Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I read a lot of fashion blogs and style magazines and all of a sudden I’m learning that culottes — a “thing” of the 1970s -- are popular again. I was born decades after that so I’m new to this trend for “summer into late fall.” Really? To me, many of the pictures are women wearing what appear to be capri pants that bell out at mid calf.

You have written a lot about how capri pants are unflattering. I’d like to hear your verdict on culottes.

--Samantha G.

Dear Samantha: If you are thinking of culottes to your wardrobe, there’s a wide choice, so take your time and choose carefully.

In general, culottes are a melding of skirt and pant. They’re like a skirt that is fitted at the waist but are actually pants that stop at the knee or the calf. Some of the options are plain ugly and unflattering and, yes, many are glorified capri pants. Stars like Margot Robbie, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Kate Hudson have been photographed in this style. Not a great look. These celebrities’ choices look like traditional capris, hitting the leg at mid calf and then flaring out a bit or a lot. Others look like baggy longish shorts. Also not flattering.

But the definition of what manufacturers call culottes has morphed into a sort of bell-bottom pant/skirt with ample fabric that hits at the knee or ankle bone—almost a swooshy palazzo effect that can make you look glam and fashion-forward without the capri pants effect of making the legs look stumpy.

All of these options have one welcome characteristic: Your skirt/pant can’t blow in the wind exposing your underwear (a la Marilyn Monroe in "The Seven Year Itch"). And that’s a good thing.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: How do I find sheets that feel like cotton and don’t have deep pockets?

--Barbara S.

Dear Barbara: For your online search, type “shallow pocket sheets” or ”low profile sheets.” But you’ll have to sift through a lot of suggestions that are not what you asked for.

But here are a couple suggestions — in cotton — that might work. The prices vary widely. On amazon.com you’ll find 8-to-10-inch pocket sheets by a brand called Lirex starting at $16.14 for a twin to $23.99 for a king mattress. Egyptianlinens.com offers fitted bottom sheets (Royal Tradition brand) 6-to-10-inches deep starting at $46 for a twin to $60 for a California king. Also 7-to-10-inch Royal Tradition brand at $26 for a twin up to $50 for a king.

Readers, please help Barbara with other vendors that you’re happy with.

Angelic Readers

From Jan T.: “I'd like to respond to the reader who wasn't sure she could wear a headband. I have shoulder length white hair and, at 73, I can't stand my hair in my eyes. I found Hipsy brand headbands on Amazon. They are an almost undetectable, quarter-inch wide, adjustable for length, and come in many colors (2 for $17.99 and up)."

Jan S. writes: "Susan B. asked you about tops with too-low necklines. She should check out halftee.com. They have a super wide variety of half tees that will fill in that low neckline without extra bulk or heat. I find them perfect for tops that are too low, under sundresses. Super comfortable. They have turtlenecks, mock necks, long sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, cap sleeves and sleeveless -- really an incredible variety and lots of different sizes. They start at $29.99. I love them.” Regarding low-cut V-neck tops, Judy B. says: “I often use a cami or cami-bra with a pretty lace trim to fill in the lower part of the V. You can also use a plain cami in a similar or complimenting color." Ann D. also favors camisoles as a solution for Susan B.: “Camisoles are much lighter and cooler on hot days than a traditional T-shirt.”

Reader Rant

From Denise P.: “I am writing to remind women's clothing designers to include at least one pocket in their designs. This can be achieved without creating a bulky silhouette, and adding practical elements to these garments provides significant value to consumers.”

©2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC