Let Loose: Culottes For Every Body Type

Honestly, is there anything more comfortable than a pair of culottes, palazzo or gaucho pants? I think not. To say I've been obsessed with this cut lately is to put it lightly. From jeans to paper bag high waisted trousers and jumpsuits, I've been wearing this style non-stop thus far and I don't see my love for it dying down any time soon. I talked about Making White Culottes Amazingly Flattering here (and I'm wearing the jumpsuit feature here today), and the tips for making any pair of culottes work are pretty much the same. But talking to a few friends over the weekend, one in particular, of small build was saying how it is nearly impossible for her to be able to pull this look off. With this in mind, and if you're not yet sold on how to wear this type of pants, I thought I'd bring a few tips on how to make it work for all occasions and all body types. Let these tips inspire you to ditch your skinnies once and for all and instead let loose! 

IF YOU'RE PETITE:

The key here is to make culottes work an advantage for your body, instead of feeling swallowed up by them. The biggest tip is to add length with a delicate type heel that elongates your legs. Nude coloured heels that closely match your skin tone are a great way to do just that as they will create an illusion that your legs are longer than they actually are. If you have short legs, a high-waisted pair of culottes have the same effect as the heels; they add length to your bottom half and if you want double the effect, go for vertical stripes too. If you're small all over and lacking some curves, try a slightly more flared pair instead of a straight cut. Pair it off with a cropped top by showing some skin, and a jacket or blazer on top that sits or pulls in at the waist to create more curves. If cropped tops are not your thing, why not try a form-fitting piece like an off-shoulder bodysuit. This will also create more balance and add volume! And of course, a pair of culottes that falls on your calf is always going to be the most flattering. If they're too long, get them tailored as they will swamp you. Equally, if they're too short they will make your legs look shorter, both of which we are trying to avoid with this trend!

IF YOU'RE CURVY:

Culottes that sit on the smallest part of your waist are the most flattering. Similarly, a pair that stops a couple of inches just below the knee also lands at the smallest part of your leg. The key here is to add proportion to best highlight your shape. Lightweight, jersey material is incredibly comfy in a pair of culottes, teamed up with a denim shirt tucked in to finish the look. Good news is that you can get away with any footwear choice, go for more a casual look by pairing culottes with sneakers or add some length with heels for a more fabulous night out get up.

IF YOU'RE TALL:

Two words: ankle culottes. Go for a slightly wider and longer leg pair to create volume and the illusion that your legs aren't as long. And if you want to add the fun factor, why not play with pattern. A floral pair of culottes not only works for the office but you can take it right into the night. Choose florals with a lighter background. Footwear wise, odds are you don't really need the added length so go for loafer mules and sneakers to create a more casual vibe or a block heel pair of mules for a more glam finish.

Culottes: Primark (similar here) // Cami: Matalan (here) // Jacket*: Levi's (here) 

Shoes: Matalan (similar here) // Hairband: H&M (similar here) // Bag: Asos (sold out, similar here)

Sunglasses: Ray Ban (here) // Necklace*: oNecklace (here)

Shop My Outfit: 

Thanks to oNecklace for the very pretty personalised necklace they sent me, it looks perfect with this summery outfit don't you think? And thanks to all of you beauties for reading! Let me know what you think about culottes below and whether I missed any tips.

Have a beautiful start of the week!

xoxo

* Contains PR gifts and sponsored links. All opinions are my own (disclaimer here).