Casual Dressing Looks With Cropped Pants

My over 40 lifestyle calls for casual dressing, but I still want to look polished and put together. I’ve found that a pair of cropped pants worn with a cute top makes for a great everyday outfit. Here are a few classy combinations that give off slightly different vibes.

Pretty Lady

There are some days when I wake up wanting to feel really feminine, but I can’t be bothered wearing a dress. So instead, I throw on a pair of crisp white jeans and a silky floral top. I call this  my “pretty momma outfit.”

Why do I love this combination? First of all, I find white pants very energizing. They’re like a clean slate to start my day fresh. I prefer cropped pants over long because they’re more sporty and youthful.  A silky top is always so pretty and feels very classy on my skin, and in a floral pattern, well you can’t get any more feminine than that.

One tip about florals, I suggest you go for a big bold floral print in vibrant colors- so much more modern than tiny pastel flowers. They’re a too old lady (and out of style anyway). Metallic sandals look great with white pants and show off my pedicure. I always love a cute purse too. The chain style suits me. I’m an over-the-shoulder kind of gal. How about you?

Ready For Adventure

Here are another cute cropped pants look that’s got more of a world traveler feel. Sometimes I’m more in the mood for this.

What’s the style recipe here? It all starts with cropped khakis in olive green, brown, tan, black, or cream- you choose.  Then add a top with an ethnic vibe to go with the global adventurer theme. The pattern and saturated hues in this top are perfect. Don’t forget about accessories. Everything doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy perfect but do be thoughtful about coordinating your look. For example, these rope and canvas wedges are in sync with this outfit. The pants are a little rugged, and so are the shoes. Even the mixed jewelry has a rustic appeal.

A more boho ( less structured) purse would have worked too, but I like this blue tote which is chicer. It keeps the look grounded and not feeling like a costume.

Artistic Bent

Ah, drama! This is artistic and fun. It’s really got that Spanish-style feeling that is so popular at the moment.  You have to like strong colors and be confident to wear this look because it is bold, but I must say that I really love it.

The shoes are super cute too. I would wear this if I were going to dinner with my husband on a Friday night or meeting another couple for drinks. Just switch to black flats if you aren’t planning on going anywhere special, or your feet can’t take heels, even these more comfy block heel ones.

A Little Boho

I’m not much of a boho gal, but I can appreciate a cute piece here or there. If you’re the same, you might like this cute white lace top with its airy flare sleeves. Wear it with your favorite cropped pants- any color will do (They don’t have to be red).

To keep the boho feel going, think texture. Add a bold, interesting ethnic style statement necklace with lots of stones and chain detail. The nice thing about cropped pants is they show off your shoes. These earthy cork sandals are super cute and fun, and teamed up with the perforated bag; they help complete the semi-funky look.

Do you wear many cropped pants and which of these outfits do you like best and why? Let’s take a vote.