I have shown you these cropped pants a few times before.
I wore them here in a completely different way with a colorful wider jacket on top and here in a monochrome look with a leather top.
What all these looks have in common though is that the top is short in the front or tucked in.
I feel that is essential with wider cropped pants like these ones in order to keep a streamlined and flattering silhouette.
Cropped pants will always be more challenging to wear than full-lengths pants (I offer a lot of tips and examples of how to wear capri and cropped pants in this article) and wider cropped pants even more so.
What you want to do, is to try and achieve the right balance within your outfit to come closer to the golden ratio in dressing and create a balance that comes close to 1/3 – 2/3 (a concept I explain in a lot more detail in my style course). That way you can achieve an overall silhouette that is at least flattering enough and will allow you to wear outfits that are currently fashionable or just fun to wear.
Another thing that helps when wearing cropped pants is to have the pants high-waisted as these pants are. It helps to lengthen your legs (and compensates for the lack of length at the bottom) and will also allow you to wear cropped tops with these without showing your tummy.
This blouse is even better than a ‘normal’ short top as it has an asymmetrical element where the top is longer in the back. This creates interesting (and lengthening) vertical lines, making it an ideal top for these pants. You can read more on the benefits of asymmetrical clothing here.
For extra length with wide cropped pants, heels are always a good idea.
Other accessories play an important part too in this outfit. There is the asymmetrical necklace from Obb Unique that emphasises some of the asymmetry in the look. The ring from Sistaphre Kreations adds some extra punch and the vintage sunglasses make me look extra cool! (at least I’d like to think so…)
Altogether it made for a fashionable, yet comfortable outfit that was perfect for discovering New York. Of course I did not wear my heels for the whole day while walking and swapped them for some flats. I had not bought my comfortable Fly London heels yet, otherwise I would have worn those.
It seems that Bansky’s hammer boy was not so impressed with my outfit even though I was able to pull my head out just in time…
Outfit Details
Silk top, Parker (thrifted), more from Parker
Cropped pants: In Good Company
Shoes: Lisa Tucci
Necklace: Obb Unique
Ring: Sistaphyre
What do you think of wide cropped pants or culottes? Will you wear them this season?
Photography by Denton Taylor
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Sylvia,
How cute! I have two pair of cropped pants and wasn’t sure what to wear with them. I wear my green pair with an asymmetrical bohemian blouse. So I guess I was right on with the blouse.
haha, fun post. At first I want to say I wouldn’t buy such trousers (culottes are not on my wishlist either), but then I start looking at all your pictures and think: ‘hmmm, this does look nice AND contemporary”. So yes, it is a good look. Having a small frame like you helps too.
Thanks Greetje. It’s certainly not the easiest trend to wear and if you can resist temptation, you may just want to pass on this trend. Besides you already have your amazing SKIRT!
What a fun look! I just bought a pair of wide cropped black linen and will use your photos for style inspiration……as usual.
I look forward to seeing your outfits in the Facebook group Elaine!
Will post several photos of wide legged pants I bought in New York later today.
Always new inspiration to find here in your blog Sylvia! Sabina | Oceanblue Style
Great to hear you got inspired Sabina!
Ha! What fun photos : )
I recognize some of those uber cool jewellery pieces. Looking fab!
bisous
Suzanne
Yep, I believe in wearing what you buy asap and often!
Hahaha, re. the Banksy photo. I love this fun look, Sylvia. Our blue sunglasses are almost matching – they are addictive. These are all great tips for cropped pants.
Yes and these are vintage too! I wear them a lot.
I like your set .. I greet
Love you shoes! But I will never wear cropped pants, I am too long for them and that makes them look as though I could not find normal pants. It looks like ‘ high water’ for me.
I think it might work when they are really way too short like these ones? You would be a good candidate for culottes too! On the other hand, it’s also good to stick to what you do love to wear.
I bought wide leg culottes this summer, and I love them. The Marina pant from Ann Taylor. I identify strongly with your Architectural dressing style, and the stiffer fabric of these pants fits the bill.
That was a great outfit!
Thanks Denton. Your favorite?