retrofitted – culottes

When it comes to culottes, there’s more than meets the eye – and not just aesthetically. They have quite a rebellious history. They originated in France – posh legwear worn by the upper class. Revolutionaries who stormed the Bastille were known as sans culottes, a slur against the aristocracy. Later, culottes resurfaced in the Victorian age when women became active. The “divided skirt” was perfect for riding bikes and horses and gave ladies a sense of freedom previously only enjoyed  by men. And again, in 1931, culottes took center stage when worn by tennis champion  Lily d’Alvarez.

But wait…there’s more! Italian fashion designer Elsa Shiaparelli was the artist outfitting that tennis player, and I’m sure her intention was indeed to create a stir. Shiaparelli herself was a rebel. She was born into a wealthy family, studied philosophy at the University of Rome, and published a book a poetry deemed so sensual by her parents that they sent her to a convent. Once there, she used a hunger strike to gain her release. She married a former teacher, a palm-reader, and moved to New York. She worked in fashion boutiques until she eventually began designing her own line of clothing. Surely, you wouldn’t expect a corseted dress with frilly ruffles from such a bold soul?

So you see, culottes are really a feminist item. And as fashion columnist Lauren Lavern says, “Everything about [them] makes me want to love culottes.”

Lavern also offers tips on how to best accessorize them for this summer.

• wear heels
• wear black to be safe, but if you do go with a pattern, make it a bold one – this is not the season for wimpy prints
• mid-calf culottes are balanced with a simple clutch purse
• keep the outfit balanced – culottes are bold but minimal, so don’t pair them with girly-girl pieces with lots of detail

Now, if I’ve got your juices flowing, here are some cute culottes patterns I rounded up for you fellow rebels out there itching to make a pair!

• Emily Culottes by Itch to Stitch (these have a sweet waistband with a some simple detailing)
• Tania Culottes by Megan Nielsen (very full swing skirt, especially cute as shorts)
• Girl Friday Culottes by Liesl + Co  (tailored, with pleats)
• Peggy Coulotte Shorts by Fun Sewing Lab (children’s pattern, found on Etsy, these are adorable with a little ruffled hem)

For those of you wanting immediate gratification, here are some of my favorites you can purchase with the click of a computer key.