Here’s a variation on wearing cropped pants as shorts when you’re after a lot more lower body coverage on a hot day, but don’t want to wear skirts or dresses. Think long, wide, roomy, soft and easy pants in natural fibres or fabric blends. Breezy, comfortable, and good when taking public transport, and to keep the mosquitoes away.
I wore these types of roomy, soft and lightweight pants a lot back in the early ‘90s when I lived in Cape Town, South Africa, because they were easy, comfortable, cool and breezy, good on a hot and windy Summer’s day, and more insulating in air conditioning. Here are some takes on the look that might tickle your fancy. Choose any colour palette.
1. Smart Casually on-Trend
Combine a pair of pleated paperbag-waist pants with a fitted and tucked tee, knit top or tank. Add slides or sandals to finish off the look. The matching white of the tank and slides pulls the look together. I do caution you against the length shown here. As elongating and luxurious as it looks, it can be treacherous. The hems also catch under the open heels of the sandals and slides as you stride. Play it safe and go a little shorter. You won’t lose much outfit elongation because a tucked top extends the length of the leg from the hips upwards.
2. Beachy Natural
Combine a pair of very naturally toned wide linen pants with a matching or tonal sleeveless tunic. To my eye, a tunic with an asymmetrical hem creates a visually interesting diagonal line that is more flattering than a straight hem. The low contrast between the top and bottom is important if you’re concerned with looking short legged in the combination. Add a pair of sandals, some wooden jewellery, and Bob’s your uncle.
3. Pyjama Fabness
This is for those who like the silky pyjama vibe worn as regular clothes. Combine a pair of silky and satiny elasticated drawstring bottoms with a tucked, semi-tucked or tucked shell top. Layer the matching silky pyjama shirt or robe over the top, or leave it off. Add Summery heels or flats and you’re done. Or go barefoot when you lounge at home. Luxurious and comfy for working at home!
4. Elegantly Gauzy
Combine a striped pair of wide leg linen-cotton-viscose-rayon blend cropped pants with an untucked see-through gauzy mesh top. Layer a camisole under the top, and finish off the look with sandals that work with the palette. If the top with camisole is too warm, wear a Summer tank or tee. Add jewellery, headwear, eyewear and watch as desired.
