Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Culottes Isn’t Hard
By Diana Tsui
Now that you’ve fully embraced culottes into your life, the question remains: What shoes to wear with them? Choosing the right pair of heels or flats can seem pretty intimidating, especially if you’re on the petite side and fear looking stumpy. First: Don’t forget to tailor them. If you prefer to show more leg, have them hit where the calf starts; if you want a longer silhouette, hem them toward the bottom of the calf. Then you’ll find that nearly everything from slides to pumps to platforms can work, depending on the pants. More of a jeans-and-sneakers type? There’s a culotte for that. Rather head out in a stiletto? There’s a culotte for that, too. Dressy or casual, see below for 15 shoe-culotte pairings that will work for any occasion this summer.
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Play off the menswear vibe of these pants with laceless oxfords.
Striped Culottes: $60 at Zara; Jeffrey Campell Niven In White Leather: $140 at Need Supply Co.
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When you’re wearing culottes during the day but need to be pulled together, try a sturdy stacked heel instead of a stiletto. It balances out the volume but doesn’t look too delicate.
Babton Lazarus Culottes: $99 at Aritzia; Rosella Ghillie Sandal: $138 at Banana Republic
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Elastic-waist culottes and slides are just as comfy as pajamas and slippers, except you’ll actually look presentable.
Cropped Cotton Trousers: $99 at COS; Loeffler Randall Sibi Slides: $195 at Loeffler Randall
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You can treat a tailored navy culotte like you would any other basic in your closet and experiment with a kooky heel.
Wide Leg Pants: $35 at H&M; Pierre Hardy Orange Suede Arletty Heel: $254 at Moda Operandi
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For those who are on the petite side and too lazy to go to the tailor, try a chunky flatform to add height without sacrificing comfort.
Trousers Pau: $60 at Mango; Robert Clergerie Frazziap Raffia Platform Sandals: $495 at Net-a-Porter
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Sometimes linen can come off as too casual — but this bright-coral pair looks sharp when worn with contrasting cobalt pumps.
Collection Cropped Linen Pant: $178 at J.Crew; Manolo Blahnik BB Suede Pump Cobalt: $595 at Bergdorf Goodman
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The longer cut and giant pockets on these printed denim culottes work better with a heavier sandal, like this pair from Massimo Dutti, which has a rope detail and lug sole.
Strappy Platform Sandals: $130 at Massimo Dutti; Suno Floral Denim Belted Trousers: $340 at Avenue32
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Walking in chunky flatforms is an acquired skill, but if you’d rather get the same look without having to clomp around awkwardly, these thin sandals are an elegant alternative.
Michael Michael Kors Kaylee Metallic Leather Sandal: $135 at Michael Kors; Rachel Comey Wayward Pant: $363 at Rachel Comey
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For a summer wedding you can take a cue from the Tibi runway and try these with a strapless top, but skip the slides for elegant silver sandals.
High Walk Heeled Sandals: $54 at Asos; Simone Silk Pleated Culottes: $170 at Tibi
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If you’re going to do a big print, try a simpler pair of shoes like these metallic sandals. They’re neutral but still have the same tropical vibe.
The Edie Metallic Sandal: $108 at Madewell; Etro Printed Silk Culottes: $1,010 at Saks Fifth Avenue
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On a hot summer day, crisp white culottes and barely there minty-green sandals feel appropriately refreshing and light.
Pleated Pants: $50 at Gap; New Sauge Micro Intrecciato Calf Sandal: $690 at Bottega Veneta
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Nothing says summer vacation more than a pair of espadrilles.
Painterly Stripe Espadrilles: $325 at Burberry; Stella McCartney Oliver Boucle Culottes: $474 at Stella McCartney
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A slim, minimalist heel with a pleated printed culotte will stand out in a room full of cocktail dresses.
Classic Jane Ankle Strap: $695 at Saint Laurent; Givenchy Floral-Print Silk-Satin Culottes: $1,794 at Net-a-Porter
Related: 20 Floaty White Summer Dresses Under $300
If you’re into the ‘70s trend that’s been all over the spring runways, try shiny silver platforms with a sleek pair of black culottes.
Miu Miu Metallic Watersnake, Suede, and Grosgrain Platform T-bar Sandals: $890 at Net-a-Porter; Proenza Schouler Black Cropped Wide-Leg Wool Pants: $1,050 at Proenza Schouler
Related: How to Find Your Perfect Pair of White Jeans
Because sometimes you just can’t beat white sneakers and jeans.
Chuck Taylor Classic Colors: $50 at Converse; Bermuda Shorts in Two-Color Denim: $990 at Valentino
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