Confessions Of A Beginning Blogger: Learned The Hard Way
April 25, 2015
Why Do I Write About Weight?
April 30, 2015
The higher the temperatures rise, the shorter our pants often become. And with over 40 fashion, a lot of women choose cropped pants or capris over shorts as their go-to warm weather, everyday style basics.
While cropped pants do offer a nice alternative to the heat, it is important to consider proportion and cut if you want them to flatter your figure.
The problem with cropped pants is that they typically add width to the legs and cause them to look shorter. Ladies, those are the two words that we want to stay away from if at all possible: wide and short!
So, am I saying you should go out and throw away all of your cropped pants? No. But, I do have a few suggestions for choosing a more figure-flattering silhouette.
These capris hit my leg where it narrows above the ankle.
When shopping for cropped pants:
- Look for pant legs that are slightly tapered or straight at the bottom, rather than those that flare out in a bell shape.
- Stay away from styles that are wide at the bottom.
- Try to find pants that end at the narrowest part of your leg.
You can also consider making alterations to your cropped pants. I usually take this route because it can be difficult to find styles that are figure flattering. If sewing is anywhere in your wheelhouse, consider doing the alterations yourself.
Here are the steps for making your own alterations:
- Open up the bottom seam wide enough to pin the side seams together.
- Use a yard stick and a pencil to mark a new seam line from several inches above the knee to the new narrower point.
- Sew a simple straight seam down the side.
- Cut the extra material away from the seam and zigzag the cut edge.
- Refold the bottom seam and sew into place.
If you need more instruction, there are several Youtube tutorials online. I hope you will try these fashion tips for over 40 style and look fabulous in the process!
Linking up with Allison, Dawn, Jess and Cherie. Come see!
16 Comments
Hi, Stopping in from Wednesday Pants Link up where you were my neighbor. Great tips on wearing cropped pants. They change the darn styles every year to keep you buying them. I try to alter them before I buy new ones. You look great.
Yes,I have them in every style and configuration and almost every pair have been altered in some way. Oh, and I’m still your neighbor! It’s running about 95 degrees in my kitchen at mid-day here in Manila…thus the need for the cropped pants 😉
I’m on the hunt for some style inspiration for these warm days we’ve been having. Crops are definitely cooler than long pants, but you have given me some great advice about checking my silhouette!
It’s amazing the difference a few inches can make in the cool factor! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thank you for the great tips! I am tall, so I can have a tough time with capris, but love the ideas you shared. No flare shapes!
Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
My pleasure…yep, save the flare for your skirts 😉
You look so cute! I wear all kinds of cropped pants…but I have long, skinny legs so I can get away with it.
Same hear, but even with long legs I have to watch for belled out bottoms. Those just aren’t pretty! Thanks for stopping by to chat.
Great tips! I always like capri length pants since I don’t like to wear shorts, but they sure can be unflattering! Thanks so much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday and have a beautiful weekend!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
I like capris because they are so much cooler…It’s amazing how much of a difference a few inches make! I always enjoy your linkup!
Such cute outfits, and great advice!
Thanks Lynn! I really appreciate that you took the time to comment!
Great tips. I never thought about tapered versus straight. Going to go though my wardrobe and make sure I have it right. Also shared your tips on Facebook for my friends.
It is really amazing how little tweaks can making a real differencE. Thanks so much for sharing!
Shellie
Shelley, i’ve been enjoying your posts! your fashion tips are helpful & FUN! thank you for going out of your way to share. 🙂
Thanks Deanna! I am so glad you are finding them helpful.