If you’ve been on the pants wagon of late, you’ll have noticed that pants are getting shorter and wider this Spring.

Yes, it’s true: culottes are one of the biggest trends for this Spring/Summer this year.

So what are culottes you may be asking?

They’re those often high waisted, wide legged pants that finish somewhere between your knee and your ankle.

If they sit around knee height or above, I’d say they’re approaching skort territory; longer than that, they’re more of a palazzo style pant.

Semantics aside, I’m totes on board.

Wearing a long sleeved tee from Boden (not current) with Garden Culottes from Gorman and ALYCE wedges from FRANKiE4 Footwear

Now when a new trend hits stores, I do get a little bit excited but I’m also not one to wear – or buy – something just because it’s “in fashion”. But if said item is flattering, fun and adds some interest to my new season wardrobe – like culottes – it’s a YES from me Eddie.

So how to wear culottes this Spring/Summer?

I’ve written what follows with culottes specifically in mind, but I think much of this also applies to all styles of wide leg pants.

1. Try on a few different pairs and styles to see what suits you – as with any new or unfamiliar style, it might take a few tries to find something that suits you. Go shopping with an honest but fashion loving friend or family member to get a second opinion if that helps or order online and have a culottes workshop at home.

I’ve ended up with two pairs so far – this elasticised, tencel style pair from Seed Heritage in size 14 (which you can see me wearing below) and a paper bag waisted, printed pair from Gorman – the Garden Culottes – (the printed pair I’m wearing above).

Don’t be afraid to try different sizes to get the best fit too – I sized up to get the desired fabric flow and shape on my legs and waist.

Wearing Linen tank from Country Road, Wide Legged Tencel Pants from Seed Heritage and HiLARY slides from FRANKIE4 Footwear.

2. Find a style that sits at a comfortable waist height –  for me, this means at the narrowest part of my torso – Harry High Pants Central – which is fine, provided it’s a high waisted style as camel toe must be avoided at all costs! You might feel more comfortable with a low slung style or somewhere in between.

3. Approach as you would a skirt – when it comes to working out what to wear with your culottes, don’t overthink it. Remember that if your legs are together, it looks like you’re wearing a skirt. Wear the shoes and top you’d wear with a skirt of the same length.

Wearing a long sleeved tee from Boden (not current) with Garden Culottes from Gorman and Rose Gold Sidecuts from Rollie Nation

4. Keep the proportions in mind – if you’re wearing voluminous pants, opt for a more fitted top to balance out the proportions. I tend to opt for a fitted long or short sleeved tee with mine.

Wearing a long sleeved tee from Boden (not current) with Garden Culottes from Gorman and ALYCE wedges from FRANKiE4 Footwear

5. Get tucked – following on from the above, to create some shape and a more flattering silhouette, consider tucking in your top – at the most flattering waist point for you – to balance out the volume of your culottes.

Alternatively, wear a top that finishes just above the top of your pants, as I’ve done below with a tie front top. A fitted shell, wrap or peplum top would also achieve the same effect.

Wearing Drop Shoulder Knot Tee in Small from Seed Heritage, Wide Legged Tencel Pants from Seed Heritage and HiLARY slides from FRANKIE4 Footwear.

6. Try different combos – as you can see above, I’ve played around with different tops and shoes, finding new ways to wear my new pantaloons. I’ve tried wedges and flats and different styles of tops. I’m also planning to wear mine with trainers and a cropped jacket. Stay tuned on Insta for that!

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Are you on board the culottes wagon? How do you like to wear yours?