitted shorter knit that just about covers the top of the waistband or with my black gilet so that the waist band is not the focus.  If I manage to get back from work earlier tomorrow, while there still is some decent light, I will try to take some photos.  Now I am thinking that your sequin culottes might look great with fitted simple black top, your gorgeous navy gilet and some fancy dark heels

  • Beth Ann replied 8 years ago

    Finally getting a moment to comment!

    I like these much better styled, Suz, and I like the longer length best.  I think the camera is highlighting the light/dark variation in the denim, and your camera placement is affecting the proportions too -- no complaints though, you heat-wave-fashion-survivor!

    I think the'll be lots of fun, and am looking forward to seeing them in action!

  • Cococat replied 8 years ago

    I'm awful at commenting on posts like this because I somehow can't get out what I want to say in fashion/style appropriate terminology! I'm going to try though because Suz, I love how you show us all your different styling options and invite (welcome) genuine feedback, positive or negative. That's courageous! :) I sat on my Anna W picture for 2 days before I finally decided to post it.

    So..I'm not one for culottes, never have been for some reason, and therefore have a biased eye...but your cold weather stylings are gorgeous (pics 8-11), so modern and striking. I love them on you, and I love that they're a little longer, almost like crops.

    Also, I can see that the camera angle seems to accentuate their width, and probably at eye height angle, this would disappear.

  • annagybe replied 8 years ago

    Ok, I skimmed through the comments.
    Don't hem.
    I love #3, that top is so on point at the length with the waist. But except those shoes, I'm personally over nude shoes, so that's my bias. You need something different, darker.

    ETA #6 looks really fresh to my eyes.

    I like the silver multi strap shoes with them, but not the semi tucked top. Admittedly I'm trying to get away from the semi tuck myself.
    I think mid calf boots in the winter also work.

  • Maneera replied 8 years ago

    Hey Suz. I love all the styling options!!! Actually, I can't find a single option that I don't like!

    I can understand (to some extent) why some Fabbers are still not loving these culottes on you. Culottes are not everyone's cup of tea!!! FWIW, I think you're rocking these. I really like them with the cropped tops (just love love love #1 &2) but I like them just as much with faux tucked sweaters.

    I think your style has the perfect mix of elegance & playfulness to be able to make these work! Plus your winter is sooooo dreadfully long, I think changing up your denims may be a good way to keep your wardrobe varied (since you have to wear sweaters & jackets no matter what).

    The culottes get a big THUMBS UP from me. I wouldn't hem them....I like this length and it looks practical too.

  • Caro in Oz replied 8 years ago

    Keep imo.  Particularly love #6. They will take you into winter with calf-high boots too.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 8 years ago

    Oh, my! How stunning, with the tulip top! And a sweet memento that you can now wear--yay!
    I like the culottes/jeans with all of these tops. The one I think is a little less fantastic looking is the gray pullover, which seems looser than the other options. I do like them with the long vest and close-fitting pullover. And I would leave them the length they are--super fab.

  • Sal replied 8 years ago

    I like them Suz, lots of fun and you have plenty of styling options.  I like them longer.  I think all the tops work, with footwear I either like sandals or your Okalas, or higher shaft boots without skin showing.  I suspect that will be how you will want to wear them in winter anyway, and with dark boots, dark socks or stockings will be worn I suspect.

    I do however think they look fab with sandals as well.  They may even work with sneakers, but I am not sure.  

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    (Lower rise culottes styling: Tucked top with a little heel. That's all!)

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    Thanks Aida, but that doesn't work on very long waisted creatures like me. On normally proportioned people, sure :)

  • Aida replied 8 years ago

    A lotta heel then? ;) My torso is long too though I think yours is longer and you're long waisted (I'm short). The other thing is to go a little shorter on the pant length with the lower rise.

  • Anna replied 8 years ago

    Well... I love them on you! You look happy wearing them.

  • Keix replied 8 years ago

    I'm late to this thread but want to say that based on my own experience wearing and then photographing wide-leg culottes (which I later returned because they were uncomfortable to sit in, but no matter)--the leg proportion is less overwhelming, somehow, in person than in the photos. I love the drama here and I think you pull it off; in fact you've inspired me to go culotte-searching again, since we share many of the same body modifiers.

  • Cerinda replied 8 years ago

    Late to the cheer squad…please just zip past if you've had enough

    Love them! Love them! Love them on you! Love your styling! Plus,
    what a great denim refresh!

    I adore them with the vintage shell; such a great piece! They’re
    smashing with the shiny Jolenes. But my favorite is with the gilet (intentionally pushing limits, yes!)!!! And I also like them with the Reiss jacket and Theory sweater.

    I vote longer.

    Suz, if you can pull this many outfits together in one day
    in crushing heat, just think of the multitude that’s going to evolve: magic.

  • anchie replied 8 years ago

    I like all the ways you styled them, but must say - to my surprise, love them the best with the gilet. And do not shorten them, longer length works better in my opinion. 

  • Colette replied 8 years ago

    I love your styling! You really had me at the first picture. How sweet that you are wearing your Mom's top, it looks fantastic on you. And the vintage brocade, pick me up off the floor. I do prefer the longer length with both heels and booties, so, I'm saying keep and have fun with them.

  • lyn67 replied 8 years ago

    Go lady go! They are a keeper especially as styled here! Love them longer (and pls. think about how they come up  so much more when seated!). I personally think the flare will soften on sides a bit(upon your legs)-may be they look a bit stiff here and I think  that  is the only reason which throws off some of our fabbers here:-).

  • replied 8 years ago

    I can't offer any new criticism or any criticism at all really because when I look at these all I see is Adorable. You really are a total package type of girl, the hair, the cute figure, the style, and the positivity.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago


    Anna, I so appreciate your detailed styling ideas!! You sent me off on a pinterest search as well. I know you have been wearing these things for years already and are probably bored to tears. 

    My eye agrees to some extent with you about the nude shoes. In real life I think they're a bit better because they're actually pale champagne gold that reads as nude on me in the photos -- the metallic shows up more in person and played pretty well with the top. But I think I need a new pair of dressy shoes/ sandals to go with these. 

    I love the idea of those high heeled red Zara boots that UmmLila got. They'd be amazing. But I don't think I can take the heel. 

    Meneera, what a nice compliment — a mix of elegance and playfulness. I’m happy if my style includes those elements!

    Caro, thank you. (And thanks for popping in). Yes, I think that’s right. I didn’t try them with my high boots but I have grey heeled dressy ones and black, both snug enough at the ankle that they could work.

    Good eye, Sharan — the Zara sweater is bat wing and much more fluid. IRL it feels like it collapses on the body really well, though, and it has a lot of drape, so it might be better in person.

    Sally, thank you. I didn’t dare try them yet with sneakers. But I will. :)

    Aida, that is encouraging (for me at least, not so much for Tanya!!). I think my shape is a bit more similar to yours with the short waist although like her I have a long rise. Good tip about the shorter culotte and also, Tanya, we can think about creating a jumpsuit effect with column of colour. I think that will fool the eye and may allow us to do this.

    Thank you, Anna. I feel happy when I get to try new things and I guess that shows. :)

    KL, that is an honour — thank you! And yes, I think you’ve really hit on something. There’s something about how these photograph vs. how they look in person that is more different than most photos of my clothing, if you know what I’m saying. I guess it has to do with how they are in motion or something?

    Cerinda, I could never have too much cheering especially if it is as enthusiastic as yours! :)

    Anchie, I swear the gilet is magic. It is that special piece that is SO GOOD it elevates everything and works with everything else in my closet. It may be too warm for my summers (it certainly is!!) but it’s a great fall/ winter/ spring wardrobe maker.

    It also heightens the 70s glam effect of the culottes.

    Colette, thank you!! Yes, that vintage top was a great find. In my opinion those are the very best types of pieces to get at vintage/ thrift shops. They have high longevity in the closet (if you don’t mind staring at them and not wearing them often) and the often provide just the right touch when you least expect it. They’d be far too pricey new considering their infrequency of wear, yet they are so lovely to have on hand.

    Lyn, that is a good point and one worth making. They should indeed soften up with wear.

    Ok. Decision made. I’m going to wear the heck out of them.

    THANK YOU for your comments, yay and nay. I especially appreciate the honest nays because it can be hard to be honest about our impressions and yet it is helpful for us to hear this from one another — trusted souls who love fashion like ourselves.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Awww, Isabel, that is so sweet. You just brought tears to my eyes. I really appreciate it. 

  • MidwestrnChic replied 8 years ago

    Chiming in late here as I see a decision has been made, but want to express my love for this style on you.  Pure fabulous going on.  I'm a big fan of culotte jeans and you have just persuaded me to make a purchase of these myself with your awesome style session.  I beg of you to keep the hem long.  It's too special to cut off and you wear it well at the current length.  

  • replied 8 years ago

    So what is your final decision?  

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    Sterling, I'm keeping them and wearing the heck out of them. I tried them on again and basically, they are just too comfortable to let go!! 

    The thing about having a long rise in an era of low rise pants is that fit is often a compromise. I did eventually find some low rise jeans that were cut extremely well for my body. But it was a long process and if I misjudged, very often I'd have to be "hitching" my pants up, or tugging them down (because they tend to creep up in the you-know-where area and wedge uncomfortably if they are cut improperly in the rise.) 
    So  belly button high rise if cut properly for my body is a kind of revelation -- it doesn't require fussing. 

    I love having fun with fashion and I love not fussing with my clothing even more. Put the two together and you have a winner. 

    And Pamela, what a nice thing to say -- thank you!

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    Suz, look what I just spotted!  High rise, clean wash, somewhat similar vibe to Angie's gorgeous R&B pair.

  • Suz replied 8 years ago

    OH -- LOVE them, Tanya!! I have got to check out Express. 

    Those are just fab. 

  • Tanya replied 8 years ago

    I love them too, Suz, and am super tempted.

  • Angie replied 8 years ago

    Keep the culottes and enjoy, Suz! You are sorted. 

    And Tanya found a gorgeous pair at Express. They remind me of my own black sailor pants. A FAB fit. 

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