8 Ways to Style Culottes
Updated August 2026.
What are culottes? Culottes are wide-legged trousers cut to fall like a skirt — cropped between mid-calf and ankle, full through the leg, fitted at the waist. The volume is the point: they move like a skirt and work like trousers.
If you have ever wondered how to wear culotte pants to look stylish, we have ten ways to wear these wide-leg cropped pants that will become your go-to outfits for day events, wearing to work, and even going to parties. Merlette’s culottes come in a range of sizes, flattering curvier figures with plus-size culotte options and not overwhelming petite figures who are looking for XXS or size 0. Discover our organic cotton culottes that are comfortable, elegant and on-trend for 2026.
1. PAIR WITH VOLUME
It might seem contrary to pair a wide leg pant with a flowy blouse, but a voluminous top gives an easy elegance to a wide leg trouser. We love the hand-smocked around the high neckline of the MAJORELLE Top paired with our VIOLETTE Jeans for a surprisingly flattering silhouette.
2. GO MONOCHROME
Black and white are a timeless combination, and they make a relaxed outfit of cotton culotte pants with a tiered white top into the perfect brunch out. Add on sandals or slides to complete the laidback yet polished look.
3. ADD A PATTERN
A cropped wide-leg jean, a.k.a. a denim culotte, is the perfect foil for an intricately patterned top. Floral tops are a wardrobe staple for women, and a cropped shape sets off the wide leg of a culotte perfectly. Add on white sneakers for a laidback but polished look.
4. A NOT SO BASIC TEE
Of course, a simple cotton jersey t-shirt like the Reverie Top is always great paired back with a culotte, but what about a tee with unique details like ruching and an asymmetrical hemline? It instantly ups the style ante of denim culottes, in this case made from sustainable denim, and takes the look out to dinner or a casual party paired with ballet flats.
5. TUCK IN A BUTTON UP BLOUSE
A button front top doesn’t have to feel conservative but we love the contrast of a crisp cotton blouse tucked into a relaxed culotte pant, like our denim VIOLETTE Jean. Keep the fuss out of the outfit with simple strappy sandals and a standout bag like the MARIS, with hand-knotted macrame knots.
6. PAIR IT WITH A JACKET
A sharp-lined cotton blazer such as the Solara Jacket paired with wide-leg, cropped culotte pants like the Yuna Pant makes for a chic and unexpected twist on the suit. Try this for the office with a soft blouse, whether it is a tiered top like the SOL or a slimmer-fit T-shirt. Add on low heels and a take-charge attitude for your ultimate office outfit.
7. KEEP IT SOLID
One color head-to-toe is flattering and fresh — a look that can go from day to night with a change of accessories and flatters curves when wearing culottes. All-white is fresh for summer, a vacation or just a casual day out with friends. Try a culotte set with a coordinating top for an easy set for fall or winter as well.
8. ADD A POP OF COLOR
Culotte outfits are a fun place to experiment with bold color, from a matching top and purse to a bright and cheerful sweater for winter. You can keep your shoes neutral — flats and sneakers are always hits with culottes but heels and tall boots can work as well in colder weather. But don’t be afraid to play with color!