Every few seasons, a polarizing fashion trend makes a comeback, leaving people asking: “Is this really stylish again?” Thanks to The Row, flip-flops and jelly sandals were among the first controversial items to return—and they’re still turning heads. Following fashion’s habit of revisiting the past, we’ve now circled back to capris. These knee-length, legging-like pants are once again a staple in celebrity wardrobes, from Hailey Bieber to Bella Hadid. Naturally, this has brought attention to their nostalgic counterpart: the culotte! Yes, those cropped, wide-leg pants are back and chicer than you remember.
Vogue’s Favorite Culottes:
– The Poplin Style: Banana Republic wide-leg pull-on cotton poplin ankle pant, $100
– The Pleated Pair: COS Roland pleated culottes, $170
– The Sporty Pick: Uniqlo nylon culottes, $50
– The Crinkled Option: Loewe + Paula’s Ibiza appliquéd crinkled wide-leg pants, $990
– The Twill Find: Bottega Veneta cotton and silk twill culottes, $2,000
– The High-Rise Choice: Zara high-waisted culottes, $50
– The Denim Favorite: Mother The Whole Lot fray denim culottes, $268
– The Linen Look: Eskandar flared linen culottes, $650
Originally worn by aristocrats and military men in a knee-length style, culottes later became popular among sportswomen. As Vogue’s Laird Borrelli-Persson noted in 2019, early discussions about culottes were really about women’s mobility and societal roles. Combining the elegance of a skirt with the comfort of pants, culottes offer a practical yet feminine look. They can be dressed down with a simple white tee or elevated with a delicate blouse and seasonal accessories like colorful totes and pendant necklaces.
Here are five stylish ways to wear culottes this summer:
### 1. Something Seersucker
Pair COS’s relaxed seersucker culottes with playful summer accessories, like The Row’s woven bag and A.Emery’s red leather sandals.
– Banana Republic linen open-back tank, $120
– COS seersucker culottes, $130
– The Row Haley woven tote, $2,250
– A.Emery Remly leather sandals, $190
### 2. Keep It Classic
Zara’s high-waisted culottes look effortlessly chic with Totême’s butter-yellow tank and Muuñ’s oversized raffia bag.
– Totême knitted tank top, $320
– Zara high-waisted culottes, $50
– Muuñ Orbi woven straw shoulder bag, $210
– Khaite Aimee flat sandals, $690
### 3. Subtle Color Pops
Neutral lovers can still embrace color with Lemaire’s tie-waist top and Miu Miu’s multicolor woven mini bag.
– Lemaire knitted tie-detail cotton top, $385
– Bottega Veneta cotton and silk twill culottes, $2,000
– Miu Miu woven fabric mini-bag, $1,220
– Alaïa fishnet ballerina flats, $950
### 4. A French Twist
A striped tee and khaki culottes create effortless Parisian style. Complete the look with wedge sandals and a basket bag.
– Suzie Kondi Capri striped cotton-blend t-shirt, $195
– Loewe Paula’s Ibiza crinkled wide-leg pants, $990
– Lié Studio The Small Bianca raffia tote, $500
– Madewell Deanna thong sandals, $138
### 5. Park Date
Uniqlo’s casual culottes are perfect for summer outings. Style them with a crochet top and Tory Burch’s fun sandals.
– Mango crochet sweater, $70
– Uniqlo nylon culottes, $50
– Free People Driftwood rug tote, $98
– Tory Burch Patos slingback sandals, $398
More Chic Culottes to Shop:
– Mango culotte pants, $90
– Mother The Whole Fray denim culottes, $268
– COS linen culottes, $120
– Eskandar flared linen culottes, $650
– Banana Republic wide-leg pull-on cotton poplin pants, $100Here are the items with their prices and retailers:
– Linen ankle pants: $100 at Banana Republic
– Cos Roland pleated culottes: $170 at Nordstrom