How to wear cropped trousers (2024)

Forwarm summer evenings, breezy days out and casual strolls into town, cropped trousers can be worn for any occasion.Often loose-fitting and finishing just below the calf, they are versatileenough to be dressed up with heels or worn with a casual t-shirt for adressed-down look.

Itcan be difficult to know exactly how towear cropped trousers due to their unique length. Stopping above the ankle butbelow the knee, they are the perfect garment for those who wouldn’t necessarilyopt for shorts but are still comfortable showing a bit of leg.

Withsummer fast approaching, the shops are starting to stock up on a variety oftrousers in a range of different colours, lengths and widths. With so muchchoice at your disposal, it’s important to select the right pair for you. Thisguide will help you identify which cropped trousers will be the mostflattering, how to accessorise them and the various ways in which they can bestyled.

Choose the correct length

Justone inch can make a difference to how flattering cropped trousers look. Find apair where the hem stops at the slimmest part of your leg, which is usuallyjust below your calf. Attention is drawn to the line created by the trousers,so experiment with different lengths and see what looks best.

Wear a shorter or tucked-in top

Peopleoften find that wearing cropped trousers can have a shortening effect, hencewhy balance is key. Shorter tops naturally make legs look longer, especially ifyour trousers are high waisted. If you don’t own any shorter tops, try tuckingin a longer one to create the same effect.

Opt for neutrals

Ascropped trousers can be voluminous, darker and more neutral colours are themost slimming, such as black, navy, grey and taupe. These refined shades willcreate a sophisticated overall appearance, especially when paired withlight-coloured tops.

You can create several variations of an outfit by pairingthese trousers with different shoes. Luckily, cropped trousers look great withmost styles of shoe, as long as there is enough space between the shoe and thehemline - so no knee-high boots! Instead, choose to wear one of the followingstyles depending on the occasion:

Heels

Optfor a mid or high heel if you’re dressing up for a smart event. Courts,especially pointed designs, reveal more skin so are great for drawing attentionto the ankle and elongating your legs. Wearing cropped trousers gives you theperfect opportunity to show off your favourite pair of shoes, so if your outfitis understated, why not dress your feet in something bolder and more daring?

Flats

Fromcasual days out to sophisticated evening meals, choose the right pair of pumpsand you’re good to go. If you want to get dressed up but remain comfortable,ballerina shoes, dolly shoes and loafers are the stylish flat alternatives toheels. If you’re going for a more casual look, cropped trousers go with thelikes of leisure and hiker shoes, as well as sandals.

Trainers

Whetheryou’ll be wearing them for style, convenience or comfort, trainers should beyour go-to option if you’re not sure what to wear with your cropped trousers.Chunky trainers provide extra comfort, so are ideal for those who prefer abigger sole and like the extra height. If the chunkier styles aren’t for you,then consider timeless plimsolls.

How to style cropped trousers

You can achieve any look you desire with croppedtrousers - all you need to know is how to style them accordingly. For instance,pull off a relaxed and playful appearance by pairing some cream linen croppedtrousers with a yellow or purple t-shirt and some casual brown sandals. Or, for a classy evening meal, navytrousers can be styled with a patterned silk top and strappy coloured heels.There are many other ways cropped trousers can be styled too.

Layer cropped trousers with a cardigan,kimono or jacket

Shorter jackets are flattering when paired with croppedtrousers as they can accentuate the length of your legs in comparison to yourtorso. Fitted moto or denim jackets create an edgier look, whereas cardigansare ideal for an overall casual and comfortable outfit. For more formaloccasions, silk or chiffon kimonos are the perfect finishing touch.

Add fun accessories to complement youroutfit

Dress up your cropped trousers with a pair of wedges,statement necklace and a woven bag for the ultimate summer ensemble. Theeasiest way to accessorise is to match your shoes with your bag, whether that’sa red or gold coloured clutch bag and heeled courts for a classy evening or alarge black tote bag paired with comfortable black loafers for a shopping trip.

Experiment with brightly coloured trousers

You don’t always have to stay safe with neutral colouredcropped trousers. Enter the summer months instead with brighter shades, such asred, green and blue. You can pair any bright colour with a casual white t-shirtand sunglasses for a relaxed, chic vibe.

As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of style and clothing trends, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the article you've provided, offering insights and expertise to enhance your understanding. My extensive knowledge in the realm of fashion allows me to break down the concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Cropped Trousers:

    • Unique Length: Cropped trousers are described as versatile garments, often loose-fitting and finishing just below the calf. This unique length, stopping above the ankle but below the knee, makes them suitable for various occasions.

    • Styling Tips: The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the correct length for a flattering look. It suggests experimenting with different lengths and advises that the hem should stop at the slimmest part of your leg, just below the calf.

    • Balancing with Tops: Cropped trousers can have a shortening effect, so balancing the look is crucial. Wearing shorter tops or tucking in longer ones is recommended to create the illusion of longer legs, especially if the trousers are high-waisted.

    • Color Palette: Neutral and darker colors like black, navy, grey, and taupe are recommended for cropped trousers, as they can be voluminous and these colors create a slimming effect. They suggest pairing them with light-colored tops for a sophisticated appearance.

  2. Shoes to Wear with Cropped Trousers:

    • Heels: Mid or high heels, especially pointed designs, are suggested for dressing up in a smart event. Courts are highlighted for drawing attention to the ankle and elongating the legs.

    • Flats: Various flat options, such as ballerina shoes, dolly shoes, loafers, leisure shoes, hiker shoes, and sandals, are recommended for both casual and sophisticated looks.

    • Trainers: Trainers, including chunky styles for added comfort and height, are mentioned as a versatile option for those unsure about what shoes to wear.

  3. Styling Cropped Trousers:

    • Layering: The article suggests layering cropped trousers with different types of jackets, such as shorter jackets for a flattering look, moto or denim jackets for an edgier appearance, and silk or chiffon kimonos for more formal occasions.

    • Accessories: Fun accessories like wedges, statement necklaces, and woven bags are recommended to complement the outfit. Matching shoes with bags is highlighted as an easy way to accessorize for different occasions.

    • Experimenting with Colors: The article encourages experimenting with brightly colored trousers, especially in shades like red, green, and blue, for a vibrant and chic summer look. Pairing bright colors with a casual white t-shirt and sunglasses is suggested for a relaxed vibe.

In conclusion, with this comprehensive understanding of the concepts presented in the article, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the world of cropped trousers and create stylish, well-coordinated outfits for various occasions.

How to wear cropped trousers (2024)
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