Culottes have been trending in the last few years, and one of the more popular types is denim culottes.
These are basically wide cropped jeans that land just past the knee and are so full they resemble a split skirt. Often they are tied at the waist.
Culottes are often referred to as gauchos, but there is a bit of a difference. Gauchos are less flowy than culottes and look more like wide-cut off pants than a skirt. Whether you wear denim culotte or denim gauchos, there are some tricks for getting your best look.
1. Wear a Fitted Top
When you wear a wide bottom, a less full top creates a flattering silhouette that shows off your waist.
2. Tuck in
Wearing a button-up shirt? Tuck it in, roll up the cuffs and add some bangle bracelets. Have a sweater. Push up the sleeves and do a half-tuck in the front. A tuck or half tuck look highlights your waist and elongates the cropped pants’ look making your legs look longer.
3. Show Off Your Cute Shoes (or Boots)
Wedges or block heels will make your legs look longer, but a pair of cute flats can be cute and comfy. Try snake print, leopard, or another cute ballet flat, slide, or even a statement sneaker. Tall Boots look fantastic with denim gauchos.
4. Add a Jacket or Cardigan
A fitted blazer or long sweeping cardigan can be a charming look with a fitted top and denim culottes or gauchos.
5. Go Longer
Many culottes start to fall into the general wide cropped pants category, and these are often flattering. Experiment with what length works for you. Generally, the taller you are, the better the long gauchos or culottes will look.
For more ideas on how to wear culottes without looking awkward, check out this post. It’s got lots of other great ideas for what to wear with wide cropped pants.
If you like culottes but not denim, check out these summer culottes.
