Culottes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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culottes
[kʌˈlɑːts ]
Definition
fashion clothing
Culottes are a type of women's clothing that consist of a skirt with the appearance of a short dress or the effect of wide-legged trousers. They are knee-length or longer and are often made from light, flowing fabrics, making them comfortable for warm weather or casual settings.
Synonyms
palazzo pants, skirt-pants, trousers.
Examples of usage
- She wore a stylish pair of culottes to the summer picnic.
- Culottes can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with sandals.
- The fashion show featured a collection of elegant culottes in various colors.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Fashion Trends
- In the 1970s, culottes made a comeback as part of the bohemian style, reflecting the era's love for freedom and individual expression.
- In modern fashion, they have become a staple, blending comfort with elegance, suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
- Culottes are often made from various fabrics, allowing for different styles ranging from casual cotton to luxurious silk.
Cultural Impact
- Culottes have been associated with feminist movements, often seen as a symbol of women's liberation from traditional clothing restrictions.
- Many fashion designers have embraced culottes in their collections, showcasing their versatility across cultures and generations.
- Influential figures like Coco Chanel helped popularize more practical women's clothing, contributing to the acceptance of styles like culottes.
Comfort and Practicality
- They provide the ease of movement compared to tighter pants, making them ideal for various activities, from work to play.
- Culottes often allow air circulation in warmer weather, being a popular choice for summer fashion.
- Their unique cut can flatter different body shapes, helping boost confidence in how we dress.
Art and Literature
- Culottes have appeared in fashion illustrations and paintings, often symbolizing freedom and modernization in women's attire.
- Writers of the feminist fashion movement have highlighted culottes as an emblem of change in how society perceives women's roles.
- Several contemporary authors discuss culottes in their essays on modern fashion trends and gender expression, showcasing their cultural significance.
Origin of 'culottes'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'culottes' comes from the French word for 'breeches', originally referring to knee-length trousers worn by men.
- In the 19th century, the term evolved to describe a women's fashion that offered the comfort of pants while resembling a skirt.
- The design became popular during times of women's rights movements, symbolizing the push for more practical and equal clothing options.
The term 'culottes' originates from the French word 'culotte,' which referred to a type of knee-length breeches worn by men during the 17th century. The fashion item evolved significantly over time, especially during the French Revolution when the 'sans-culottes' (without breeches) became a symbol of the revolutionaries. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, culottes began to be adapted for women's fashion, offering comfort and freedom of movement. They became popular in the 1970s as part of the women's liberation movement, symbolizing practicality and ease. Over the years, culottes have maintained their appeal, frequently making appearances in contemporary fashion, often celebrated for their blend of elegance and casual wear.