InnerMutton likes culottes, both practical and smart they fit nicely into our style uniform, and now they are trendy too.

I particularly like this sharply tailored pair from Marni via Net a Porter…

obviously high-quality cloth and a great cut that creates a strong, sculptural profile.  And teamed with some chunky loafers or brogues (a story for another day!), or high courts for evening wear, these are a classic item to add to your winter wardrobe.

Sadly I don’t have a Marni budget, nor can I stretch to Acne Studios’ version…

which at £400 (and also via Net-A-Porter) are only a tad cheaper, so I’ve been on the hunt for something similar.

Much of what is on the market is shorter – around the knee – and to my eye looks a bit like an ill-fitting summer skirt.  I was temporarily diverted by leatherette…but then I remembered this is InnerMutton and not InnerGestapo, so I moved along.

So, for now I am sticking with this pair from Topshop…

They don’t have quite the same stiff A-line shape but at £40 they are one tenth of the price of the next nearest contender.  They are from the Tall range hence the extra length in the leg.  And as with all product presented here, something I’d be happy to send my granny out in!

I think that there will be more to say on this subject as ‘culotte’ searches are turning up more and more product daily – so watch this space.