We have come to our last mini challenge in the 40+ Casual Style Challenge. It’s been a fun ride where we have seen lots of great outfits using each of the casual outfit formulas I described here. You will find links to all the outfits there as well.
This week we showcase outfits that highlight formula 7: knee-high pants with a top and/or jacket. Knee-high or 3/4 pants can be a great casual chic option. They are best and easiest to wear when they follow your leg line, which means that they should be tightly fitted around your calves. Although wide cropped pants can look good to, they are trickier to wear and may give a frumpy look. For more guidance on how to wear cropped pants also see this article.
At the moment I find knee-high and 3/4 pants look especially good with shorter jackets and tops as I like the silhouette that creates. Today I’m wearing my pants with a colorblocked top (shown earlier in challenge 1) and a silky bomber jacket by the same brand.
My 3/4 pants have already proven to be a huge success. I have worn them on various occasions (more photos coming soon) and I find they work in both very casual as well as casual chic events.
What you wore
Lorraine is showing how versatile her white three quarter pants are. She combines them with a series of colorful tops. My favorite is the outfit with the cardigan.
The wardrobe mistress (home where story begins) wears a trip worthy reversible plush jacket worn with white Briggs New York capri pants, Lily no-wrinkle spandex-blend short sun dress and lace tank tee, Dex-Flex and Sam and Libby shoes, purse and misc. jewelry. Looking very stylish indeed.
Linda is wearing J Crew Anchor Shorts, worn with a blazer and heels for work, or a cardi and flats for a casual yet dressed up feel on the weekend (or a casual day at the office). She says that the length allows her to remain cool in the hot summer sun yet long enough to feel a little conservative. Fabulous!
Greetje (No Fear of Fashion) is a master with knee-high pants and prefers wearing them with longer tops. I love how colorful all 4 looks are, the kimono look being my favorite.
Well that’s it ladies. The end of the casual style challenge!
Of course I realise there are many more formulas for wearing casual chic outfits with success but it was fun exploring these specific 7 formulas. I hope you had as much fun with it as I had.
I have yet to pick the winners of the casual style challenge contest so I will give all the pinners another 3 days to get their boards looking top notch and I will announce the winners later this week.
A big thanks to everyone who participated in the challenge. You are all style stars. Keep rocking those casual chic outfits this summer ladies!
After seeing all the different casual outfits over the last 7 weeks, what is your favorite way to look casual chic?
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Waoh, lots of inspiration for me on how to rock my cropped pant. They all look beautiful.
Capris! What brought me to 40+ to begin with! Everyone looks great!
I’m glad to see that some variation of the capri is still being worn. I tend to stick with “ankle” length, which I think is what you call 7/8 trousers. With shorts, I need to go above the knee because knee-length makes me look stumpy. I just bought a pair of casual shorts and found I am comfortable in a 7-9″ inseam, or about 3-4″ above the knee. By comparison, most of my skirts are slightly above the knee.
I find just above my knee for skirts is perfect for me. Any longer and I feel frumpy, dumpy or even stumpy!!
I enjoy looking at your fashion styles and ideas but wonder if you could give those of us that are “vertically challenged and just slightly overweight” some ideas too. It’s hard to imagine how some of the clothes would work for us.
Hi Sylvia. I especially create these challenges so all women can participate. However, not many do! Be sure to join next time. In addition I have written quite a few articles on all kinds of different body shapes and for petites. You can find them all in this category https://40plusstyle.com/category/how-to-dress-after-40/ Enjoy!
You look fantastic, Sylvia!
I tend to wear 7/8 or 3/4 trousers in summer for an easy-chic look.
Annette | Lady of Style
Thanks for doing the Casual Style Challenge Sylvia. It was great fun and made me try new combinations!
Sylvia, the Wardrobe Mistress and I had fun participating in your summer series of casual dress mini-challenges. Thank you for putting it together.
Thanks so much for participating Sunny!
Great ideas.
I’m going to try my pants with shorter tops – still working on those proportions!
Yes do and have fun trying out different things. The right proportions make all the difference with cropped pants.
Everyone looks great. I love this length of pant, and I agree it looks great with a cropped jacket. Thanks for this series, I got lots of inspiration!
Oh how I love that green kimono on Greetje.
The shorts on Linda look great at that length.
Lorraine is really shows how to work the white.
Of course you in all your neutrals really pull it off.
I must admit this is a look that I find only shortens my body and I don’t wear it at all. I like it on other people…just not myself : ) Kind of like you and the maxis.
bisous
Suzanne
Lovely, fresh looks for summer. I love seeing “models” close to my own age!
It was fun to participate. Love your example very much. Looking good!
Thanks Greetje!
Great look for all these ladies. This length of pants/shorts does not work for me so I don’t own any in my closet. Thank you for this great series of challenge!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Yes, I think so too! Thanks for participating in some of them Alice!
I could not do this challenge as I don’t own the right kind of pants, but as always I find inspiration in these posts and I do love Greetje green and black look. Thank you, Sylvia, for putting these together! : ) Ana
You are very welcome Ana and I’m glad you enjoyed the inspiration!
For Me, Anything Above The Ankle Is A No No. A Hideous Fashion. Shorts Are Terrific Tho.
We all need to pick what suits us but I’m very happy with these short pants!