How to Wear Cropped Pants

Last Updated: April 4, 2021 References

Cropped pants are a trendy trouser choice with a hemline that ends above your ankle. Wearing cropped pants can be a fun fashion statement, but it can sometimes be difficult to find flattering ones. Different styles of cropped pants work better for different occasions, weather conditions, and body types.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Picking Flattering Cropped Pants

1
Wear cropped pants that end between your calf and ankle. Most cropped pants are known as ankle pants, capris, or “clamdiggers.” These pants are designed to hit you below mid-calf, where your lower leg begins to narrow. This is the most attractive part of your lower leg, and you should use your cropped pants to draw attention to it.^{[1]
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- Cropped pants should not end at mid-calf, which is the thickest part of your lower leg. This is the least flattering part of your leg’s profile and not what you want to emphasize.
2
Wear cropped pants that fall above your ankle. As a rule of thumb, even the longest cropped pants should fall no less than about 2 fingers above your ankle bone. This differentiates cropped pants from typical trousers. The shorter hemline not only allows you to show off your ankle, it’s also perfect for having fun with your shoes!

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3
Choose slim-fit if you have short legs. Petite women with shorter legs have a harder time picking the right cropped pants than tall women. Cropped pants can make short women look even shorter by causing their legs to look stubby. A slim-fit leg with either a tapered or straight fit will create a sleek look that avoids the stub effect.^{[2]
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- If you want to go with a wider leg and you’re a shorter person, try pairing these types of pants with a tucked-in top and heels.^{[3]
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4
Go with high-waisted pants to make your legs look longer. Even for taller women, the biggest drawback of cropped pants is their shortening effect. Choosing a pant that cinches above your waistline can combat this problem at the other side of your leg. These may be some of the most flattering options for women of all heights.^{[4]
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- Pair high-waisted pants with a tucked-in shirt to maximize the lengthening effect of these options.
- Pay careful attention to the fit of high-waisted pants. They shouldn’t be uncomfortable to wear when you’re sitting or standing, and they shouldn’t pinch you when you button them up. You may need to take these pants to a tailor to get the perfect fit around your waist and groin area.
5
Choose mid-rise cropped pants if you have a short torso. If you have long legs and a short torso, you may be more worried about the top part of your silhouette. To balance the proportion of your legs and torso, pick mid-rise pants pants that sit right at your waistline. This will prevent your pants from looking like they’ve swallowed your upper body.^{[5]
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6
Use heels or a pointed-toe flat to draw attention to your ankle. Cropped pants let you show off your footwear with their above-the-ankle cut. Heels and pointed-toe flats are some of cropped pants’ best pairings. These shoes elongate shortened legs while also accentuating the wearer’s ankle.^{[6]
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- You can also have fun with other unique footwear. If you have a pair of cool sneakers you’re dying to show off, wearing cropped pants can be the perfect way to do so.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Going Casual with Cropped Pants

1
Wear cropped jeans for a casual look. Denim cropped pants come in a variety of styles and cuts. While these pants can be dressed up with a nice shirt and jewelry, they generally provide a naturally relaxed look for the wearer. Their comfortable feel and appearance is the perfect foundation for a casual outfit to wear around town.^{[7]
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- Boyfriend-style cropped jeans, which are loose in the leg and end in a cuff, are especially casual. These pants often have tears or fading that adds to the overall effect.
2
Pick a brightly colored pant for a fun outfit. Cropped pants are available in almost every color you can imagine. Adding a pop of color to your outfit is a great way to be both fun and casual, especially in the daytime. While brightly colored pants may be too informal for business or nighttime settings, they’re versatile enough to work in most casual and semi-casual settings.
- Try, for example, red cropped pants in a khaki material.
3
Go with a pair of flats, sandals, or sneakers. Cropped pants look good with most shoes, so long as they leave space between the cut of the pant and the top of the shoe. Rather than choosing heels or boots, keep your footwear comfortable. These low-key options will keep your outfit from getting too dressy.^{[8]
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- Tennis shoes provide a comfy and cute option for casual wear. These shoes come in a variety of colors, so you can have fun with them.
- Ballet flats are sweet and generally comfortable shoes that will look lovely with a cropped pant.
- Try a printed high-top sneaker if you’re hoping to add something a little different to your outfit.
4
Choose a basic T-shirt to add a relaxed vibe. There’s no better way to communicate comfort than with a T-shirt. Leave your shirt untucked. This pairing is classic, and it has the added benefit of being comfortable enough to wear all day.^{[9]
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- A white T-shirt paired with cropped pants will give you a simple and streamlined casual look.
- Try a graphic T-shirt displaying the name of your favorite band or vacation spot for a trendier look.
- For something that could translate between casual and semi-casual, go with a black-and-white or blue-and-white horizontally striped T-shirt and cropped pants. This classic French fashion is elegant but relaxed.
5
Use simple or no accessories. Since you’re aiming for casual, you can probably skip jewelry and other accessories. If you want something to add a little color or shine, keep it small and simple. You don’t want your accessories to clash with the overall tone of your outfit.
- For example, wear a simple necklace and studs. Avoid dangly earrings or statement pieces.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Dressing Up Cropped Pants

1
Choose dark colors for a nighttime look. For an outfit that’s fit for evening events, go with midnight tones. Think black, gray, or darker shades of other colors. Cropped pants in these colors will give you a sophisticated and elegant effect.^{[10]
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2
Pick metallic cropped pants to stand out. If you’re headed to a party or glitzy affair, you may be looking for a cropped pant that draws attention. Many cropped pants come in metallic shades and shimmery materials. These unique pants are sure to set you apart from the crowd.^{[11]
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- Be sure these pants are carefully tailored. Unlike black pants, for example, metallic tones won’t provide a slimming effect. They also won’t hide any spots where the pants don’t fit quite right.
3
Go with satin or silk cropped pants to add some class. These timeless and classy materials will automatically dress up your outfit. Both fabrics can be worn in a variety of colors. Satin, in particular, may give off a bit of shine.^{[12]
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- Black silk cropped pants will work in both business and dressy settings. These slimming pants can be paired with a variety of shoes and tops.
- Try satin cropped pants in a fun jewel tone, like emerald, ruby, or purple. These are perfect for a more celebratory affair, such as a wedding or party.
4
Choose a fun top in a nice material. One of the best parts of wearing cropped pants is that they allow you to have fun with your shirt as well. When you’re putting together a dressier outfit, look for a shirt that matches your pants in fabric quality. You can also pick a shirt that stands out for its flirty cut, color, or embellishments.^{[13]
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- For example, if you’re wearing satin cropped pants, you don’t want to wear a T-shirt. Instead, go with a nice button-down or a blouse with a sparkly neckline.
5
Wear heels, strappy sandals, or nice boots to complete the look. Ditch your sneakers for fancier footwear. Since you’re going out on the town, this is the perfect time to pair your cropped pants with fun shoes that flatter your body and draw the eye. Stick with ankle boots rather than tall boots to ensure that you see a line of skin between the top of your boots and the bottom of your pants.
6
Add a blazer or nice jacket. Adding a layer on top of your shirt and cropped pants will complete the look. This is crucial for settings where people might scrutinize your clothing, such as work events or weddings.
- You can adjust your top layer depending on the event. If you’re headed to a business conference, a simple black or pinstripe blazer is best. For a wedding or fancy get-together, choose a fun jacket in a unique color. You can also go with a shawl or cape for unique options.
7
Use your accessories to make a statement. If you’re hoping to set your outfit apart, choose a few unique pieces of jewelry or a fun bag. These pieces can add color and sparkle to your look. For dressier events, they’ll be just what you need to complete your overall appearance.^{[14]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Wearing Cropped Pants in the Spring and Summer

1
Pick light-colored pants to go with the season. Hopefully, the arrival of spring and especially summer brings with it nice weather and sunshine. Match your outfit to the climate with a sunny, light-colored cropped pant. This color palette will also help you avoid fabrics that absorb sunlight and make your legs boil in the heat.^{[15]
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- Consider lilacs, pinks, yellows, and greens.
2
Choose lightweight fabrics to allow your legs to breathe. Shorts and even skirts aren’t right for every warm-weather occasion, and you might want to wear cropped pants to certain events. Try linen or cotton cropped pants. These materials will let you wear your almost full-length pants without sweating all day.
- You can also go with a wide-leg pant to increase airflow to your legs. Remember to pair these wide-leg options with tucked-in shirts and heels, especially for shorter women.
3
Wear a white top to celebrate the season. Summer, in particular, is the perfect time to break out white clothing. It reflects those hot sunny rays, keeping you cooler than dark-colored shirts. White will also pair well with almost any color pant, including more white!^{[16]
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4
Add neon or brightly colored jewelry. To replicate those spring and summer feelings of renewal and fun in your jewelry, go with bright colors. These neon options will add a youthful and vibrant vibe to your outfits. Especially if you’re wearing a white top, these options will also provide some necessary flair to the top half of your look.^{[17]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Wearing Cropped Pants in the Fall and Winter

1
Pick leather, wool, or denim cropped pants to keep you warm. If you’re heading out into the cold, you don’t want the wind to cut right through the material of your pants. Cropped pants are available in a variety of fabrics perfect for crisp fall and winter weather. Go with materials that keep heat trapped inside, which will warm up your legs.^{[18]
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- Wool, in particular, is a great fall and winter fabric. These pants may be available in stylish tweed materials or plaid prints.
2
Wear booties to keep your feet warm but stylish. These short boots will come up to right below the hemline of your cropped pant, leaving a small sliver of skin exposed. This can be an attractive and flattering look, although it might not be best for windy or snowy days. Your feet will probably stay warm, but your ankles might not.
- If you’re worried about your ankles getting cold, wear a pair of nude tights underneath your pants.
3
Pair knee-high boots with wide-leg pants. High boots are almost everyone’s go-to footwear when the weather starts to turn cold. If you have a pair of wide-leg cropped pants, these boots can be worn underneath the pants to provide full leg coverage.
- This may not be a flattering option for shorter women. Leaving no break between the shoe and your pant may make your legs look unusually stubby. You may be able to combat this problem with a high-heeled knee boot.
4
Go with thick, fun socks for a quirky winter outfit. Instead of hiding your odd sock patterns, show them off! Adding polka-dotted or printed socks to your outfit can provide a bit of creative flair. These pops of color will also interrupt the winter drear for you and anyone who sees your outfit.
- This goes for fun tights as well! The more thick and colorful, the better.
5
Put nude tights on under your pants for dressier occasions. If you’re wearing cropped pants with heels or short boots to a fancy or business event, bright socks or tights may not be your best bet. To keep it classy, go with your standard nude stocking. This option will keep you warm without revealing that you’re wearing anything under your shoes.
6
Use a full-length coat to contrast with the shorter pant. Wearing a coat that covers you from top to bottom will provide a nice counterpoint to your exposed ankles. This cold-weather gear is also sure to keep you toasty enough to brave the elements.
- If it’s not quite cold enough for a jacket, go with a full-length sweater for the same effect.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you style leather pants?

Christina Santelli
Professional Stylist
Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.

Christina Santelli

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Try wearing leather capris for a fun, versatile look. I love wearing leather pants with sneakers and a graphic tee, but you can also dress them up.