Lost & Going Around in Cropped Circles (really capris)

I think I made a fashion faux pas, especially after doing my YLF homework and reading Angie’s blogs on the subject of clamdiggers and capris:
http://youlookfab.com/2008/04/.....nd-capris/
http://youlookfab.com/2008/05/.....er-skinny/

I was swept up in Spring Fashion through the lens of long and leggy fashion models, without coming back to the reality of this 5’3-1/2” body of mine. I had a choice between a petite and regular version, with the former shown in blue here and the regular arriving at just above the ankles.

My initial thoughts were: The narrow opening and sleekness of these capris would not shorten my length; I could wear flat Oxfords and heeled pumps or sandals for added variety; and they would be an alternative to my skinnies in the Spring.

At first I was going to ask you what you think, if they work, or, are unflattering and shall I return them.

BUT, after seeing the photos and going through this experiment, they are going back. Angie is right in that capris really are not an easy length for shorter people. I'm posting them here anyway before they go back to AT.

I was deluding myself and realized that, even with Oxfords (which I didn't show here), geek chic may just be geek on me and casual capri will read as dumpy, frumpy and squatty.

1-5 Petite AT Capris in blue
6 Regular AT Capris in black (fall at the ankle)
7 Paige jeans

The last photo is with my full-length Paige jeans I bought last week. It never hurts to show both sides of the shopping coin. I guess, if I want to get out of the skinnies choice, I'm going to have to look for tailored pants that can work in casual ways, too. Thanks for your look!

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14 years ago

Anonymous

I think the petites work and you have a lovely shape for them, I vote keep

Veteran

Did you try the outfit with nude heels? If I really like something, I try to figure out what I can do to make it work.

Jem

I was expecting them to look bad after reading your post, but they are actually super cute! I love the petite version on you and think you should keep them!

Alicia

(website)

Active Member

I love the petites! I think they look great on you! Not shortening at all. They look fresh and stylish.

Meredith1953

HI Vicki
If you don't feel good in them then you should take them back. I do love the color and I think they look quite nice but the photos don't show you from head to toe and that is what I would want to see! I don't like anything that cuts me off mid calf. I'm not even sure I can do an ankle pant but I am willing to look at them. It's too bad that the capris are all the rage and it is hard to find the more flattering clam digger.

D'Ellen

I love the petite capris on you!

Marley

Well, I think I agree with you Vicki. The last pic is just so much more flattering than the others. I'm the same way with capris - in my dreams I am a tall, slender model who can wear all lengths of capris with flats, heels, barefoot, etc.! IRL - I just look (like you said!) frumpy, dumpy and squaty.

Jaime

Although you look good to me in the shorter lengths, the longer length is even more flattering. A lesson I must absorb as I share your height. Thanks!

Suz

Sigh.

If anyone should be able to do this, it's you, Vicki. You have absolutely the right shape for them. And these DO look pretty in the pics, but I agree that without seeing the head-to-toe look we are not getting the whole impression, and I trust your judgement. The full length blue ones do look more flattering.

I do think you can probably wear the ones that end at the ankle (black). Do you?

Vicki

Thanks for your insights and opinions...they mean a lot, and I'm truly surprised that many of you liked the look. The reason I didn't post with the full head-to-toe shot was that I didn't have any makeup on and was in a rush and I think I was not "feeling it" for the capri look once they were on! You know I always show my head. AJ, yes I did try my nude sling-back pumps, but I felt it was a look that was "trying too hard" if you know what I mean. Yes, Marley, I think we have similar body types (although you're in better shape!) and, of course, you know you won't be seeing my ankles at the museum on April Fool's Day, unless I decide to wear a dress.

Deborah

Vicki what did you decide? I think you can totally wear the crop Capri. I think your lovely slender frame creates a very attractive look with the shorter length. I don't find this look "shortening" on you at all. However I understand how you may feel about them. I have a pair in a similar color and I am past being able to return them so the other night I was playing in my closet to see if there was anyway I could style them that looked flattering... I am still working on it and I'm not going to let them beat me lol!

christy

Well...I'm biased because I'm short (5'2") and have these exact same pants! I think these totally work on you in the petite length - the slim leg opening is key. If you don't feel comfortable in them, then by all means return them. But I think they are adorable (FWIW!).

ManidipaM

I have to say I like you in the petites, though!

christieanne

I think they look good but it's true we don't see the whole view. I actually like the blue intentionally short capri more than the black ankle. My thing with the ankle lately is that they just look like too short pants. You need to go up a few inches to look intentional.

Love those black kitten heels!

rae

I'm one with kind of a bias for a long leg line, so I like the paige jeans the best by far. Those are keepers for sure, IMO. I think that if your head was in the pictures, the crops would seem more leg-shortening than they do here, because they would make your legs seem like less than half your height... you could try tucking into them to move the leg line up, and try adding heels, but the heels may not be as practical.

Transcona Shannon

First of all Vicki, you look AMAZING in the Paige jeans. Absolutely stunning fit and colour on you! I like the fit of the petite capris but I totally get (as a fellow shortie) the leg line issue. Do you think if you shortened them just a smidege so that a bit more leg was showing, that would help? Just a thought.

If you don't feel good in them, then I wouldn't keep.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Vicki, if you can swing a few pics *with* your pretty head - that would be great!

I do love those full length Paiges on you.

rachylou

I don't know. I like them A LOT on you, but wonder if maybe they're an inch short of perfect.

texstyle

I like the Paige jeans so much more than the other blues. I'm not really into cropped pants though so I'm biased.

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