PPL for skinny/ankle length jeans

catgirl

I am finding a lot of ankle length denim being labeled under "petite". I found a lot of petite sizes on shopbop. Is this correct PPL for this style? And why?

http://www.shopbop.com/standar.....eviewsArea

I am totally frustrated with looking for mid-rise petite length jeans.

13 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Aida

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Maybe you should try a regular sized ankle length? It would give you extra length in both the rise and the length.

13 years ago

Dani

Veteran

AG, when the pants are that tapered at the ankle, they will not cover the foot to reach the ground (PPL for bootcuts and wide-leg pants). Ankle length with a little scrunch is PPL for this style.

I found this old blog post that explains it pretty well:
http://youlookfab.com/2007/08/.....-the-rule/

hope that helps

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Dani, thanks for the link! I get that the hem can't go past the ankle if narrow, but I'm seeing lots of pants with no scrunch being called ankle length, like this:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../18850.jsp

vs. this, which is a "cropped capri" and even I can see looks fairly bad on most of the models:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_fe.....spicks.jsp

So, unacceptable except on the tall and leggy as usual, or a new old look?

13 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I guess it depends on what you mean by "unacceptable" :). Do you like the length and think it's cute? I'd say there is a diversity of opinions here on the forum, though Angie, of course, has firm ideas re. PPL and always lengthening the legline. I sort of like shorter pants, as long as they are very slim through the calves (think skinny cargos rolled up to show off some booties, or worn with bare legs and wedge heels). I am almost 6' tall, so I'm not so concerned about always having the longest possible legline.

13 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I like those Jcrew cropped capri's. I'm not running out to buy them, but the ankle length really doesn't bother me. I think it works best they are tapered and they are being worn with ballet flats. For me, any other shoe is a bit much for this uber casual look.

13 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I personally like the look of ankle length pants. I think as long as they are truly fitted and don't look like capris they are really cute. I really like those j.crew ones you linked to (the first one).
The second one is both a bad cut and a horrible color.

13 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Oh, got it...I saw scrunching on the first link at shopbop. I personally can't wear those type of pants being almost 6 ft tall because it looks like I just settled for pants that weren't quite long enough. I would have to wear heels with them to make it look intentional.

I agree with the others that there are many opinions on this topic here. I think this style looks best when tapered (first J Crew example) and worn with heels or statement shoes. I agree with Kim that the second example is a bad cut (too flared) and color. Hope I'm more in the ballpark of answering your question now

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks, Dani - as I'm at the opposite end of the height spectrum from you and Jonesy (I envy you those inches!), I'm not sure I need to look stubbier... that's my concern. I appreciate the input!

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

As far as non-crop goes, I like 2 lengths for skinny ankle-type-length jeans for us shorties, one with a little scrunch and one without, BUT this second length is best (to me) when it's long enough to just cover the ankle. Otherwise you start getting into cropped territory.

1- Scrunch (a little bit more is OK too)
2- No scrunch, longer length
3- No scrunch, shorter length

EDIT: Ok since my style is always slouchy 2/3 aren't exactly "no scrunch", but you get the idea

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13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Aida, you are awesome for posting visuals! I just measured my PPL in bootcuts at 28-29" depending on heel - so I am STUBBY! I guess the question is, if I buy something like the j crew Minnies, which apparently are supposed to be just ankle skimming, they will fit more like your #2 or #3 photo, and will that be okay?

I have a petite friend who buys long capris and wears them as normal pants, but something about the cut is always off to my eye... I do not want to go there!

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Una you're not stubby! I'm 2" taller than you and have the same inseam for flats >< Unfortunately they don't list the hem opening for those pants on their site, but my black jeans above have a 12" (12.5"?) opening and the gray ones are probably 10" or less. I think the main thing is that when they're short like this you want a slim straight/tapered hem and leg or you end up with the high watered pant look

EDIT: So in conclusion I think they could work

13 years ago

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