Pick of the crop: grown-up culottes for spring

No longer reminiscent of school days, the calf-length short is making a refined, tailored return to our wardrobe this spring, says Emma McCarthy
25 March 2014

It’s no secret that when the fashion pack like something, they really like it. See ankles, for example. For many a season now, ankle-flashing has been the style set’s favourite occupation. We’ve worn our trousers cropped, our jeans rolled and our skate shoes sockless, all in honour of a bare ankle. And, judging by the biggest trouser trend of the season, we’re not about to break the habit any time soon. In fact (apologies, lazy shavers), it’s about to widen to include half our calf.

Believe it or not, culottes are about to make a triumphant return to our wardrobes. Though, you’ll be relieved to hear, they look nothing like they did in our Brownies days.

Whether structured and slouchy or fluid and beautifully tailored, the new season culotte is an entirely refined affair. Not convinced? While it may be hard to shrug off memories of your old skirt-cum-shorts — depending on how fond they are — give it time. It may seem like just another flash-in-the-pan fashion trend now, but come June they will be everywhere. Really. You could even go so far as to say they will — cue fashion speak — define the season.

Spring culottes - in pictures

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But this is about more than just a harboured obsession with ankles. It’s also, helpfully, a trend more than five per cent of the population can wear. Plus, they look great with both of spring’s biggest shoe trends — heavy-tread Birkenstocks and heeled mules.

But while most can pull them off, remember that, unlike in your school days, a one-pair-fits-all approach is not the right one. The very tall can afford to dabble with a bit of print. The very slim, a bit of volume. Even those on the petite side, who may have already written off this trend, should try on a pair (black, loosely tailored and cut just below the knee) with a chunky platform sandal before making up their mind. Warehouse and Wallis both have superb options for the office, while Whistles and J Brand have printed versions down to a T. For something more luxurious, look to the catwalk where Mulberry and Hermès cut their culottes from butter soft leather.

But the title of most-coveted culotte belongs to Roksanda Ilincic — the designer who has turned the tricky mid-calf length cut into her signature. Among the many beautifully crafted culottes in her resort collection is this voluminous midnight-blue and jade pair. With these in your corner, spring will be a breeze.

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