Ask Angie: Wearing "ankle pants" at full length

Hi Angie. And other YLF chimers-in.
I have a 2 part question/concept:
Ankle pants are so ubiquitous that it's getting to where the selection of fits and fabrics are greater in "ankle pants" than in regular pants, and also, that genre is often styled in a "straight-leg" cut as opposed to a fuller trouser.
Unless I can wear a bootcut or a high-waisted trouser over a bit of boot heel, I like a slightly narrow "straight" leg pant (hem width getting to about 15-16" not skinny) but I still like to wear mine long, with just a bit of scrunch, over lower-vamped shoes like loafers, rather than at ankle length. So it shows some nude top of foot for summer, but is not at all an ankle pant look.

By dint of either my legs not being that long and/or Tall sizes and/or letting out hem, I can make a "long" pant out of some ankle pants and am motivated to do so if the wasit- hip fit is good (as with some brands and curvy fits), if and the fabrication is nice (such as either wool, or blends, false plains, or textures for summer) and the pant leg is the right shape. Such as, I might consider wearing the birdseye pants below at a full length.

I think this formula works for me because it gives me a more comfortable shoe + longer legline in a summer look, and I just like it, but where does pant-scrunched-loafer look fall in the "fashion" continuum? Am I holding on to something that has had its day, or is it still in the "kinder, gentler" variety-friendly zone ?

Ann Taylor

Kate Birdseye Ankle Pants

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8 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

Will be curious to find out what Angie answers.

Anonymous

I do it. I have to buy regular misses pants even though I'm petite because I have a long rise. I simply wear the ankle pants at a longer length, which I prefer. They just cover my ankles, and I wear them with sandals. There's no scrunching up.

unfrumped

I like to do the bit of scrunch , which is kind of the equivalent of " break", but also it's just look for which i have some kind of sugar eye and feel it looks slightly relaxed whereas the ankle look gets me more into that " trying" feeling. Hard to explain.maybe not quite a " signature" style but almost.

I like your idea of using cropped pants as pants. Great idea.
I can't say much about scrunch. I'm not sure whether it's still fashionable or not.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

By all means wear regular length pants and jeans with scrunch. (My next outfit post will showcase exactly this, actually). Just be careful with the fit. Buying ankle pants long to get the length is not the best way to go about it because it adjusts the fit. Rather get REAL full length pants.

Unfrumped, you should wear cropped pants! I don't see the problem as long as you have the right footwear and style them in a way that keeps the leg line long.

AviaMariah

I buy regular sized ankle pants all the time and wear them as long pants. I am a petite but regular pants usually fit me the best and then I have to have them shortened. So if I don't shorted the ankle pants they are regular length on me. I've had good luck with this. It's one of first times being short has been a positive in the pants buying department.

Angie, thanks for advice! I agree that the fit can be off, so it is kind of limited to finding just the right ones that happen to work, rather than its being a reliable solution.

I have one pair of cropped pants I am going to "play " with and see what it is that I need to get the look that feels right. I always have that problem of slim pants hanging up on my calves when go from sit to stand, unless they are a tad wider at the hem and then it looks schtumpy with low-vamped footwear.

My earlier post on footwear is all about the legline dilemma--I LOVE the high ankle-strap trend and feel this is the look for me, as oppsed to loafers for cropped pants, but have to get it in a closed-toe, comfortable toebox shoe if wearing for work. So am looking for ankle-strap flats or possibly just the right ankle-laceup. For smart casual, I have lots more options, either because can do a sandal, or "4-hour shoes".

I'm with AviaMariah on this one. It's the only time we short girls can get the length we want. I could buy petite ankle pants and wear them as ankle pants, but it would shorten my leg line and not fit properly in the rise. There's no scrunch, but I personally don't care. I just make sure to wear the appropriate shoes with them.

unfrumped, have you tried these ankle straps? Your feet might like them.

Amazon

Dansko Women's Lulu Mary Jane Flat

Nordstrom

Dansko 'Lulu' Mary Jane Flat (Women)

Nebraskim

Not a fan of ankle pants on me. I do prefer narrower-leg pants with "scrunch" or just full-on long-enough pants (which for me is an inseame of 32.5). Alas they appear to no longer be made so I've not purchased pants now for 2 seasons. Even ankle pants for "talls," which usually are 32 inches, are just not for me. I do find them appealing on literally everyone else.

Thanks for suggestions!
I've nevef tried Dansko and yet my feet would probably thank me. Will check them out. Something like that with strap and not pointy is probably what my feet want.

unfrumped, I wear Dansko sandals and boots (not clogs), and my arthritic feet just love 'em!

Kittygirl24

Member

Hello Angie I have a question! I just bought a pair of mom jeans that are supposed to sit on the ankle. I chose the shorter length which sits about 3 inches above the top of my ankle bone as the longer length sat on the top of my ankle bone which I think is too long? I am wondering if you could please give me some advice, have I chosen the right length with the short? Also how can I style these in winter so my ankles don't freeze? Could I wear them with lace up or cowboy boots and how does it look best?

Thanks!

2 years ago

Echo

You may consider posting a new thread with a question, as this one is five years old.

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