Forget the Bad Rap—French Celebrities Approve of This Pull-On Trouser Trend

During these spring days, I’ve been keeping track of the styling choices that fashion people are making to ensure they look elegant and feel comfortable all day. As it’s still too chilly to style shorts and minis but far too warm to keep wool trousers in our rotations, I’ve seen the style set gravitate towards a forgotten trouser trend en masse this season.

Reaching for a breezy pair of calf-grazing culottes, fashion people in London and France have banded together in their appreciation of the trouser trend once deemed too “frumpy”. The style may have fallen out of favour for some time, but I’ve always found that culottes drape beautifully on the body, giving plenty of movement as you walk and a very comfortable finish.

Influencer wears the culottes trouser trend.

Paired with simple vests and slouchy tees, these cropped trousers have become a new streetwear staple. Cut to a relaxed, slightly billowy style, the trousers typically fall between knee and mid-calf, and style well with Mary Janes, pointed-toe heels and strappy sandals.

I’ve seen culottes on so many of my recent outings in London, and the trend is also proving to be a red carpet success this season; French actor Lea Seydoux recently selected an elegant pair of navy culottes with a matching blazer for an appearance at Cannes. Dispelling the myth that black and navy can’t be worn together, Seydoux wore her suit set over a simple black top and accessorised her look with tonal navy heels.

Offering just the right amount of coverage for the changeable weather we’re currently experiencing here in the UK, the underrated trouser trend is set to garner even more attention over the next few months, and, after its years in hibernation, I for one am excited about the imminent return.

A more comfortable alternative to the pedal-pushers that are everywhere at the moment, this lightweight style offers more breathability with the same trending length.

To discover the trouser trend that fashion people can’t stop wearing, read on for our edit of the best culottes to shop now.