How to Wear Capris or Cropped Pants

Capris can be hard to style! For one, they tend to shorten your legs.  Most of us look better with a longer leg line. Two, they highlight wide calves. (If you are self-conscious about your calves, I would suggest skipping this look).

Capris can go south pretty quick.  One wrong pair and you’ll down grade to stumpy and frumpy.  But don’t let that stop you. Stylists are illusionists, so scroll down and learn some tricks of the trade!

Wide capris make your legs look stubby unless you are superhero tall.(Wide leg pants are a whole new post for another time). Capris with a straight or tapered leg, one that follows your natural leg line, are the most flattering. Make sure they end at the slimmest part of your leg, below the calf and above the ankle. A trusted tailor can give you expert advice on the best length for you.

white capris or control top capris  or high rise capris//crop top or similar, similar//silk tunic top or similar //crochet lace white wedge heels//nude heels, or similar, similar

A higher waisted capri will balance out the length you lost at the bottom of the pants. (Great for if you are long waisted/have short legs). If you have a shorter torso/long legs try a mid-rise. (Don’t know? Click here.)

Keep it simple unless you are going for “frump-a-licious.” Avoid bulkiness such as big side pockets, elastic waistbands, large cuffs, and drawstrings unless you are slim.

The golden rule for capris is to use the rule of thirds. 1/3 ratio to 2/3 or 2/3 to 1/3. The best way to achieve this is by shortening your top by tucking it in or wearing a cropped top (or one that hits the top of your pants) with a high waisted capri. Or go the opposite and wear a long top, like a tunic or short dress with slim capri bottoms. Either way, I always recommend a heel!

black capris or cropped legging pants or jersey capri or slim cuffed pants//cropped top//tunic top//wedge sandals or similar//block heels or similar

Shoes: Beware of straps that tend to cut off your leg line. A heel in the same color as your pants will lengthen your leg as will a shoe in a similar color as your leg. So, if you have white capris, try a white heel or bootie. OR grab your trusty nude heels.

See how I styled my DIY cropped pants here. I’ve been wanting to crop them slightly higher; I just haven’t gotten the time to do so yet.

Please share: What are your tricks to wearing cropped pants?

Today we are linked up with:
What I Wore with The Pleated Poppy
Whatcha Wearing Wednesday with The Mummy Chronicles
Style Me Wednesday with Shopping My Closet

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