Modern Ways To Style Capri and Cropped Pants
Ā Let’s talk about capri pants today. Are they still in style? The answer is that they absolutely are for the women who love them and the many brands who make them. In addition, they’re hugely popular with many midlife women, so I’m updating this popular post with some styling ideas for how to wear capris and cropped pants over 50.
What’s the difference between capri and cropped pants?
Capri Pants
A capri pant is any length between the knee and the ankle with a slim fit. They end in the mid-calf region, which is an unappealing length for most women and can make your legs look thick. Choose capris that don’t end at the broadest part of your calf, or have them altered. Capri’s are more of a challenge for the petite woman because she’s already vertically challenged, and these make her look even shorter.
Straight-leg capri pants are the most modern-looking option and are plentiful this summer. Ignore the name a brand puts on them and look for the silhouette you like. For example, these are called skimmers, but they could also be called clam diggers, crops, or capris. These have a button detail at the hem, which looks best in colors that blend with the fabric. I chose a substantial but lightweight shoe to balance the dark carpi pants.
Some of the best retailers for capri pants are Talbots, J. Jill, Chico’s, Ann Taylor, and Loft.
Cropped Pants
Cropped pants are more versatile than capris and can be dressed up or down. The cropped pant length is from right below your knee to several inches above your ankle. They can be hemmed to any length that is the most flattering for your leg.
best proportions with Capri and cropped pants
- Unless you’re tall, avoid cuffs of any kind because they visually shorten the leg even more.
- Look for high-rise versions that make the garment look longer, so you look taller.
- No matter the length of your capris, pants, or shorts, theyāre most flattering when hemmed at a spot where your leg narrows.
- If your legs are very short, you might reconsider wearing capris. Petite women may find crop and capri pants in the regular sizing are full length on them.
Best footwear for capri and cropped pants
- A wedge or heel looks excellent with both capris and crops.
- Sandals of all types are a good option with crops and capri pants, either flat or with a small heel.
- Avoid ankle straps that visually chop the leg.
- A pale or nude shoe elongates the look of your legs and looks great with both.
- Shoes with a lower vamp expose more of the top of your foot which extends the look of your leg.
Best tops to wear with Capri and cropped pants
Wide leg crop pants look best with a closer fitting top that stops at the waist or high hip. Wearing a shorter top with either will ensure your legs look their longest. Capris can also look great with a looser tunic-length top or cardigan.
Are you a fan of capris or cropped pants?
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Please stop with the crop pants! As a woman in her seventies they cut me off I look like I’m waiting through high water. Why do you continue to make these when we are looking for normal length inseam. I never like this style when I was older and I still don’t like it. And I am more than certain that there are thousands of other women out there who can’t stand this style!
I value your opinion thank you very muchš„°
The definitions supplied indicate that the difference between crops and capris is width of leg, since both say below knee to above ankle. IMO, the wider ones are trickier to styleā¦..too many unstylish women wear them with heavy sneakersā¦..a sight I canāt seem to admire.
I wore those mid-calf capris until 2017 when I realized how unflattering they were on my petite 5’4″ frame (can you believe we are called petite now when average height through the mid 2000s?). I now go for ankle length (or slightly above) straight or wide leg pants. Anything shorter and I look “stunted.”
I’m 5’4″ too. Funny how times and sizing changes
Do like my crop and capri pants.
Cropped pants are so versatile. You can dress them up or down. Great to be ready for anything on my schedule. Capris I feel are a little bit casual but comfortable and cute.
Thanks for all the info.
Appreciate your wisdom.
I think all these names are really just a sales gimmick. I am loving the wider pants in most lengths but not as a Capri even tho I have longish thin legs.
Thanks for the shoe suggestions.
This was a super helpful post. I am tall, and I like that many different lengths are in style.
Skimmers is the term that is used a lot now for shorts that cover the knee.
Love your look Jennifer. Have a great 4th. God bless the United States of America.
Thank you, Nicole. Have a great weekend.
I wear shorts so crops are not something I gravitate to. I have one pair of just below knee light-weight denim crops — great for gardening or anywhere I have to sit on grass, but otherwise I don’t wear them. I also wear athletic crops for workouts and hiking. I know I’m the odd girl out, but I don’t think pedal pushers enhance anyone older than 10 or 11. The one exception is wide-leg crops: for some reason these “culottes” appeal to me.
I love culottes! Iāve seen the occasional wider leg version around. I hope they come back in style because they can be very flattering.
Thanks for all the info. Since I’m very petite capris can be very tricky. As long as they are just below the knee and slim I will wear them. But they can be difficult to find.
Chicos and Talbots had a few of those this year.
I am 5’2′, average weight, and proportion. I wear mostly crops, a few cool, maxi, simple dresses, not very wide leg linen pants when going out. I like workout capris and t shirts in the house, or going to the gym. Most of the young people, and some older women wear athletic wear to run around to do errands here in North Texas. We have had endless 100 plus days here, so we run from ac car, to ac store, back to ac home. Thank goodness for all the nice stores in our large ac malls.
I have shorts, but they are worn if I have to work in the yard, go on vacation to walk on a beach, hike, sit outside for a picnic, concert in the high eat etc. I wear the shorts to my upper knee, as my thighs are not smooth anymore.
Those temps are brutal! Itās not so funny, but nothing is smooth on me anymore š
Yes to crops – a big NO to capris!