Culottes were certainly not on my bingo card for 2026, but I couldn’t resist trying these on while perusing Gypsy on Nantucket! The boutique is expertly curated with modern, elegant silhouettes by labels like Khaite, The Row, Alaia and more, so naturally I spent a good amount of time in there. I actually looked at these culottes on the rack then kept moving, only to impulsively come back for them just as I was ready to head into the dressing room with a bunch of other items! I’m so glad I decided to try them on despite my initial doubt, because I ended up LOVING them. Because they are a relaxed, wide-leg fit, they are incredibly comfortable! Even in the dressing room though, I was still a bit hesitant to buy them. How much would I actually reach for them? Could I even pull them off?! I ended up leaving the store with just this tee and decided to wait and see how I felt about the culottes – I figured I could always swing back by if I felt strongly about them. Two days later, I was still pining over them, so I popped back by the boutique to see if they were still available.. and luckily for me, they were!
Last week they made their debut in New York where I wore them to the Sabyasachi runway show! I styled them with this long sleeve white tee, a red cardigan draped over my shoulders, and a pair of kitten heel thong sandals – you can see that look here. I also love the way these culottes look dressed up for events/dinner with an interesting cropped top to highlight my waist, and a statement clutch as you’re seeing in these photos! Separately, I think they’ll be a solid casual go-to for me with layered tees/sweaters and loafers this season. Who knew culottes could be so multi-faceted? If you’d like to try the look for less, don’t miss this Zara dupe! I’d be remiss to not mention this shirt too, which I also snagged on my Nantucket getaway! At this point I probably have one too many white button-downs, but I can’t deny myself an interesting twist like this cropped waist with a tie-back detail. And did you peep the sleeves? They’ve got a shirred pleating that creates a curve in the sleeve. It’s such a fresh, fashion forward look! You can see it in motion in this video I shared highlighting my new Tanya Taylor jeans!
These pieces both bring to mind a motto I have always clung to over the years – that basics need not be boring. Both of these items are neutral and versatile separates, but make way more of an impact than a traditional white button-down and black pants would. Stylized versions of everyday staples, aka “statement staples” (IYKYK), can make any outfit feel so much more interesting! If you’re eager to fill your closet with better basics, don’t miss these worthy buys (several of which are budget buys too!):
TRENCH // STRIPED TEE // SCARF TRIM SWEATER // DRAPED BLACK BLOUSE // WHITE SCRUNCHED-SLEEVE SHIRT // ZARA RUFFLE-HEM TOP // CAPE CARDIGAN // BLACK DRESS WITH IVORY PLEATED HEM // BLACK LEATHER PEPLUM JACKET // OLIVE WRAP BLAZER // VELVET MULES // BLACK BUBBLE MINISKIRT // BLACK CHENILLE MINISKIRT // BLACK RUFFLE TRIM MIDI SKIRT // OSTRICH-EFFECT CLUTCH
MORE INTERESTING, ELEVATED STAPLES
- This Zara jacket is labeled as a trench, but it feels like a trench-chore jacket hybrid and I LOVE it!
- I just ordered this short sleeve cape sweater!
- This nylon drawstring tote is a cute and casual style for everyday errands and wear!
- One of my favorite coats is back and now comes in black! Can’t resist a fringe trim…
- This barrel skirt is in my cart at Zara! Adore that shape.
- I’m so drawn to this scooped sweater neckline!
- Sportmax is quickly becoming a go-to designer for me for inspo! This LBD is amazing.
- This blazer minidress is SO chic and the neckline is super unique.
- This fringed wool mini is darling!!
- I now have this Tibi mock-neck tee in three colors. It’s so so good on its own or layered under sweaters! I wear the XS.
- Give your flats a true ballerina spin with this point-inspired silhouette!
- I am DYING to add this faux-fur trim top to my wardrobe for fall/winter!
