Hello, Deborah,
I ‘m sorting out my closet, and I have a lot of capris in different widths and lengths. Which ones are still in style? How do I know which look best? Help, I need an update. Thank you, Gabriela
Hi Gabriela,
I know it is confusing, so let me start by defining what capris are.
Most of us think of capris as pants that end mid-calf. But in fact, Capris are 3/4 length pants that hit anywhere from mid-calf to above the ankle
Capris (cropped pants) are very much in style. The challenge is to choose a pair that ends at the most flattering point within this wide range. So get out a mirror and have a look at your legs. Where is the sweet spot?
You want your pant hem to hit the slimmest part of your leg. If you have average calves, you can get away with various lengths
Best Capris For Slim Calves?
If you have slim calves, it’s fine for your capris to end at the widest point – the middle of your calf. In fact, if your calves are skinny, this length adds breadth.
Best Capris For Heavy Calves?
On the other hand, if your calves are thick, then it’s better if your capris hem hits the thinnest part of your lower leg.
Note: If you have very wide or muscular calves, capris can make them look thicker, so you are better off to go for a cropped pant that skims the top of the ankle bone.
Best Capri Pant Width and Shape?
Now let’s talk about width. The most flattering cut (and what’s most in style at the moment) is a tapered leg. Tapered capris are slimming and very chic.
If you worry about extra weight at your hips or thighs, then try a straight leg, instead to balance you out.
Hard to Wear Capris
Wide or flared leg cropped pants are tricky. They are not the most flattering because they can make you look short, wide and boxy.
A word about cuffed capris… Avoid them. They shorten your leg line. The same with flared cropped pants. These are tricky to wear.
What if the Capris in your closet are on the border when it comes to width? If you still want to wear them, then try updating with a wedge shoe.
Capris if You are Petite
Capris can make a petite woman, or a gal with short legs, look shorter. The fix for this is to wear shoes the same color as your Capris or wear nude colored shoes that match your skin tone to create a long, lean, line.
Gabriela, I hope that helps sort things out. Please check out my post on How to Style Cropped Pants.
Thanks for this post! Very helpful!!
This post is very helpful Thank You
Hi, do you think a petite woman would be better with a longer leg style, below the calve as not to look shorter.
Hi Linden, Anyone will look taller wearing a cropped above the ankle pant over a capris,because capris break the leg line. However, that doesn’t mean a petite has to avoid capris. I would say if you want to wear a capris make sure it doesn’t end at a heavy point on your leg like the middle of your calf. ( That goes for everyone) Petites should wear short tops with capris to make them look longer and leaner. A bit of a heel helps too, and a neutral capris is better than a bright capris which will draw attention to your bottom half and short legs. I hope that helps and thanks for dropping by!
I love the navy/open shoulder top above (and shoes!)
Thank you for this informative article. It appeared just when I was trying to decide which length cropped pant was actually in style. Your information and pictures were so helpful! Thank You Deborah!