Unless you’ve been binging on Netflix for the last few months (a.k.a. the 2015 equivalent of living under a rock), you’re probably aware that culottes are having a moment. But let the record show: Just because they’re in every trend-setting store—from Barneys to H&M—doesn’t mean every woman finds them easy to pull off. To help you (and, okay, a few of us too) figure out how to wear this tricky pant-length without looking dowdy, four Team Zoe staffers took the trend for a test run, then spilled their secrets to success.
Kendall Cohan, Product Development Associate
"I love the culottes trend because I can be comfortable at the office in flats or flatforms and then easily take the look to dinner by changing into a pair of retro platform heels. I love this pair from Citizens of Humanity—denim is a great base for day-to-night dressing in LA."
Photos: Austin Starrett Winchell
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Alyssa Sutter, Styling Associate
"The key to wearing culottes is to find the right pair for you. Go for a slimmer cut or a pair in solid black if you're intimidated. I'm all about this trend, so I went for a printed pair and styled them with a white blouse and straw hat for a relaxed summer feel."
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Kristi Mikesky, Fashion & Beauty Editor
"As a fan of cropped pants in general, I find culottes to be a super-cool option when you’re tired of denim. So long as they hit your calf in a good place, they’re also quite flattering—especially ones that accentuate your waist. This style from H&M was lightweight and casual. I gave them an elevated spin by wearing them with dressier black pieces."
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Marisa Runyon, Director of TV and Digital Video Production
"I love that culottes have the feminine feel of a skirt, but the comfort of pants. It makes them perfect for the office. I went for head-to-toe white because it's timeless and always looks fresh. I made sure to mix up the textures of each piece to give the look dimension."
