)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Culottes – A Beautiful Fusion of Skirt and Trousers
Culottes are an intriguing blend of a skirt and trousers. These styles feature wide legs, often resembling a skirt from a distance, yet offering the comfort of trousers. This makes culottes particularly appealing to women who rarely wear skirts. The generous legroom provides excellent freedom of movement, allowing you to cycle comfortably or sit at a picnic while still enjoying the benefits of trousers. Moreover, culottes are a flattering choice, as they camouflage fuller legs and create the illusion of a slimmer silhouette.
Culottes – A Symbolic Garment for Confident Women
Culottes originated in the 19th century, when women were not allowed to wear trousers. They were designed as a compromise between skirts and the practicality of trousers, offering a functional yet socially acceptable alternative. With their rich historical background, culottes have now made a stylish comeback, proving to be a versatile and elegant fashion statement.
Culottes are incredibly adaptable. Paired with a tailored white blouse and high heels, they create a sophisticated business look. For leisure, light trainers and a simple T-shirt provide a relaxed yet fashionable ensemble. A matching handbag and delicate necklace subtly enhance your outfit, showcasing effortless elegance. When attending a chic evening event, culottes serve as a trendy alternative to a dress or classic skirt, adding a modern touch to occasionwear.
Culottes – Trousers in a Variety of Styles
At MADELEINE, you’ll find culottes in various lengths and crafted from different materials. Options range from knee-length to calf-length, 7/8 trousers that end at the ankle, and various gradations between knee and ankle length.
Ankle-length culottes are particularly flattering for women with fuller legs, as they highlight the slimmest part of the leg—the ankle—creating a streamlined silhouette.
Pleated culottes pair beautifully with delicate lace tops, offering a feminine and refined aesthetic.
Models with creases or box pleats are also available for a structured, polished look.
Lightweight fabrics, such as soft-flowing jersey made of viscose, drape elegantly around the legs, enhancing their graceful movement.
Versatile and Timeless: The Black Culotte
In the world of culottes, black styles remain among the most sought-after. Their greatest advantage is their versatility, as they pair effortlessly with tops in almost any colour. A black culotte is easy to style—pair it with a trendy top for a modern and stylish look, or opt for a blouse in high-quality fabrics like silk for a more elegant appeal. If wearing a jacket with your culottes, choose a cropped blazer or structured jacket that ends at waist height. This creates a balanced silhouette, dividing the outfit into flattering proportions. However, culottes are available in many other colours and prints. Pinstripes are ideal for business wear, while vibrant prints make a bold statement, best paired with solid-coloured tops. With such a diverse selection, there is a perfect culotte style for every fashion preference.
How to Style Culottes for Every Occasion
Depending on the design and fabric, culottes can look elegant, stylish, or sporty. They also offer endless possibilities for creating different outfits:
Pairing them with a T-shirt or a simple top creates a modern and relaxed look.
A chic blouse enhances the sophisticated appeal, perfect for formal occasions.
On cooler days, culottes can be styled with a jumper, long-sleeved shirt, or a lightweight blouse.
For a fashion-forward ensemble, combine culottes with blazers, waistcoats, or cropped jackets.
For a stylish contrast, team a structured biker jacket with an elegant culotte for a bold yet balanced look.
While fitted tops create a beautiful contrast to the wide-leg cut, blouses, tunics, shirts, and oversized jumpers can also be styled effortlessly when tucked loosely into the waistband.
Culottes – A Chic Wardrobe Staple for Winter and Summer
The cropped leg length of culottes highlights your shoes, making footwear an essential styling element. Investing in stylish shoes can elevate your overall look.
You can wear flats or heels depending on the occasion and your preference—even a bold pop of colour works well.
Lace-up shoes and trainers create a casual yet polished vibe, while pumps or high heels add refined elegance.
Strappy shoes are a fantastic choice, as they enhance femininity and elongate the leg line.
In winter, many women prefer to style their culottes with ankle boots, booties, or knee-high boots.
Fine tights or stockings can help keep your legs warm during the colder months.
In our MADELEINE online shop, you’ll find a wide selection of culottes, available in regular and petite sizes, ensuring the perfect fit for every woman.