Queen Mary of Denmark has once again proven she’s not afraid to take the lead when it comes to fashion.
And this time she’s stepping firmly into one of 2025’s most talked-about fashion trends: the return of culottes.
While some royal fashion fans clutched their pearls over the Aussie-born royal’s recent outfit at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, those in the know were quick to clock the Queen’s sharp sense of style and ahead-of-the-curve fashion instincts.
Far from a misstep, her decision to don tailored Bermuda-length culottes in soft grey was a masterclass in modern summer dressing, with other royals and celebs alike following suit.
Last month the 53-year-old monarch paired the wide-leg, mid-length pants with a matching structured blazer by Danish label Mark Kenly Domino Tan and a chunky Zimmermann braided belt, finishing the look with suede Gianvito Rossi heels.
Critics were quick to point fingers at the outfit’s ‘unusual proportions,’ but fashion insiders saw something else entirely – a confident embrace of one of the season’s biggest comebacks.
Whether we like it or not, culottes are back, and these elegant women are leading the charge.
Once considered a tricky relic of the mid-2010s, culottes have been reclaiming their place on the fashion scene for a little while now.
Last month Queen Mary of Denmark sparked controversy after stepping out in grey Bermuda-length culottes and a matching blazer designed by Copenhagen-based fashion house Mark Kenly Domino Tan
Now, it seems all the Royal women are stepping firmly into one of 2025’s most talked-about fashion trends: the return of culottes. Pictured: Kate Middleton
Queen Letizia of Spain, long hailed for her modern, minimal wardrobe, has taken the more streamlined route, favouring tailored, neutral-toned culottes with crisp white shirts and sleek stilettos
It’s not just Queen Mary of Denmark flying the flag for the great culottes comeback, she’s in very royal company.
In recent months, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has also embraced the silhouette, opting for bold, jewel-toned versions in rich satins and structured crepes.
True to her glamorous style, she’s been seen pairing them with oversized statement blouses and wedge heels.
Meanwhile, Queen Letizia of Spain, long hailed for her modern, minimal wardrobe, has taken the more streamlined route, favouring tailored, neutral-toned culottes with crisp white shirts and sleek stilettos.
And even Kate Middleton, the always-elegant Princess of Wales, has dabbled in culottes, though in true Kate fashion, she keeps things polished and classic.
She’s been spotted in navy, and olive green styles, usually paired with a fitted blazer and a block heel. It’s a softer, more traditional take, but still totally on-trend.
Now even A-listers like Hailey Bieber, Cate Blanchett, Monica Barbaro, and Lily Aldridge, have been spotted styling them in ultra-modern, elevated ways, proving the silhouette is anything but outdated.
In fact, Vogue US recently confirmed the cropped, wide-leg pant is officially in again.
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has embraced culottes, opting for bold, jewel-toned versions in rich satins and structured crepes
Critics were quick to point fingers at Mary’s outfit, saying it had ‘unusual proportions,’ but fashion insiders saw something else entirely – a confident embrace of one of the season’s biggest comebacks. Pictured: Queen Mary with husband Frederik
The stars have also been spotted styling culottes in ultra-modern, elevated ways, proving the silhouette is anything but outdated. Pictured: Hailey Bieber (left) and Monica Barbaro (right)
With their blend of femininity, mobility and polish, culottes strike the perfect balance between comfort and chic. And Queen Mary’s Copenhagen ensemble has put the royal stamp of approval on the trend.
However, there does seem to be a few rules of thumb around this particular outfit choice. The royal recently wore the same blazer and pants in April during a state visit to Paris and got a completely different fashion verdict.
On that occasion, Mary was praised for the chic look, which saw the grey two-piece paired with Aquazzura over-the-knee stiletto boots, a high neck black top and a delightful brooch pinned to the jacket.
At the time, VOGUE Scandanavia heralded Mary’s outfit choice as a ‘slightly edgier look while maintaining her signature royal elegance’.
So, what are the ‘rules’ around culottes and why did Mary’s exact same base outfit go awry during her most recent royal appearance?
‘Culottes can be so chic if you know how to wear them,’ Australian stylist Lattitia Taylor told FEMAIL. ‘I just think Mary’s grey suit with the brown belt were the biggest issue here, not the culottes themselves.’
While some conservative commentators may have dismissed Queen Mary’s recent look as a rare misfire, others are seeing it for what it is, a calculated style move that’s more trendsetting than tragic.
‘The fact that she’s worn the outfit before, with minor tweaks, only reinforces her confidence in the fashion-forward silhouette,’ said Lattitia.
And her royal adoration doesn’t end there: ‘I’m also loving everything from Queen Letizia of Spain’s monochrome corporate style to Queen Mary of Denmark floaty choices.
Lily Aldridge (left) chose relaxed denim culottes recently while Cate Blanchett (right) paired an oversized silhouette with a belted blazer
‘Royal wardrobes are starting to reflect what’s happening on the runways, and the sidewalks, which is great for us.’
So while culottes may still divide opinion, these latest fashion outings make one thing very clear, the royals aren’t playing it completely safe.
‘Mary has great taste and is the most consistently well-dressed royal lady in my view,’ surmised one commenter on a New My Royal fashion post.
Fashion risks are back in fashion and culottes, apparently, are officially leading the charge – just maybe not paired with brown accessories.
