Help me find the cropped/capri sweet spot

CocoLion

Here it is July already and I still haven't figured this out. What is the best length for me?

These are tan colored cropped pants. They still have the tags on. Are they too tight? My usual size was sold out, so these are a size smaller, but the waist fits perfectly and I imagine they will stretch nay even bag out (they are inexpensive).

Pictures 1/2 -- Worn full length. With new Gap tee. I seem to have a lot of tops like this in this color family. Not sure if this is a keeper.

3 -- Worn shorter. With a different top. To confuse the issue.

4 -- Worn shortest. With a different top, yet similar to #1. To prove my point made in 1/2.

So which length is best? And, do you like these summer pants at all? Thanks for your invaluable advice.

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13 years ago

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from annagybe

Deborah

Veteran

Denise I don't want to be your first comment because I suspect I have no idea. Cropped pants length is something I just dont seem to get:) But I will give it a whirl.

I like the them full length and i like #3. Truth is tho, I think you could wear these succesfully at any of this lengths due to your slender frame and your hight.

I am unsure about the fit. How do they feel?

I like the top in 1/2. Great color and flattering cut on you. I guess if you have alot of tops already in this color story, maybe you should ask if you need it (boring I know). But on the upside you know you like and wear this color, so it could be a good addition.

13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Deborah! I'm not sure if anyone knows about cropped pants. But your opinion is helpful. I'm going to go search Angie's blog for cropped pants advice.

The pants feel fine, but I think they look tight in thighs which is a problem I frequently have if I want them to fit in my waist and hips. This is why I have so heartily embraced boyfriend cuts, for once I am not reminded every. single. time. that my thighs are an inch or two larger than average considering my other measurements.

ETA: here's Angie's advice: http://youlookfab.com/2011/06/.....ped-pants/

I realize I had incorporated all of her advice without consulting the article first, I did not realize the extent to which I have externalized all of Ms. Cox's wisdom!

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

Denise, I have the same thigh issue and end up sizing up! Thankfully, my apple belly usually enjoys that extra room in the front waist ; the back waist gapping, not so much.

I think with the low-contrast colour and your long, tall legs, you could get away with ALL of these, but I do find #3-4 more flattering than #2... yet, #2 is not stumpifying on you as it might have been on me!

13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

ManidipaM -- good to know I'm not the only one with either thigh fit or back gaping issues!

13 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

I think they are fine at all lengths and would not bother to shorten.
I don't mind the fit either and as long as they are comfortable they certainly don't look too small. I like the way the tops are sitting higher at the front- a flattering look.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I like the coral shirt, and goodness if we are only allowed a few in one color family I am in BIG trouble. If this is a color you feel good in I say stock up. It certainly looks good on you. The color of the pants is not my favorite, but it does blend in with your leg to create a nice long line. For this reason, you could probably wear them at any length, but I am conditioned to favor them shorter (3/4).

I think your thighs look great here (and remember that we are not arbitrary fit models). I wish I could size down enough that my thighs filled out my skinnies properly, but alas the girth of my waist will not allow it (and somehow I *still* get a back gap. What is THAT about?!!) so don't feel bad. You look amazing, as always. I'm with you on bringing back a looser (i.e. boyfriend) fit in general to gloss over those areas of our measurements that aren't "standard".

13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I like the length best in #3 with #4 as my second choice. At full length, I am not loving how the hems are a bit wider at the bottom - I think this messes up the leg line and suspect that even this length would be fine if the pant were more tapered to your leg since the color is low contrast. With boyfriends, I think it's OK for the bottom to be looser since the whole leg line is looser.

The pants are looking a smidge tight across the hips but if you think they will stretch it's probably fine. (May also just be because they are a lighter color so any pulling shows more.)

I have the thigh problem too!

13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

The pants are looking a smidge tight across the hips but if you think they will stretch it's probably fine. (May also just be because they are a lighter color so any pulling shows more.)

13 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

To my eye, the crops in #3 are the sweet spot length. This is the same length as my "crazy" patterned crops that are Angie approved length. I am wondering if they are a smidge too tight though Denise? However, if you think they'll stretch out should be ok. You look fantastic in the tops in #3 and #4 - those colours really sing on you!

13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I think these are tapered enough and close enough to your skin tone that you could wear these at any of these lengths. That said, I think I find 3 the most appealing. They don't look too tight to me.

As for fit issues, you know I have the same thigh challenges! It sounds like we have very similar builds. But I don't get it, I look at your pictures and I do not see any hint of larger-than-average thighs. At all. You always look great!

13 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I like 4 the best, followed by 3. I'm with you on the thigh issue.

13 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I like the length at 3. then if you want a slightly more casual look, you can roll it up one hem length to 4. I have 2 pairs of ATLoft cropped jeans that I got this year. I am doing the same thing with them. I am just rolling them though. I decided not to hem because I like the casual look of the roll and scrunch around the knees.

13 years ago

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I like the length in 3 or 4 best.

13 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Agree with those who say these are so close to your skintone that there's not much enstumpening -- with your build all 3 look fine, though 3-4 look a bit more sleek.

You know I love you in warm brights so I am completely encouraging top #1 (though that last already-owned one is a truly beautiful pattern on you -- love the way the lighter shade echoes your hair).

I have to recuse myself on the pants fit issue as I am currently on a I HATE PANTS rampage....

I see your "smidge tight" issue from the back (IME the pulling in the front is due to a rise and/or too much fabric issue) but if there's any stretch fabric involved they may well loosen and bag. How much is always the #$(& question -- sizing up might get you diaper butt halfway through the day.

[Again IME, if you match the fabric content to a pair you own assuming they will stretch, they are 95% guaranteed to stay a bit tight. Murphy's Law etc.]

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I like #3 and #4 best, but #1 works well too because it's still short enough, tapered and low contrast against your skin tone.

13 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Thanks for posting this, Denise. I wish I had answers but this is one area that totally confuses me! I think you look great and I see NO thigh issues. You're making me wonder if I need to add thighs to MY worry list!

13 years ago

Jonesy

Veteran

I like all of the lengths. To be blunt (since you asked :), to my eye they do look a bit tight. But, I am on Team Baggy and I really prefer that lighter-colored trousers, especially, fit a bit looser, so take my comments with a grain of salt.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm with Janet - they are so nearly nude that they work at any length to me. I'd leave at the regular length and roll up when you want some variety.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I have the same fit problem as you do, and almost always go up a size so I don't have that whiskering in the thigh area.

As for length, I'm short (5'2") and have determined that for me, a 19" inseam is best. That hits me just below the kneecap. On you, I have a preference for pics 3 & 4. Like Angie pointed out, though, the longer length in pic 1 works because the light color blends with your skin tone.

13 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

All the lengths look good on you. My favorite is probably the #3, #4 length but your legs are pretty enough and you are well proportioned enough to wear #1 and #2 combined with nude or low contrast footwear.

13 years ago

jayne

Veteran

13 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

Good luck, Denise! I'm lately of the mindset that there is no ONE sweet spot for a person, but rather it's based on the combination of your legs and the color and style of the pants.

These aren't as casual as denim to me, so I prefer the slightly longer middle length (#3 pic). They're low contrast, so that seems to me that the length is more forgiving AND you have slender legs which I also think are more forgiving on lengths.

If you were asking about denim, I'd have voted for the shortest of these lengths (#4 pic).

13 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

I like #1 best. This seems to hit a nice sweet spot on your leg. The second pair also work but are so cropped they remind me of wearing shorts.

13 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Thank you ladies for the great advice. So #3 seems to be the winner. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to find my size so am contemplating keeping these small-ish pants, in the hopes they will stretch out. Other pants I have with this fabric and stretch have stretched out a lot. (This is the third pair of neutral crops I have purchased this season, I am not having much luck!)

I have many tops in the coral/red color family, like 10 of them. And 4 of them still have tags on them. I keep buying this color but struggle with styling them because generally I go for a low contrast top and bottom look to lengthen my small frame. But I am hesitant to wear all reds or oranges top to bottom! So the tops hang unworn. I feel that these pants play well with the bright reds/corals/oranges, that's why I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair all summer long.

13 years ago