"Cropped" Questions

AnaElizabeth

I have some questions about the "cropped" trend. I now know not to wear cropped/capri pants (thanks to this blog). I was wondering about the cropped sweater/jacket/cardigan trend. How short does something need to be in order for it to be considered cropped and what is the most flattering cropped length (smallest part of waist, etc)? What is the visual effect of wearing something like this, and what body type would it be best for? Does it tend to make someone more top heavy, emphasize hips, etc?

Sorry for all the questions. This trend confuses me, but I have seen it everywhere and am not sure whether I should give it a try.

Thanks!

18 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from AnaElizabeth

Nicole

Veteran

I'm glad you asked this AnaElizabeth! I was wondering the same thing myself. I've steered clear of cropped jackets with the exception of cardigans. It seems like if it is form fitting, opposed to pulling away from my body, it is more flattering.

18 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Yeah, I feel like I have short legs in proportion with my torso, and I was wondering if that would emphasize the shortness of my legs by making my torso appear longer? I'm also not sure how to wear cropped stuff, what tops go best with the style, etc. Also, is there a difference between "shrunken" and cropped?

18 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

I love cropped jackets and sweaters, so chances are it's a bad idea if you have a longer torso (mine is very short). I like to wear both fitted and a-line tops layered over a longer, more form-fitting knit in a contrasting color. The form fitting ones are nice because they are a visual mark of where my waist indents (something that usually gets lost), but I have a cropped swing jacket that I like because the extra volume makes whatever is underneath look a lot smaller than it is, and also offsets the width of my hips a bit.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Definitely give it a try and experiment Ana Elizabeth. There are cropped items that are form fitting and cropped items that are not. Busty gals need to sick to form fitting cropped layers that continue to accentuate their waist line ( and are therefore a little longer), which is why Nicole has stuck to this formula that works for her.

If you are more regular in the bust area it’s imperative to layer a longer length knit top under a cropped jacket or cardigan because it gives the ensemble structure and definition. These entries might be helpful:

http://youlookfab.com/2008/01/.....d-classic/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/03/.....ze-jacket/

http://youlookfab.com/2006/11/.....d-jackets/

http://youlookfab.com/2007/09/.....-flatters/

18 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Thanks for the links! The one on looking long and lean in cropped jackets was particularly helpful. I found these cardigans online, I think they match what was said about keeping it fitted on top and 3/4 sleeves. Do you think they would work?

http://www.myshape.com/product.....t+Cardigan

http://www.myshape.com/product.....l+Cardigan

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The first cardi isn’t that fitted because it swings open (no fastening). The second one is a baby doll style and should work just fine for your body type.

18 years ago

mayapple

Active Member

Hmm, I find my swing jacket helps minimize my bust by flaring out over it. I hope I'm not wrong because I really love it.

18 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

Yeah, I've had a hard time with things that fall straight from my chest, they really tend to make me look heavy because my chest isn't that big, but it's big enough that clothes will hang over it and away from my stomach if I'm not careful. I actually had a cardi very similar to the first one, but the one I had was chunky knit--not flattering at all! (Luckily it's gone now). I thought the first cardi might work because it's linen, so it might drape nicely over and then fall more closely to my body, but I'll avoid it. Thanks for the info, it's very helpful.

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I know what you mean Ana. I have a feeling that the linen knit will not accomplish what you want it to. But a structured, lined trapeze jacket might. It purposely flares out stiffly while a knitted cardi won’t unless it has a structured fastening much like the knitted jackets I posted last week. This is probably why yours works Maya. Does that make sense?

18 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

I understand what you're saying. I agree, too. I think it won't end up being as flattering as I hoped. I saw a picture of the sweater in a whole outfit, and the silhouette seems boxy, which definitely wouldn't work for my body type. I've been looking for a lighter weight "summer" cardigan, so I might try the second one, it really appeals to me, and would fit nicely with what I already have (since shipping is free both ways, I don't really have anything to lose).

18 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I have two questions about cardigans--not just cropped cardigans, but any cardigan.

Sometimes I leave the bottom button (or two) unbuttoned. To me, it seems like it draws the eye down, away from my shoulders. Is there a general rule about this?

Also, what do you guys think about this cardi? The orange one in the main link looks funny because the way the model is standing. But click on the light blue one--you can see the detail much better. I am thinking that the vertical edging will elongate me and draw the eye down. I also like that it has hook and eye closures instead of buttons.

http://www.bananarepublic.com/.....pid=547780

18 years ago

AnaElizabeth

Active Member

I saw that cardigan at BR. I like it. I would leave the top few closures undone to create a V.

As far as leaving the bottom buttons undone, I think it might depend on our body type. since it's essentially a reverse V, and flares out towards the hips, it might bring attention to that area. If you're okay with that, it's probably fine. If your lower body is something you want to draw attention away from, I'd button it down all the way--doing this would probably create a longer, leaner line, I would think (I might be totally off though).

18 years ago

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