I'm Not Joking: Culottes Are Definitely Making a Comeback

      I should have recognized the signs that clearly indicated a resurgence of culottes was on the horizon. After all, it’s my job to notice these trends, yet even the more accessible Bermuda shorts did little to prepare me for the return of the longer, often wider variation to fashion's good graces. One moment, culottes appeared nonexistent in the numerous modern fashion references I maintain in my mind. The next, they were omnipresent—worn by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Charli XCX; showcased by models at COS, Tory Burch, and Chloé; and seen on fashionably dressed individuals throughout street style and Instagram.

      While industry insiders have largely embraced the anticipated culottes trend for 2025, many others I've spoken to are less enthusiastic. The main argument is "I can't pull them off," stemming from discomfort with the below-knee, above-ankle hems typical of culottes. Some refuse to believe that culottes can be stylish despite their previously dull and uncool reputation. They are back for a reason—brands have recognized the potential in this once-outdated style and revitalized it with fresh designs and innovative styling. Now, viral stardom is on the horizon.

      To assist in transitioning from dislike to love for culottes, I’d like to share some inspiration that I turned to when I first bought a pair of culottes for 2025. Mine are from COS, part of their S/S 25 collection presented earlier this spring in Athens, Greece. They are white, crafted from sturdy tailored poplin, and for my inaugural styling, I took cues from the runway where they were debuted alongside a matching white oversized anorak (which I also added to my wardrobe post-show). Rather than opting for visible plastic footwear, I complemented the outfit with tall block-heel pumps, a solution for the potentially unflattering cut. In my experience, heels—whether stiletto kitten heels, chunkier block heels, or boots—are truly the best match for pants like this. I’ve also worn them with simple camisoles, flowy T-shirts, and knit polos, demonstrating to both myself and those around me how versatile these bottoms can be if you're open to trying them.

      Others have developed their unique ways to style culottes in 2025. For instance, London-based content creator Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemak paired her oatmeal-colored culottes with suede Miu Miu sneakers and a matching brown argyle sweater. Meanwhile, in New York ahead of the Met Gala, Bieber was spotted outside of La Garçonne in SoHo wearing black oversized culottes with a cropped black T-shirt, a vintage Mercedes hat, and heeled thong sandals from Toteme. Stylist Georgina Downe sported a cream pair with a gray knit top and vintage-inspired black pumps, while a guest at the Nanushka S/S 25 runway show in New York was photographed in an all-white ensemble with strappy sandals and a cropped top.

      The options, as they say, are limitless. It merely requires a willingness to set aside past opinions about culottes and approach them afresh. To get started, scroll down. From Zara to Chloé, there's a pair of culottes for anyone ready to experiment with the 2025 style.

      **Shop the 2025 culotte pants trend:**

      **ZARA**

      Zw Collection Culotte Shorts

      Effortless, budget-friendly, and stylish.

      **ALIGNE**

      Miles Denim Culottes

      **MANGO**

      Cotton Wide Leg Pants

      Ideal for summer travel and errands.

      **COS**

      Wool-Blend Capri Pants

      These look great with flip-flops, but I prefer culottes with heels or boots—perhaps that's just my preference.

      **Levi's**

      High Waist Wide Leg Culotte Jeans

      Casual but not overly casual jeans.

      **Tory Burch**

      Twill Board Shorts

      This entire outfit is going straight to my mood board.

      Catch me sporting these in Italy this summer.

      **MANGO**

      Linen-Blend Culotte Suit Pants

      **ZARA**

      Limited Edition Linen Culottes

      I adore the almost avant-garde shape and design of these linen culottes.

      These are incredibly chic, particularly the color.

      Not sure where to begin? Try the following.

      **Chloé**

      Colorblock Denim Culottes

      These Chloé bottoms have a distinctly French-girl vibe, especially when paired with tall boots. Simply add a tank top for a casual look or elevate it with a silky camisole.

      **Pistola**

      Sophia Stretch Cotton Ankle Wide Leg Pants

      These have the appeal of bottoms a trendy Brooklyn mom would own.

      **ZARA**

      High Waisted Culottes

      This suit will quickly become your go-to for summer professional events. Don’t forget to shop the matching Tailored Short Waistcoat ($46).

      These will