How To Wear Culottes 5 Tips

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Culottes can be tricky to style especially if you’re petite. Even if you’re not petite, I’m just under 5’5″ for reference, this trend can easily make anyones legs look shorter thanks to their wide width and shorter hemline. Below I’ve featured 5 tips to give you legs for days while wearing culottes no matter how tall you are.

Outfit Details: J.Jill Top (similar Amazon top), H&M Jeans, Lauren Conrad Heels (similar here), Vintage Bag (similar here)

1. Choose high waisted culottes

Choose culottes that are high waisted. A high waistline will instantly make your legs look longer. I’m wearing these high waisted culottes from H&M, but I also love this pair here, and here.

2. Wear culottes with heels

Wear culottes with heels (similar to mine here), kitten heels, or chunky heel sandals. Even just a little bit of height goes a long way. Another trick is to wear heels in the same color as your skin tone for instantly longer looking legs! I have a similar pair to these (last seen on the blog here) that match my skin tone perfectly and look great with culottes.

3. Choose culottes that hit above the ankle

A good length for culottes to end is right at the skinniest part of the ankle to as high as mid calf. The shorter the hemline the longer your legs will look!

4. Wear a shirt with equal or less volume than the pants

When it comes to what to wear on top, a safe bet is always a form fitting top like a bodysuit, or a top that has less volume than the pants to balance the look out. I typically will pair skinny jeans with a loose fitting top, and loose fitting jeans with a tighter top. Also make sure and wear a top that can be tucked in, tied up like I did here, or wear a crop top to really show off the high waistline of the pants. Remember, the high waistline is what makes your legs look longer so don’t cover your waistband up!

I decided to wear this linen shirt that has the same amount of volume as the pants. This works because I tied my shirt together at the bottom, giving off and hourglass shape since both my top and jeans are tightest in the middle. Wearing a top with shoulder pads, or puffy sleeves would do the same!

5. Choose culottes that flair out mimicking the shape of an A-line skirt

Choose a pair that flairs out a bit so that they mimic the shape of an A-line skirt. As they flow away from the body it flatters the waist and accentuates the ankles. Love that culottes make your waist look small and are perfect for showing off a fun pair of shoes!

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