Help me with my paperbag waist!

A while ago you all helped me decide on a pair of paperbag-waist cropped wideleg trousers. Now I finally found the time to put them on, try different shoes, and snap pics.

Sooooo... please help me get the styling right!

When I tried them on in store, I put on a pair of block-heel ankle booties (dark gray I think). Now at home I tried them with my black ankle booties but the effect is not as good (pics 1, 2). I do have burgundy sock booties that might work but haven't tried them yet.

I also tried them with a pointy-toed slim-heel bootie and don't like the result (pic 3). Posting here for comparison.

On a whim I put on my ivory mules and liked the combo best of all (pics 4 and 5). It was the one that gave me the most elongating effect, maybe because of the light color and because of how much skin it showed.

However, I am planning on wearing these pants in Fall and Winter, so I want options with closed shoes and no exposed skin.

Ideas? Should I get the pants hemmed maybe? If so, by how much?

(PS I'll also take ideas for tops and toppers )

Other options of shoes I have: ivory pointy-toe booties; flat pointy-toe black booties; ankle-strap pointy-toe mid-heel pumps in burgundy; kitten heel pumps in burgundy; kitten heel pumps in ivory; plus the burgundy sock booties.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

5 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

I'm not very good with pants lengths, but I'm guessing that these are a little long and would look better hemmed. I'm not sure by how much--maybe a few inches? Can you pin them at a couple of different lengths and then take more pics?

Jane

They look good!

I think that you are along the right lines by having a lower contrast with the footwear, but I actually like both the dark and the lighter coloured footwear.

On toppers, I would tend to do fitted as you have done, and I like the stripes, but I would think a larger volume top with a semi tuck to the front would look great too.

Stagiaire Fash

Debby Downer reporting in to say I don’t think you’ve quite got it yet. I’m not feeling the skinny heels, even little kitten heels, with this. What are the heels like on the ivory and burgundy booties?

Those pants are great on you. Looking forward to seeing you wear them

Jessikams

(website)

Wow, the pants look wonderful on your long and slim self. Jealous!
I actually think they look fine with all the shoes here- white is more summery, others more wintry.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like the version with the black footwear. Gorgeous.

Crop two inches above the ankle bone, and you're good to go.

K.M.

Gigi, that's a great idea--I'll do that and post more pics with the hem pinned.

Jane, when I tried this in store, I also put on a loose-fitting and very thin sweater, and half-tucked it, and it looked amazing. (I'm kicking myself for not having bought it.) The thin and drapey fabric made it work without overwhelming me.

FashIntern, yes, I agree, I also felt a bit disappointed when I put these booties on. I definitely don't like the kitten heels. My burgundy sock booties have a block heel; the ivory ones have a kitten heel and pointy toe, so might not work.

Jessikams, thank you I am in fact very short, so it's nice to be seen as long!!!

Angie, thank you. They are definitely closer to the ankle bone than two inches. I guess that's what messing up the proportion.

I always have to get everything hemmed... thought that with cropped pants for once I wouldn't, but I guess proportions are what they are...

lyn67

1-3 look grat for fall/winter!

Category