“Please explain who can wear cropped pants and how. I love how they feel when it is hot but I see them on others and they look awful a lot of the time, and I hesitate to wear.”
I love getting questions such as this one. On the onset it feels super easy to answer, but in reality it really isn’t because it all depends on one’s height, weight, and Body-Type.
First, let me explain my definition of “cropped” pants:
A cropped pant is defined when the regular length of the pant is shortened exposing part of your ankle or calf. The shortened length can vary from a few inches (ankle-length, narrow or wide) to more, anywhere in the calf area (Capri – close fitting leg, Gaucho – wide and loose leg ). However, once the pant length goes above the calf, but below the knee, it might be considered a long “short.”
So what’s height, weight, and Body-Type got to do with it? In one simple answer: Everything!
Let’s talk about height first. And because there are so many variables when it comes to height, let’s just assume that the examples I give are with women who are symmetrically proportionate when it comes to their Body-Type – No issues of long or short-legged, or long or short-waisted, etc. If you are like many whose body parts are not symmetrically proportionate, then you’ll need to take that into consideration. For example, if I mention that a length will shorten the appearance of your legs, and you already have short legs compared to the rest of your body, you will want to especially heed my advice. Got it?
Ok…so onward…
I’m petite so the last thing I want to do is to look shorter. Not that I mind my height, but I personally don’t want to look any shorter than I already am. So an “ankle” length is more complimentary to my leg than a capri length, because it will cut my legs off at mid calf (the prettiest part of the leg!), thus making me appear shorter. I suggest to my petite girls to wear an ankle length to a few inches above the ankle – experiment and turn your cuff up a few times and find your perfect cropped length. Also, a fitted pant as opposed to a full pant is better for petite or short girls because a wide leg has a tendency to add width therefore also giving a shorter appearance.
For you taller ladies, getting cut off at mid calf while wearing a capri pant, giving you a shorter appearance, may not be a big deal. If you have a longer calf you can experiment too and find the perfect length. A tight fit or a wide leg will give you a different look. Try both and see how it changes your appearance. Sometimes, if you’re really tall, many pants are going to hit you at the ankle whether you like it or not. Just be sure that the proportion is pleasing. Long legs are wonderful but make sure you are balanced with the rest of your body.
Let’s look at weight. If you have thick ankles or full calves, a cropped pant may not be your best friend. It all depends on your leg shape and what the pant is doing to your leg shape. It’s all about appearances. If you have full calves, but your ankles are normal to thin, a fitted ankle pant will compliment your leg and show off your slim ankles. A fuller pant will do the same. However, wearing a capri that hits the fullest part of your calf will create a horizontal line with fitted or fuller pants, emphasizing the width of your calf, which you may not want to do.
If you have thicker ankles, and slimmer calves, a horizontal line from the pant hem might give the appearance of fuller calves for the same reason as noted above, which can be complimentary.
If you do happen to have both thick ankles and fuller calves, you may want to try on several different lengths and shapes of cropped pants and see which ones you feel are the most complimentary.
Now, let’s finish with Body-Type.
I have just one thing to say here. The narrower the pant leg and the shorter the pant hem, the wider your hips will appear. So, if you want to decrease the appearance of your hips, don’t wear anything too skinny on the leg or short in the length. That is…unless you want to show off your gorgeous booty and curves!
If you have broader shoulders and slimmer hips, and you want to expand your hips so that they appear fuller or wider, do the above!
Just remember, weight and height, comes into play here as well. So look at yourself with a keen eye in a variety of cropped pants.
Ok, so that was more than one thing. 🙂
Lastly, I am not telling you that thin is better than thick or full, or vice versa. Legs (like bodies) come in many different gorgeous sizes and shapes. If you’re on the thinner side or the thicker side, really look at what a cropped pant is doing to the shape and size of your legs, hips, and booty. Take into consideration where the hem of the pants hits you on your leg, and if it is more flattering to be at the ankle, at the calf, or somewhere in between.
What I am telling you is that I know there is a right length and fit (tight or loose) that is right for your height, weight, and Body-Type. As I said earlier, experiment! Turn your pant cuff up to a few different lengths and see how it looks. And when you find the right length, go for it. And remember that even when you find a good length, shoe styles and heel heights will play into it as well, so adjust as needed. 🙂
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Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you. Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.
If you have a question also post it in the comment section below. I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.”
That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!
Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.
Blog me.
Love,
~Michelle
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