Ask Angie: proper length for capris and tops for petite size

Hi Angie,
I'm 4' 11" tall and i'm having a hard time figuring out what is the proper length to wear tops that go over pants as well as capris. I've read your comments on the subjects and I thought i read that tops should go to a few inches above the crotch and that capris should go to below the knee.

As far as the tops, I'm not sure if this is the best place for me as i have an hourglass figure with i think a pear bottom. I have 2 bulges -- one right at the hips and then again at the top of my thighs. a few inches above the crotch hits right in between these bulges and i think doesn't look the most flattering.

Anyway, i'm looking for some help with these questions because i have alot of items in my closet that need to be tailored correctly.

I have posted 2 pictures at this website (please excuse how horrible i look - it was late last night when i finally was able to take the pictures): http://www2.snapfish.com/thumb.....E=snapfish

a "longer length" picture with the current lengths of the capris and tops. and a "shorter length" picture with where i think they should be tailored to.

Can you please let me know what you think? and do you like the capris with a cuff or without.

Thank you so much for your help!
Fran

16 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I think that in the first (or long) picture, your top is a little too long, and the pants are too long as well. I think that in the second (short) picture, your top is a little bit too short, but the length of the pants is good. I like them unrolled.

fcentofante

Member

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your taking the time to reply. Do you think that the capris should come straight down or be tapered below the knee?

Kari

Fran, what about looking at clamdiggers instead of cropped pants? They are a bit shorter and a different/sleeker silhouette, and you would probably want to try them with a top that is a little less form-fitting, but they avoid the leg-shortening problem you can encounter with the longer variety of cropped pants. Last year was the first time I gave clams a try, and I'm definitely a convert now.
(Here's Angie's post for reference: http://youlookfab.com/2008/05/.....er-skinny/)

I have the dual hip/thigh ridge issue too (but I can't see this at all in the picture you posted!) I feel much less self-conscious about that area when I either wear a woven top (the structure in the woven top hides any bumps in my hip/upper thigh area) or a knit top that is fitted through the waist but looser through the hips and skims over that area instead of clinging to it.

Thanks Kari. These are great suggestions. After seeing myself in the picture i also thought that maybe the clingy tops were not the way to go. I will see about a pair of clam diggers -- they definitely have a nice shape. Thanks for the advice.

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