Gboth in sight. Summer is an invitation to discover yourself: thanks to the return of culottes, the undisputed protagonists of the women’s collections for Spring Summer 2026. High-waisted (On the contrary, very high), high-cut and shapingare the number one allies for an immediate “kilometre silhouette” effect.
The most popular version now is total black. With or without glitter, black culottes earn the title of summer essential: they slim the figure in a single gesture and add a bold but calibrated note to the look. Halfway between lingerie and ready-to-wear, they conquer at first glance. And, once worn, it is difficult to go back. Here you are the best ideas to wear them in style this seasonto be copied at fashion shows.
Black glitter culottes and crochet dress
The visible underwear trend finds a new interpretation in glittery culottes. Wear under sheer or crochet skirts or dresses (Elisabetta Franchi), recall the suggestions of the most sophisticated beachwear and become the fulcrum of summer outfits with a sexy-chic flavour.
Slimming and refined: thanks to light layering and essential styling, which reveal without revealing too much and keep the elegance of the whole intact.
Culotte with glitter and transparent dress, from Elisabetta Franchi’s Spring Summer 2026 collection. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
How to match black culottes during the day in summer: oversized jacket
On the beach or by the pool, there’s room for high-waisted culottes, even better if they’re shaping or contouring. Think for hide small imperfections and optically lengthen the figurethey are combined with oversized light jackets for a relaxed effect or with maxi blazers (Simone Rocha docet) for a more sophisticated twist.
Black culottes and long blazer, from Simone Rocha’s Spring Summer 2026 collection. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
Black culottes in the evening: lingerie effect
In the eveningInstead, they transform. Worn with satin tops, light blouses and see-through slip dresses (Dolce&Gabbana), they play on the balance between sensuality and minimalism. Black reigns supreme, keeping the bar of elegance high. Glitter and diamonds, in gold or silver, give a shiny touch.
Black culottes and slip dresses, from the Dolce&Gabbana Spring Summer 2026 collection. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
Under the transparent skirt
If there is a trendy piece that cannot be separated from culottes, it is the transparent skirt. The two Spring Summer 2026 trends blend gracefully in romantic and sophisticated looks, like the one spotted on the Aje catwalk. The style trick to avoid appearing vulgar? Total blackobviously, with light black tulle skirts that recall the color of the tight shorts.
Under the transparent skirt a pair of black culottes, Aje Spring Summer 2026. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
The most original styling idea: culottes on the shirt
To transform classic culottes into original shorts, the ally to focus on according to the Spring Summer 2026 fashion shows (Loewe) is the maxi shirt. Reimbursed on the inside, it allows you to gain a few more centimeters of coverage and adds a special touch to even the simplest model. The slimming effect remains, while coverage and versatility increase.
The culotte shorts on the shirt, from Loewe’s Spring Summer 2026 collection. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
In this look, hot pants work well together with technical jackets and casual blousons: try them on windier days or for a wild beach look.
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