A hit on and off the runway, here’s how you can style culottes this summer
Models in culottes at Amit Aggarwal’s pret show. Pic Courtesy/Amit Aggarwal
Are those a pair of shorts? Is it a skirt? Or are they a pair of pants? They are culottes, and women don’t care what it looks like to the rest, as they are comfortable, tailored and stylish. As the temperature continues to rise, and the thought of May heat sounds dreadful, it’s good that culottes got designer approval on the runway at the recently concluded fashion week in the city. Designer Amit Aggarwal had male and female models in culottes crafted from a mix of fabrics at his pret showcase.
Ayo Edebiri in culottes at the Inside Out 2 premiere. Pics Courtesy/Instagram
Anamika Khanna chose to do an all-black layered look, and as a pop of blue, paired with a dainty, white sheer blouse for her AK|OK show. Culottes are adaptable and timeless, and can be worn for various occasions. Celebrity stylist Sugandha Sood shares tips to style culottes in more ways for summer 2025.
Work it out
For office wear and formal meetings, opt for tailored or pleated culottes in neutral shades like black, navy, beige, or grey. “Pair with a button-down shirt or a structured blouse tucked in. Add a blazer or cropped jacket if the weather permits. Minimal jewellery, a structured tote, and a classic wristwatch will add the finishing touches,” suggests Sood. If your office permits sneakers, they look great with culottes (ideal for travelling in Mumbai), or pointed-toe pumps or loafers work for a formal setting.
Gwyneth Paltrow pulls off a casual look with a blazer. Pic Courtesy/Gwyneth Paltrow on Instagram
Keep it casual
Tailored culottes are a classic, but for a casual outing, you can go flow-y, and wear cotton or linen culottes in prints or pastels. “Pair with a graphic tee, a tank top, or a knotted shirt. White sneakers, espadrilles, or slip-on flats go well with this look. Accessorise with a crossbody bag, sunglasses, and layered necklaces,” suggests Sood. Wearing a casual fitted T-shirt with tailored culottes also works for a relaxed evening.
It’s a date
Culottes make for a cute coffee or brunch date outfit. “Pick culottes in fun prints, satin finish, or bold colours. An off-shoulder top, crop top, or ruffled blouse will add a chic touch. And dangly earrings, soft curls or beach waves will help perfect your date look,” says Sood. You can either wear block heels or wedges for this look.
Amit Aggarwal. File Pic and Sugandha Sood
Dinner dash
For a luxe vibe, Sood suggests culottes in silk, velvet, or leather. For more glam, wear with a sequinned cami, a satin blouse, or a fitted bodysuit. “If it’s a night out, switch to strappy heels or metallic mules. Finish with a clutch, a swatch of bold lipstick, and statement earrings,” Sood sums up.
Did you know?
A voice against restrictive female fashion, culottes became a political statement with the beginning of the feminist movement in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Culottes challenged traditional gender norms, were practical to be worn for women’s rights marches, and for the increasing number of women in the workforce.
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