Free and Fabulous: The Curvy Girl's Guide to Cropped Pants

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The Curvy Girl's Guide to Cropped Pants

The temperature is starting to rise, and we are all itching to throw off our cold weather gear and slip into something a little less restrictive. While it's not quite shorts season, the Curvy Girl can certainly start to let her ankles breathe by donning a pair of this season's hottest cropped pants.

Before you freak out, we are not talking about the pedal pushers of 10 years ago (this time around, the options are much chicer), nor are we suggesting that you go pick up just any pair of cutoffs that come in your size. There are a number of styles that look great on Curvy Girls, whether for a leisurely weekend brunch, a date or even work.

Here, we will help you find just the right pair for your body and your lifestyle.

1. Find the right length. Styles that cover the widest part of your calf are typically perfect for everyday wear, especially leggings. A style that is made of finer fabric and comes down to just above the ankle is perfect for work.

LEFT: Khloe Kardashian
RIGHT: Roaman's "Zahira" Cropped Pants, $50, onestopplus.com

2. Don't truncate yourself. As usual, this all comes down to knowing your body. Be careful not to pick styles that make you look shorter. Some pants that are between knee and calf length can make legs look stumpy, especially if you have short legs. It's better to go higher or lower.

LEFT: Paige Kenya Crop in Vintage Veridian, $149, paigeusa.com
RIGHT: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Nadine Crops, $85, macys.com

3. Consider the shoe. A longer cropped pant, for example - one that stops just above the ankles and has somewhat of a traditional trouser shape - can look super stylish with a flat oxford for work. And, when you're circling around town in cut-off leggings - either running errands or after a workout - an athletic shoe can work.

But when you're meeting friends out or going on a date, wear a heel. A high heel helps give back any height that a cropped pant may take away. Also, added length goes a long way for thick thighs. A general rule of thumb: If the pant is short, the heel should be high. Take a page from short gals Porscha Coleman (left) and Janet Jackson (right) - their heels really give them a boost.

4. Be conscious of fabric and shape. Playing with length and fit are fun for casual or evening dressing, but planning a work outfit is where it can get tricky. When you need to be professional, be sure that the fabric you choose is of high quality and allows for a bit of movement. Light wool is great, and so is finely woven cotton. It is important, however, that the shape is not too voluminous (remember how horrendous harem pants looked on wide hips?). Keep it simple. The goal for work is chic and polished.