• Intelligencer
  • The Cut
  • Vulture
  • The Strategist
  • Curbed
  • Grub Street
  • Subscribe to the Magazine Give a Gift Subscription Buy Back Issues Current Issue Contents
    Subscribe to New York Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Profile
    Sign Out
The Cut
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
Style
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Shopping
  • Design Hunting
  • New York Weddings
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • Motherhood
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Science of Us
  • Horoscopes
  • Ask Polly
Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
More
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • The Cut Shop
  • nymag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
more than just pants
June 16, 2015

Choosing the Right Shoes for Your Culottes Isn’t Hard

By Diana Tsui

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet

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, click ahead to see 15 shoe-culotte pairings that will work for any occasion this summer.

View
1 / 15 Photos
Play off the menswear vibe of these pants with laceless oxfords.
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 volum... 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.
Elastic-waist culottes and slides are just as comfy as pajamas and slippers, except you'll actually look presentable. 
You can treat a tailored navy culotte like you would any other basic in your closet and experiment with a kooky heel.
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.
Sometimes linen can come off as too casual — but this bright-coral pair looks sharp when worn with contrasting cobalt pumps.
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 rop... 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.
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 a... 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.
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.
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.
On a hot summer day, crisp white culottes and barely there minty-green sandals feel appropriately refreshing and light.
Nothing says summer vacation more than a pair of espadrilles.
A slim, minimalist heel with a pleated printed culotte will stand out in a room full of cocktail dresses. 
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.
Because sometimes you just can't beat white sneakers and jeans. 
1 / 15

Tags:

  • goods
  • culottes
  • more than just pants
  • shoes
  • styling ideas
  • styling tips
  • sandals
  • chic sandals
  • heels
  • More

More Galleries

campaign trail Apr. 12, 2021
7 Women on Where They’re Finding Hope These Days  A new fashion campaign that focuses on the positive. 
fashion Mar. 15, 2021
Dramatic Wedding Gowns Inspired by Flowers  Danielle Frankel bridges the gap between bridal and fashion. 
campaign trail Jan. 28, 2021
 The Best Fashion Campaigns From Spring 2021  This season’s best from Prada, Versace, Miu Miu, and more. 
By Florence O'Connor
in memoriam Dec. 30, 2020
30 Incredible Fashion Moments From Pierre Cardin  Remembering a creative visionary. 
By Andrew Nguyen
rest in power Dec. 23, 2020
A Photo Memorial for an Iconic Model  She passed away suddenly at the age of 50 this week. 
campaign trail Nov. 18, 2020
‘Tis the Season for New Fashion Ads  See the best ones from Gucci, Prada, Versace, and more. 
By Emily Burns
nyfw spring 2021 Oct. 26, 2020
How a Great Collection Comes Alive  Christopher John Rogers launched its first-ever online shop, along with a new campaign. 
By Andrew Nguyen
campaign trail Sept. 24, 2020
See the Fashion Campaigns for Fall 2020  From Prada, Michael Kors, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
nyfw spring 2021 Sept. 22, 2020
See the Coach Spring 2021 Collection  Worn by Megan Thee Stallion, Kate Moss, Cole Sprouse, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
fashion Sept. 16, 2020
The Stunning Awkwardness of Face Masks on the Red Carpet  Celebrities tried to make the best of a strange situation at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. 
one word one shot Sept. 15, 2020
72 Designers on Their Spring/Summer Inspirations  Just in time for Fashion Week. 
By the Cut
red carpet Sept. 8, 2020
This Red Carpet Was Totally Surreal  But also amazing. See all the looks at the Venice Film Festival. 
By Emilia Petrarca and Andrew Nguyen
in memoriam Aug. 31, 2020
Remembering Chadwick Boseman on the Red Carpet  His style was bold, risk-taking, and always impeccable. 
the wedding files Aug. 21, 2020
The Design-Minded Couple Who Didn’t Want to Try Too Hard  The bride got a wonderful surprise the morning of her wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 14, 2020
A Costa Rica Wedding During the Rainy Season  Thunder roared during the toasts. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 7, 2020
A San Francisco Wedding at a Big, Empty Pier  The bride changed into crushed-velvet pants for the disco-infused reception. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 31, 2020
An Elopement Among the Lupines in Iceland  The late afternoon was spent snapping photos near waterfalls and black beaches. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 24, 2020
A Pennsylvania Potluck for 280 People  “I looked at her for the first time and had this feeling like, You. I know you.” 
By Kaitlin Menza
milan fashion week July 22, 2020
Behind the Scenes at Gucci’s Virtual Show  Instead of models, members of the design team sported the eccentric collection. 
By Andrew Nguyen
the wedding files July 17, 2020
A Dance Party Under Puerto Rican Palm Trees  Bad Bunny blasted and pitorro flowed. 
By Kaitlin Menza
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Newsletters
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Help
  • We’re Hiring
  • Press
  • Trademark
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Ad Choices
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Accessibility
The Cut is a Vox Media Network. © 2021 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved.