Yes, that's right, culottes are back. Some never really stopped wearing them, simply because they are so comfortable, but now they are officially back.
I first read this article in the Style & Travel section of the Wall Street Journal (by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan), but in doing research about culottes and their comeback, my guess is that it's appeared in other publications. She says that they're back in a big way for the first time since the 1980's. You all know that if we wait long enough, the fashion cycle just goes round and round.
This style typically features a wide, and often voluminous leg that extends from a cinched waistline. The hem can be anywhere from an inch below the knee to a couple of inches above the ankle. What makes them so comfortable is that for a really good fit that doesn't bind and pull in the crotch, the crotch point needs to be dropped and extended. The hang of the leg improves, they won't crawl up between your thighs, and they can give the look of a drapy skirt.
The photo below shows culottes that I designed and sewed for an article featured in Dressmaking with Stitches (an Australian publication). Of course, the cross-over wrap blouse is also an SFD creation designed and sewn from the Dress Kit.
What to consider when wearing culottes? Well obviously your height and shape make a difference. Here are 5 tips that I'll share with you from the article.
Here's a few of the featured culottes and though I'm not excited about the ones with the hemline boarder trim, they do show you alternative examples.
From InsideOutStyleBlog.com (Imogen Lamport)
(who I've recommended many times for dressing for your body shape),
she's just written a recent blog on how to dress and accessorize when
wearing culottes. Make sure you take a look at her blog since she
offers lots of great photos and excellent accessorizing alternatives. (PS - I should also mention that Sure-Fit Designs is not associated with InsideOutStyleBlog in an way either for personal or business relationships. I simply happen to believe that Imogen does an excellent job of all the information she presents on her blog).
And, aren't we lucky that with SFD, we don't have to rely on ill-fitting ready-to-wear. We can sew our own and know they'll fit properly. Fashion Leaflet #2 gives you all the details you need to design your own from your SFD Pants pattern. Click Here.
You can choose this version with a 'gaucho' style of leg treatment, or the directions will also tell you how to add a pleat that drapes directly out of center front. Either way, you win with comfort and fashion.
Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!
This style typically features a wide, and often voluminous leg that extends from a cinched waistline. The hem can be anywhere from an inch below the knee to a couple of inches above the ankle. What makes them so comfortable is that for a really good fit that doesn't bind and pull in the crotch, the crotch point needs to be dropped and extended. The hang of the leg improves, they won't crawl up between your thighs, and they can give the look of a drapy skirt.
The photo below shows culottes that I designed and sewed for an article featured in Dressmaking with Stitches (an Australian publication). Of course, the cross-over wrap blouse is also an SFD creation designed and sewn from the Dress Kit.
- Shorter women will no doubt need heels (shoes or boots) with culottes; taller ladies can wear flats, sandals or fancy sneakers.
- Keep the top slimmed down if you have particularly voluminous legs.
- For evening wear, choose a dressier fabric like silk, or drapy polyesters.
- High-waisted culottes are the most flattering; low-waisted versions can make you look short legged.
- For fall and winter, turtlenecks and knee-high boots work best.
- Steer clear of fabrics that are too stretchy or clingy (such as jersey).
Here's a few of the featured culottes and though I'm not excited about the ones with the hemline boarder trim, they do show you alternative examples.
And, aren't we lucky that with SFD, we don't have to rely on ill-fitting ready-to-wear. We can sew our own and know they'll fit properly. Fashion Leaflet #2 gives you all the details you need to design your own from your SFD Pants pattern. Click Here.
Kindly,
Glenda...the Good Stitch!
