Lighter than jeans, culottes, or long shorts are an ideal alternative to a skirt over the summer, and Margot Robbie just showed us all how chic they can look with one of her latest outfits.
The actress wowed in an all-black ensemble while at a gallery event in London last week, and opted for a fitted jacket and cropped-length trouser combination from The Row. The star kept it simple with her styling too and opted for some pointed, kitten-heels and the Elise leather bag by the same designer. Margot's choice of dark culottes was unexpected for a summer event, but the whole look had a polished and put-together feel that we really liked.
When it comes to the trouser trend of the summer, we love how the actress styled her culottes, and although we would opt for a light layer underneath the jacket, such as a fitted vest or silk cami, it’s a great look to emulate for the office or as a fresh take on date night outfits. You can recreate her cropped-length look with similar styles below.

Finding your perfect fit is easy with this wide-leg pair as they are available in extra short, short and extra long lengths.

A pair of black court shoes will go with any outfit and these lower heeled pumps will do the job minus any 'ouch' moments.

A collarless blazer like Margot's gives the traditional tailored jacket a fresh spin, and this one comes with glam, metallic buttons too.
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Add a patterned belt to this high-waisted pair to cinch in your middle while injecting some extra personality to your look.

Woven linen is ideal for summer so this breathable and swishy pair will keep you cool during the incoming heatwaves.

These wide-leg wonders are made from a soft jersey material that is easy to move around in - perfect for the school run or a busy weekend.
While black might not feel very sunshine-ready, a pair of shorter-length trousers like Margot's really can work for the coming weeks - it's just down to some savvy styling. One of the biggest spring/summer fashion trends of 2026, this silhouette is readily available on the high street right now, so it's time to get trying.
Try adding a simple Breton stripe t-shirt and colour pop sandals for the weekend, use them as the building block for how to style leopard print for after hours or add some oomph with a bold floral blouse for the office. You have plenty of options, and the swishy fit of your culottes will feel light and breezy on even the warmest of days.
Culottes will be a great option as we start to transition to autumn, too, as they provide a little more warmth and coverage than a floaty skirt for those first few chilly mornings, but without feeling too heavy for warmer afternoons. Simply switch sandals for trainers, loafers or knee-high boots, and you can keep wearing them well into October.