C

[C]ULOTTES

"The culotte is a little bit of an 'F-you' piece," says Lowell Delaney, co-designer of London label Trager Delaney. "It's such a power move because it isn't a conventionally sexy look. It says, 'I don't care and I still look better than you even though you're wearing a miniskirt.' 

Loved by some, hated by others; Culottes are fashion’s Marmite. Despite being a favourite amongst designers, many women have struggled to see past the garment’s reputation as clumsy ‘skort’ or girl scouts’ uniform. Others choose to reject the cropped and wide leg styles as dated or ill-fitting.

Don’t be intimidated. Sitting high on the waist and cut at the slimmest part of the leg, culottes are surprisingly flattering on most body types. Though tailored, their looser fit also allows the wearer some ‘leg room’ without the heaviness of palazzo strides and flares.

      When it comes to styling culottes, proportion is everything. Wearing a cropped or halter top, for example, can help to offset the billowing cut of a flared trouser by drawing attention back to the upper half of the body. A chunky sweater or tunic will have the opposite effect, lengthening the torso and creating a smooth silhouette.

NB: For a flirty finish play with ‘underwear as outerwear’ and opt for a lace bralet or camisole.

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photo credits: aritzia.com, mishanonoo.com, sunshine-n-gunpowder.com, clavisfashion.polyvore.com

A

[A]-LINE SKIRT

French designer Christian Dior coined the term‘A-Line’ as a label for his 1955 Spring collection. The letter ‘A’ referred to the outline of a "flared jacket worn over a dress with a very full, pleated skirt” and was considered the "most wanted silhouette in Paris”.

Narrow in the waist and flaring outwards at the hem, the classic shape of the A-Line skirt is suited to almost every figure. Its flattering design skims over rounder hips, helping to balance an hourglass figure whilst concealing problem areas such as the stomach or thighs. It can also add shape to an athletic build by highlighting a slim waist and creating the illusion of curves.

This season’s A-Line skirt is a nostalgic throwback to the soft suedes and stonewashes of the 1970s. The button-front mini is a staple for AW15, featuring autumnal fabrics such as burnt orange corduroy and moss green suede. Channel Jane Birkin in an oversized shirt or pair with  tights and a tartan blanket scarf to carry the look into the colder months.

For those who prefer a longer length skirt, the denim midi is a popular but demure alternative, falling just below the knee. Why not brave double-denim or a graphic tee to give the trend a playful 90's twist?

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photo credits: zara.com, vogue.com, asos.com, polyvore.com, ciaraodoherty.com, collagevintage.com