Aug 24, 20213 min read

Summer Style: Pants and Culottes

I love a great pair of pants. For many years I was always too small in the waist to be able to go without a belt on anything. But with age came a slowed down metabolism and the ability to fill out in the waist and booty area. And, finally, I can rock a cute pair of pants without a belt or belt-loops and little to no gaping at the waist. Oh, happy day! As back-up, though, I still have a strong affinity for a drawstring waist, which gives the ability to adjust the fit at the waist according to whatever my body is deciding to do on any given day. Flat-flat, bloated or toned? Drawstring has you covered. For that, it's forever a staple in my wardrobe.

Pants are my comfort zone, even as I venture out more into the land of skirts and dresses. For years, I didn't drive, so pants were more practical for chasing buses, taxis and trains. I had to be feeling a certain amount of girlie or feminine to venture out in a skirt or dress. They were mostly for church and special occasions. In any case, pants of any and all styles inhabit my closet. Wide-leg, boot-cut, straight-leg, culottes, super-long, ankle-lengthy, mid-rise and high-waisted. Recently, I purged my wardrobe of low-rise anything, because I feel I'm at an age where it just feels ridiculous. Being able to sit down without a butt crack draft is where I am at this stage of life. I've moved on. But everything else is fair game, regardless of fabric or print. Professional, casual, dressy or in a fun design, give me all the pants! But I have special love for wide-leg.

When skinny pants dominated the fashion scene I still held tight to my wide-legs. Super long and flowing over heels has always been my jam. Pants aren't necessarily considered feminine, but I feel having that extra bit of fabric swaying in the wind as you walk, especially in heels, can be just as romantic as a skirt or dress. Wide leg pants and culottes have personality; flowy fabric flirting with the wind with every step can be sexy. While I prefer them in heels for a more professional or formal occasion, I can vibe with them in flats for something more casual. Pleats and high-waist details have made a comeback in the past few seasons, which adds that extra touch of tailoring generally absent from flat front pants, which have had a long run for the past few decades.

Having said that, I can also appreciate a pant that isn't overly wide-legged, but has a special detail like a tie-hem. As someone with tiny, spindly ankles, tie-hems give my ankles the illusion of more weight in that area. Plus, ties and bows just hit different for my taste. That I've added a couple of pairs of pants with this detail to my summer wardrobe is no surprise. Not sure, yet, how well it'll transition into cooler seasons or if this style is limited to Spring and Summer, but I'm going to enjoy them for as long as I can for work, weekend, vacay or play.

Below, are the latest additions into my wardrobe. Let me know what you think or if you have a favorite.