For the longest time I’ve avoided the culottes, in fact, I think I actually may have hated it at one point. Why? Well, you see, at 5’2″, one would want to maximize the vertical real estate and not limiting it and I feel that the shape and style of culottes are designed to miniaturize petite people and swallow them like a big tent. Since this trend is virtually everywhere and I’ve seen countless bloggers (albeit mostly tall ones) rocking it on their #ootd I thought I’d put aside my discrimination and give it a spin; remember my new year resolution to be more open minded about styles? I want style it in a way that would look good for a petite framed girl like myself and offer my Top 3 styling tips for fellow #shortiesbutcuties.
Tip #1. Unless you are 5’7″ and above, try not to wear the culotte with long top (especially ones that falls below the butt). This leaves very little visual space to the already shortened and widened pants and boxy all around. Look for pieces that draws the attention upwards such as the super on trend Off The Shoulder tops that balances the flowy pant legs, you DO NOT want to look bottom heavy.
Tip #2. In addition to avoiding a longer top, try tucking in the top or wear a cropped top that shows off the cinched waist the culottes offers, it makes your waist look smaller and elongates your legs. What girl doesn’t want her legs to look mile long like a model even if she is only 5 feet? I did this same trick with my flared jeans HERE and HERE to make myself appear taller and longer in frame. An eye-catching crop top such as this Alice and Olivia one I’m wearing tricks the eyeball to think that the legs look extended even though the culottes stops at the ankle.
Tip #3. Try to wear heels instead of flats or trainers. I know that the #athleisure trend is so popular and every outfit seems to go with those hip sneakers, I’ve paired my Adidas Superstars with many feminine outfits seen HERE and HERE, buuuuut when it comes to culottes for petites, the challenge is to not dwarf the image and do the opposite. That is where a pair of killer heel comes in! A good pair of heels will instantly lift you 4-5 inches and that is exactly what we want. Extra styling points if the heels is either strappy or nude; more visual trickery to elongate.
That is all for my petite’s guide on how to rock a pair of culotte pants. I know everyone has different styles and opinions on how to wear the culotte trend and my tips and suggestion above may or may not work with everyone depending on the body type and personal preference. Just because this particular look works for me doesn’t mean that I’m going to stock up on culottes (keeping it real) but at the very least I can say that I am slowly warming up to it now that I have figured out how wearing it and not let the culotte wear me. Have you tried the culotte trend? Did you like the style or put it back on the rack? What do you think of my styling tips? Sound off in the comments so that I can improve in the future. Thanks for reading!
~ xo Sheree
Top : : Alice + Olivia (more from Alice + Olivia or steal THIS similar option for $38)
Culotte : : Zara (option from Express, ASOS or Vince Caumto all under $90)
Heels : : Topshop sold out (current season HERE or current favorite sandal styles from Schutz)
Bag : : Allsaints (also comes in Brown and Grey)
Shades : : Karen Walker Super Duper Strength
Photo: Leticia Prado
Great tips ! Love how you styled this look ! you heels are fab !
Happy monday !
Nina
xox
http://www.ninasmode.com
Wearing culottes as a shortie can be a challenge – thanks for the great tips
I LOVE this outfit so very much!!! EVERYTHING about it! I seriously have to try and recreate it!! Super Fab!
xx, Chanda
Let’s Make Today Fabulous link up feat. Overalls
Please culottes are amazing on you! In love with that striped off the shoulder top you pair them with!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
This post makes me so happy! Not only do you look perfectly stylish and classic, but I love that you are mentioning this cut for petites. I have had multiple comments on my blog about how people don’t think petites can wear them.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
I love the way you styled the culottes. They look so sleek on you, especially with the slightly off the shoulder top. Love it!
http://www.betweenthepearls.com/lace-crotchet
Love how you styled these culottes! Those shoes are amazing too!
xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
I love this outfit, especially those shoes
Happy Monday darling, hope you have an amazing week
Filipa xxx
PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram
It looks like these pants were so made for you, WOW! Stunning from head to toe as always 🙂 Hope you have the best week ahead!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
I’ve been afraid of wearing culottes but you pull these off so well!! I need to try this out too. Thank you for the tips!
cute & little
kileen
I am a few inches taller than you & still think culottes will make me look short. These look amazing on you! Your legs look so long!
http://michellespaige.com
Love the way you styled your culottes, they look great on ya! BTW, just started following ya on your social media accounts 🙂
stay styled,
Lindsey
IG: stay_styled
BLOG: http://staystyledblog.com/
I wasn’t a fan of culottes until recently, and now I love them. I love how you styled yours with the off the shoulder top and heels. They look great on you, and great styling tips for petites!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
I actually think this outfit makes you tall which means you’ve nailed it! Thanks for linking-up for Lovely Little à la Mode!
So chic!
Erica
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
Great style! Love your style!
Gorgeous look! These culotte were made for you, I would have never guess that you are 5’2″. They make you look so tall! Great tips. Thanks for sharing and for showing that short girls like us can wear culottes too. I’ve been hesitant to try this trend because I was scared it would make me look shorter. Hope you have a great week!
xo, Jackie
stylemydreams.com
Gorgeous! I love how you wore it so well, don’t think I am jumping on any culottes bandwagon anytime soon though.
xo,
Abby of Life in the Fash Lane
These are fabulous tips! Those culottes look amazing on you!
I love this look! Perfect off the shoulder top, and the balance in proportions looks beautiufl. Look at those cool shoes!
Thank you for linking up to Turning Heads Tuesday
jessxx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
This black and white look is amazing on you! I have the same issues with culottes, having a short 28 to 30″ inseam with a long torso. These are great tips!
xo, alice / T Y P E N U
Well you have nailed the culotte trend. I used to wear and own culottes about a decade ago when they were first in style. I still own a couple of pairs from then but I feel like now I cannot pull them off even-though I am 5.7 and not too chubby (I wear a size 4 usually). I loved these tips though and I might have to try culottes again. BTW, I am dying over the top and sandals – I want them. That bag is so cute, too.
Welcome by and linkup with me tomorrow. The linkup will be open a day early. Thanks pretty lady. =) Happy April!
Ada. =)
I’m with you – it’s hard to be short and partake in trends like culottes, but I do love how you’ve styled these! The crop top and heels are great ways to make the pants work, even at 5’2″.
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com
This is so chic, lady- those sandals are beyond fab!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
These are so gorgeous and stylish! You pull it all of so well always
xo Lauren
http://earthtostyle.com
Those shoes are SO fun!!!
xo,
Joleen
http://www.lovejoleen.com
so so in love with your heels
http://carrieslifestyle.com
This outfit is fabulous! Love the simplicity of black and white with your heels making a bold statement!
Great tips, and I love how you styled the culottes with those fab shoes! <3 /Madison
Pistachio Cake
I love this outfit, especially those shoes,you look stunning
OMG! This look is really perfect in every detail
You have a interesting blog.
I hope you will like mine
xoxo
http://www.welovefur.com
I am LOVING those shoes and totally need them for Spring! Definitely an unexpected twist on this look. I am 5’1 as well and have stayed far away from Culottes in the past because of this but, I may have to try some out with your tips now.
Great post!
xo, Anna Elizabeth
http://www.annaelizabethevents.com/blog
This is a fabulous look on you and you definitely made the culottes work! Thank you for adding your flair to the My Refined Style Linkup!
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com