Sometimes, trends come and go before you even have the opportunity to try them. Other times, you realize a certain clothing "fad" isn't actually a fad at all — it actually has serious staying power. It's in that moment when you also realize you have absolutely no idea how to wear said article of clothing, which can lead to a sartorial state of panic.
Lately, you may have found yourself thinking, Wait, culottes are sticking around? How do I even wear those? That's where we come in. Welcome to the judge-free zone. Still don't know how to style your crop tops? No big deal. Can't get yourself to actually buy, let alone wear, a slip dress? Allow us to change your mind.
That's right, we're answering five of the most pressing style questions you're too afraid to ask — talking you through the trends you never imagined you'd embrace and helping you taking the big leap. Ahead, you'll find the no-fail ways to wear the trickiest of-the-moment items. Remember: Never say never.
The Question: How To Wear Culottes
Culottes look coolest when they're styled with casual staples. That way, they don't feel too stuffy or try-hard. Find a versatile black pair you love and pair them with a cheeky graphic tee. Finish the look off with some simple slides, a basket bag, and some minimalist dangly earrings. At the end of the day, they're just like jeans, but cooler.
H&M Culottes, $14.99, available at H&M; Être Cécile Presque Parisienne Oversize T-shirt, $95.57, available at Être Cécile; Soko Graduated Infinity Studs, $54, available at Soko; Clare V. Alice, $199, available at Clare V.; & Other Stories Cross Strap Slide Sandals, $125, available at & Other Stories.
The Question: How To Wear A Crop Top
The no-fail way to actually wear crop tops? With high-waisted bottoms, of course. They're the perfect way to balance out a shorter top and they'll keep you from worrying about showing too much midriff (or looking overly juvenile). As for accessories, keep them fun and simple, with some metallic — but comfortable and practical — flats, matching sunglasses, and the black crossbody bag you already wear every day. Easy breezy.
Apiece Apart Silk Linen Striped Elisa Top, $275 $179, available at Moda Operandi; Sonia Rykiel High Waisted Jeans, $546.16 $382.31, available at Farfetch; Carla Colour Lind Sunglasses, $165, available at Carla Colour; Hobes Metallic Oxford, $149, available at Hobes; Forever 21 Structured Mini Satchel, $22.90, available at Forever 21.
— SPONSORED —
The Question: How To Wear Fancy Track Pants
Now that athleisure has solidified itself as a bona-fide lifestyle, fashion girls are sporting phys-ed-inspired track pants everywhere. The easiest way to elevate these side-striped bottoms is to treat them like you would a fancy dress pant, with a pair of sexy, open-toed heels and a drapey tank. For final touches, polish up the look with uniquely elegant accessories like a golden pendant necklace and a patchwork clutch.
Cartier, $4800.00, available at CartierTopshop, $85.00, available at TopshopAquazurra, $675.00, available at Barneys New YorkClare V., $141.00, available at ShopbopThe Row, $350.00, available at Net-A-Porter
The Question: How To Wear Cropped Flare Trousers
We saw cropped flare trousers on the runways seasons ago and they've finally hit the fast-fashion masses. Play up the nerdy-chic vibe of this trend by pairing yours with a crewneck tee and some clear glasses (whether you need them or not). And since cropped pants always look great with a bit of added height, pair them with some crisp white platform sneakers (and throw in a top-handle bag while you're at it).
Topshop Printed Jacquard Crop Flares, $80, available at Topshop; Trademark Spring Collar T-shirt, $148 $74, available at Trademark; H&M Platform Sneakers, $29.99, available at H&M; Courser Gunmetal Eyeglasses, $25, available at Eyebuy Direct; Bill Blass Chessy Mini Bag, $318, available at Bill Blass.
The Question: How To Wear A Slip Dress
A slip dress is definitely a tricky clothing item to style, but we've found it's impossible to go wrong by throwing one over a graphic band tee. A thin T-shirt toughens up the typically girly dress and makes it feel more casual than formal. To keep things feeling more laid-back, stick with barely there jewelry, sporty sneakers, and a classic shoulder bag.
Sleeper Sofia Green Silk Slip Dress, $320, available at Sleeper; Madeworn Police Tee, $160, available at Shop Super Street; Simon Miller Banyan Bucket Bag, $795, available at Barneys New York; Veja Esplar Leather White Marsala, $110.37, available at Veja; Sarah and Sebastian Stone Star Necklace, $720, available at Sarah and Sebastian.
The Question: How To Wear A Grandma Heel
The grandma heel isn't for everyone — or is it? Pair a low-heeled mule with an equally as ladylike button-front skirt for an ideal combo every time. Try a graphic print on top and a minimalist crossbody to create a weekend look that's ready for brunch. Trust us: Your feet will thank you.
Marais Classic Mule, $225, available at Marais; & Other Stories Button Shoulder Tank, $55, available at & Other Stories; Tibi City Stretch Cargo Skirt, $350, available at Tibi; Illesteva Flamingo Cream Bag, $390, available at Illesteva; Self-Portrait + Le Specs Luxe Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses, $125, available at Net-A-Porter.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
That Time I Bought A Pair Of $345 Jeans & Felt Like Dying