Tips For Looking Stylish Wearing Capri and Cropped Pants (2024)

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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.

Tips For Looking Stylish Wearing Capri and Cropped Pants (1)

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

Tips For Looking Stylish Wearing Capri and Cropped Pants (2)

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

  1. Unless you’re tall, avoid cuffs of any kind because they visually shorten the leg even more.
  2. Look for high-rise versions that make the garment look longer, so you look taller.
  3. No matter the length of your capris, pants, or shorts, they’re most flattering when hemmed at a spot where your leg narrows.
  4. 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.

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Tips For Looking Stylish Wearing Capri and Cropped Pants (2024)

FAQs

How do you look good in capri pants? ›

In the summer, capri pants go fabulously with a light women's blouse, solid-colored tee, or tank top. Play around with colors and patterns such as floral or stripes. If you keep the capri pants in one solid color like white or khaki, you can have fun with the top and go with something bold and eye-catching.

How do you wear cropped capris? ›

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.

What is the most flattering length for cropped pants? ›

As a rule of thumb, even the longest cropped pants should fall no less than about 2 fingers above your ankle bone. This differentiates cropped pants from typical trousers. The shorter hemline not only allows you to show off your ankle, it's also perfect for having fun with your shoes!

What is the difference between cropped pants and capris? ›

Capris are cropped pants that hit above the ankle but regularly below the knee. Their cut is what makes them different from bermudas that stop above the calf.

What is the 1 3 2 3 rule in fashion? ›

But it can be helpful to follow the “Rule” of Thirds when putting together outfits. Apparently, clothing ensembles look more well-proportioned when the top takes up one-third of the outfit and the bottom occupies two-thirds of the overall look.

Can you wear sneakers with capris? ›

Capris and cropped pants are mostly meant for a casual look, and that is why sneakers are an ideal option to wear with them. They are comfortable, breathable, and look minimalistic.

Are capris in for summer of 2023? ›

Off the shoulder tops are in fashion for spring summer 2023. Are capris out of style 2023? Capris are coming back in fashion in 2024.

What not to wear cropped pants? ›

Don't Wear Bulky, Wide Shoes

Like the above, the width or size of your shoes can also weigh down the clean-cut look of cropped pants. No matter if you are wearing slim or baggy cropped pants; it is a fashion sin to wear bulky, wide sneakers.

Are cropped pants in style 2023? ›

Insider asked professional stylists which pant trends are in and out for 2023. Cargo pants, cropped cuts, and leather are going to be popular styles this year. On the other hand, skinny jeans and high-waisted pants have seen their heyday.

How do you style cropped? ›

4 Ways to Wear a Crop Top
  1. Start simple with jeans and a white crop top. A white crop top will go with almost anything, and high-rise jeans make for a natural pairing and a classic way to ease into crop top wearing. ...
  2. Pair with a maxi skirt. ...
  3. Sport a cardigan crop top. ...
  4. Layer with a blazer.
Feb 24, 2022

Do capris look good on anyone? ›

They're not ideal if you have heavy legs, and you need to be sure they don't end at the thickest part of your calves. They are most flattering when they end just above or below the calf. That sweet spot is the key to looking good in capris.

How to dress stylishly at 60? ›

5 Tips For Dressing in Your 60s
  1. Big patterns, bold colors. ...
  2. Breathable Fabrics Reign Supreme. ...
  3. Embrace the unexpected. ...
  4. Balance timeless with trends. ...
  5. Mix textures and metals. ...
  6. Eye-catching accessories. ...
  7. Denim that fits like a dream. ...
  8. Updated basics.

How do you wear cropped pants if you are short? ›

Only wear high waisted options. High waisted cropped pants can actually be incredibly flattering for petite women. By opting for a higher rise it visually lifts the legs and makes them look much longer than they really are which gives extra length to counterbalance the cropped leg.

What is the difference between crop and capri length? ›

Capris and crop pants are variants of pants, and both are shorter than regular pants. Capri ends at calf length whereas crop pant goes down till ankles. Capri is better described as long shorts, whereas crop pant is better being labeled short pants. Capri is more casual wear than crop pant.

Can you wear heels with capris? ›

Block Heels Look Great With Capris

Block heels are modern and give you a certain amount of height, without the hurt. A nude colour helps create a long, slender line of legs that will make your legs go for miles.

What are capri pants called now? ›

CAPRI PANTS also known as three quarter legs, capris, cropped pants are pants that are longer than shorts but are not as long as trousers.

What are longer capris called? ›

Pedal pushers are calf-length trousers that were popular during the 1950s and the early 1960s. Often cuffed and worn tight to the skin, they are related in style to capri pants, and are sometimes referred to as "clam diggers".

What is the 80 20 rule for clothing? ›

They say that the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, holds true with wardrobes: Most of us wear 20 percent of our clothing, 80 percent of the time. Why waste valuable space on the other 80 percent of your wardrobe that you rarely wear?

What is the golden rule in fashion? ›

RESPECT BALANCE

The golden rule of style comes from none other than Coco Chanel: before leaving the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory. This ensures your outfit won't be overstyled.

What is the 5 outfit rule? ›

The five outfit rule is pretty simple. When you see an item that you just have to have you can only buy it if you can think of five different outfits that you can wear it with. These outfits should come to mind straight away, no having to wrack your brains to desperately come up with things, and no cheating.

What jacket to wear with capris? ›

Cropped or short jackets can be a flattering style with your capris as they can make your legs look longer in comparison with your torso. Instead try a cropped style – you could always wear it over a longer shirt – or choose a longer style of open cardigan to create slimming, long lines.

Do ankle boots go with capri pants? ›

Ankle-length boots look amazing with capris. Also, these boots can cover the distance between the boots and the pants.

Can capris be dressy? ›

If you're looking for dressy capris for evening wear, look for those with a higher waist and side-zip to achieve an extremely traditional, polished capri silhouette. The design features on a given pair of capris can make all the difference as to how good you feel wearing them and their versatility in your wardrobe.

Are capri pants flattering? ›

Capri pants can be one of the most versatile, comfortable and flattering styles for women, if they know how to find a pair that fits properly. We love to wear capris all spring and into summer because of their unique design, striking the perfect balance between pants and shorts.

What fashion color trend is predicted for 2023? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023. Who chooses the names of the new colors? Names are selected by the WGSN and Coloro color team, before being verified by our in-house Equality Vision Team to ensure a proper translation on a global scale.

What shirt to wear with cropped jeans? ›

Cropped jeans and a sweatshirt make a perfect pair – you're able to feel cozy and casual but still look chic with a trendy style of jean.

How do you wear socks with cropped pants? ›

Try leaving a small gap where the sock is exposed (just as you would leave an ankle gap). The gap gives some room to breath between the hem of your pants & the shaft of your boot. This keeps your leg looking as long and lean as possible (what you want) not cut off.

Are skinny jeans out for 2023? ›

Skinny Jeans, Skinny Pants & Leggings Are Back in For Fall 2023.

What are the pants trends for fall 2023? ›

Cargo pants are the look of choice for 2023 with baggy legs, long hems, and maximum pocket space. While the trend has definite early '00s roots, the waists are higher than their super low-rise counterparts at the turn of millennium—which comes as welcome news to most.

What pants are in style for summer 2023? ›

Silver pants, low waist parachute pants, satin parachute pants, nylon parachute pants, cargo pants, big and baggy wide-leg trousers, grey trousers, satin trousers, satin cargo pants, leather cargo pants, sheer pants, low waist linen pants, and recycled black leather pants are in fashion for spring summer 2023.

Is 40 too old to wear a crop top? ›

Crop tops can also be worn by women over 40 if they are worn the correct way. If you want to wear a top that's shorter like this one, show only a sliver of the skin by pairing with high waisted denim! It's as simple as that.

What jacket to wear with cropped jeans? ›

Cropped jeans with a long overcoat or jacket

Layering is one of those styling additions that can transform a look, particularly for winter wear. Find a jacket or a shirt that comes to the length of your jeans and style them together to bring a complete look together.

What is the difference between Capri and capris? ›

I sure hope it was the white Capri and not the red. You know how that red wine can stain.
...
Word Confusions . . .
Capricapris
Part of Grammar:
Noun, proper Plural: CapriNoun, plural Alternative phrase: capri pants NOTE: This is NOT a proper noun, which means it is not capitalized unless it starts the sentence.
6 more rows
Apr 27, 2015

Do capris make your legs look longer? ›

The most universally flattering length is right above your ankle bone. Higher capri pants can give you a shortened look, and too long can give you a shortened look (especially if they're bunching around your shoes).

What is the purpose of capris? ›

Since the legs are not as long as regular pants, they provide a much cooler feel. Many women wear them in the spring, fall, and the summer as well. They are an especially popular choice when it is warm, but not warm enough for shorts.

How to dress simple but stylish? ›

20 Easy Tips To Make Simple Clothes Look Fashionable
  1. Simplify your outfits. ...
  2. Accessorize with one simple item. ...
  3. Buy and wear timeless pieces. ...
  4. Choose the right colors. ...
  5. Go thrifting. ...
  6. Organize your wardrobe. ...
  7. Don't neglect your pants. ...
  8. Buy well-fitting clothes.

Do capri pants make you look taller? ›

Since they are cropped at such an awkward place, they give off the illusion that your legs are shorter than they are. Once the lower half of your body looks smaller, your whole shape will lose any illusion of height that you have crafted. Capris should always be avoided when one is looking to appear taller.

What should I wear to capri? ›

You will need shorts for sightseeing, hiking the island hills, and strolling around town. You can wear them all day, and they go well with T-shirts or even linen shirts. Remember to pack long pants too. A pair of dungarees or blue jeans can be helpful, as will regular pants.

Do capri pants make you look older? ›

Wrong Length Pants or Capris. Choosing pants, capris, crops, or culottes that are the wrong length can make you look older. Many women make the mistake of choosing capris that end at mid-calf. That is actually the widest part of your leg.

Why are capri pants unflattering? ›

Some are certainly less offensive than others (I'm looking at you, elastic waistbands!) but in general, capri pants are terribly unflattering on almost everyone. This is because they create a horizontal line across the widest part of a woman's calf, which makes you look shorter and wider.

How can I make my old legs look younger? ›

7 Ways to improve the look of your legs:
  1. Exercise. Obvious, I know, but it does help muscle tone and the structure of the underlying tissue. ...
  2. Keep them fuzz free. As we get older we may not be able to see those leg hairs as well as we used to. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Moisturise. ...
  5. Tanning products. ...
  6. Leg makeup. ...
  7. Good hosiery.
May 1, 2016

What pants make your thighs look thinner? ›

Choose dark-wash jeans with side seaming that curves into the thighs to make them look slimmer.

What is the best time to go to Capri? ›

The tourist season on Capri traditionally runs from the Easter holidays to the first weekend of November. Locals consider the best times to visit the island from the beginning of April to mid-June, and from the beginning of September to mid-October.

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