Cropped trousers and jeans with lengths that finish just above the ankle, or a few inches above the ankle, started coming through in full force last year, both for Spring and Autumn. They are here again with even greater gusto this year. And after recently viewing the Fall collections at fashion week, it is clear to me that these cropped lengths are sticking around. 

I have repeatedly shared my apprehension about this particular length of cropped trouser and jean, and it’s still there. My eyes are not poisoned against the silhouette, but I do find it extremely hard to pull off with style. My suggestion is to proceed with caution. They can shorten the leg line — even on a tall and leggy model — and to my eye this is unflattering. Of course, if creating a long leg line is not your figure flattering priority, the silhouette will be less of a concern. Personally I strive to create a long leg line with my own outfits because I think the proportions look more attractive that way. 

That being said, you can create a long leg line with cropped trousers and jeans (here are my guidelines) . Revealing the ankle bone is alluring and breezy, and I can see the appeal of this cropped length. You can also purchase cropped trousers or jeans and shorten them to a length that finishes a few inches below the knee. I’ve found the slightly shorter length generally more flattering on most body types. This is how I intend to approach the cropped trouser trend because I prefer to create a long leg line without wearing heels. 

Over to you. What are your feelings on the unstoppable cropped trouser and jeans trend? Do you find the length flattering? Will you wear the silhouette? If so, will you try to create a long leg line, or is that of no concern? Are you going to shorten the hems a little like I plan to do?

When the elastic waistbands of pantyhose are too tight and uncomfortable, they can dig into your flesh leaving huge red marks on your skin. Not so fab.

I recently stumbled upon a hosiery brand called “Commando” just because I liked the animal print pattern. I wore the pantyhose all day under a skirt with booties when I was at Fashion Week and they were so comfortable. The waistband elastic is designed in a way that does not dig into your flesh. In fact, I later noticed that this “dig-free” design feature is mentioned in the description of the product. 

Unfortunately, $32 is pricey for pantyhose. But it might be worth it at least once in a while. I was impressed with the silky and thicker quality of the pantyhose too. I definitely appreciated these little extras during a tiring time at fashion week. 

Do you recommend a brand of hosiery that is comfortable and a cut above the rest?

Bold striped blazers were big last year and they are still making a fabulous statement for Spring. But my eye has wondered away from the striped blazer and it is making a beeline for the soft patterned versions that are emerging as Spring collections unfold. 

Soft printed blazers were love at first sight when I first spotted them at Barneys, Urban Outfitters and Zara this year. There is something about a printed floral blazer that screams Spring to me. They are soft, lightweight and fairly floppy, feeling a lot like a fully lined blouse with extra structure. Floral prints are rife, but you’ll find polka dots, stars, animal print and conversational prints too. They are perfect for our cool Seattle Springs and Summers, providing a warm weather look with the coverage. Makes a nice change to a cotton cardigan don’t you think? 

Printed Spring Blazers have mostly been matched with short shorts, but they are going to work with skirts, trousers, clamdiggers, cropped pants, longer shorts and jeans too — just like a regular blazer. 

I saw the black and grey floral blazer pictured below at Zara last week when out and about at the New York City YLF gathering. I tried it on, and it was mine. It was hung close to a scarf printed blouse in similar colours, which went home with me too because I had the idea of wearing these pieces together. I see that Zara had the same idea and styled that exact same blouse with my floral jacket on their website. 

What’s your verdict, ladies. Fancy wearing a floral printed blazer, or any printed blazer for that matter?

Today is kick-off day for our third YLF Book Club virtual meet-up. I think it’s fitting and fun we’ll be talking about 100 Ideas that Changed Fashion right after Fall 2012 Fashion Week. The last models exited the catwalk only yesterday, I’m still dazzled by all the rich materials and gorgeous detailing of the collections, and chomping at the bit to incorporate some of the new colours and trends into my wardrobe later this year.

In this light it’s extra interesting to read Harriet Worsley’s take on the ideas, movements and inventions that “rerouted the course of fashion and without which womenswear would not be what it is today”. Between 1900 and 2010 the world at large and the fashion industry changed drastically. Quite a few of these changes have had a significant impact on women’s lives, and not just on a fashion level. 

Think about the freedom of movement knitwear has brought us, for example, or the practicality and mass appeal of jeans. From abandoning the corset, the emergence of the bra, trousers for women, the invention of the zipper, comfortable and affordable fabrics like rayon to disposable fashion and mass-manufacturing, the “rebellious” T-shirt, the internet age and eco fashion. They’re all represented in the book, each with background information and a fab, full-page picture. Anecdotes aplenty as well. For example, did you know that Marlene Dietrich was once asked to leave Paris because she was wearing a trouser suit? A very controversial look at the time!

Which garment or style invention do you feel has revolutionized the world of fashion over the last century? Tell us in the comments section, and be sure to drop by the Book Club forum to join the discussion.

Quick reminder: On the Book Club page you can find the schedule of previous, current and future Book Club titles.

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