Cool Culottes
Bermuda shorts trend 2013
I’m afraid the ‘Bermuda shorts’ fashion trend for spring/summer is definitely not on my list of ‘must-have’ buys for 2013. It’s a difficult look to get away with . . . . . . . . unless your legs are super-long and lean of course, in which case you can probably wear most anything.
Faye Dunaway in Bonnie and Clyde, 1967
For the rest of us mere mortals, perhaps a pair of culottes would offer a chic alternative? Certainly during the late 1960s, culottes and pant-dresses were all the rage, and this era provided fashion-forward gals the option of maxi or mini-length too.
I particularly love the maxi-length culottes shown in the image below, teamed with round neck sweater and beret; a look undoubtedly influenced by the pouting Faye Dunaway who appeared in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde.
This image is scanned from my copy of FASHION magazine, April 1968.
Culottes by Ballantyne 1968
Culottes are all the rage this season whether you are a daring maxi convert – or a faithful mini traditionalist. Whichever you are, come to The Scotch House* and enjoy the fun of trying both. you’ll love these charming Spring time co-relating culotte skirts and sweaters. They’re in Ballantyne’s four new season’s colours: Toffee, Golden sundew, Skye Blue and Skye Green. Waist sizes 24″, 26″ and 28″. Mini, £10.10.0. Maxi, £11.19.6. Or made-to-order for 1 gn. extra. In lightweight pure new wool. Cashmere sweaters. Sizes 36″, 38″ and 40″. Turtle neck, £7.10.0. Classic round neck, £6.19.6.
*The Scotch House was a famous central London woollen and cashmere retailer, based at Knightsbridge and Regent Street. Scotch House was an institution for wealthy London shoppers in search of designer fashion. In addition to its own Scotch House label, it built a reputation as a destination designer store with collections from top fashion houses including Edina Ronay, Pringle, Ballantyne and Scott Henshaw. The owners, Great Universal Stores, converted the Knitsbridge premises to Burberry, another GUS brand, in 2002.
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I love that wearing a length that was the style 10 years prior would be considered “daring!”
Well spotted Lizzie! I never thought wearing a mini at that time would be considered traditional either!