The Cutoff Point: Cropped Pants

Since 2012 has started off on the right foot with so many fabulous footwear options, it’s very cool to see the cropped pant coming down the runway with all of the other fabulous fashion trends. Cropped pants, if you’re not familiar with this length, end somewhere between the knee and ankle. You may be more familiar with the other names they go by: pedal pushers, clam diggers, and capris. All of these are pretty much the same in that they all conjure up warm weather in my mind, and show off your ankles no matter what you wear – loafers, ballet flats, or high heels.

At first, I thought this trend was a little bit too early and was better suited for when summer officially arrived...but then it hit me. What a nice way to cheer up a fashionista by welcoming the heat, and this pant gives us an opportunity to show off a pair of stylish shoes or warm weather booties. The name “cropped pant” also makes this trend a bit less seasonal. The cropped pant has gone in and out of fashion several times since the 1950s, and its renewed popularity is quite timely, as it fits in perfectly with several other current hot trends.

In style or not, like lots of others the cropped pant style might not be for everyone. Fashion is meant to be fun, and you’re always free to wear what you like, but if you’re considering adding this style of pant to your closet, here are a few points to consider:

1. If you’re a petite fashionista, cropped pants can make you look shorter.

2. If you’re a bottom-heavy fashionista, they can make you look heavier.

3. Cropped pants can make short legs look shorter.

4. Cropped pants can make thick ankles look thicker.

You may also want to take note of your color choices. Dark and muted colors will make you look smaller; light or bright will make you look bigger. Smaller prints work best on smaller bodies, and larger prints work well on larger or taller bodies.

Now, don’t shy away from this trend or cross it off your list just because a few dos and don’ts. Just take a little extra time and care when shopping to find a pair of cropped pants that works best for you.

While you’re out there in the trenches, be sure to check out all the interesting accents, like ankle ties, large buttons, zippers, and elastic.