October 28th, 2021
On My Mind
Skip Trendy, Wear What You Like
Every time I buy into the wide-leg pants trend, I invariably end up narrowing and shortening them. Even though they’re “in” and look great on others, the style does me no favors. What suits me is a trim leg hemmed above the ankle. Apparently, I’m not alone.
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So true!
Same – just got rid of wide jeans, even so called “straight” and ordered Frame cropped skinny jeans. I love the wide legged look on others, but not on me.
Hallelujah . Finally a fashion expert who will own this . I just can’t with wide legs either. Give me cropped and slim every time.
Totally agree! My thin legs are one of my best features; wide-legged trousers and jeans that rely on a small waistline to make them look chic just don’t cut it!
Yes!!! Misty Copeland posted photos of herself, visiting a children’s ballet school, sporting ankle-length skinny jeans—and she looked gorgeous . The wide legs are fabulous on others but make me look like a hobbit 🙂
Can you please share a few of your favorites?
Frame Denim almost exclusively.
yes to all of this! Wear what you like and fits you. We don’t have to embrace every trend.
Not alone!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have two big trips coming up, and going with a trim ankle cut simplifies everything. It works with all shoes and boots, and is so much more flattering.
Love Emma Hill’s blog. And love this pant style as well. I’m partial to Frame and Mother Jean’s.
I have been on the hunt for high-waisted cropped “flared” dress slacks for weeks now! From Vince, Theory, YSL, Valentino….nada. All are mid-rise or in pandemic friendly fabrics! Waiting for Gucci to arrive this week. What happened to JCrew and their beautiful suiting pieces? And for long term Armani, Gucci, Prada used to make such great classics with style. I love fashion trends and have fun with what works for me but with designers taking their cues from street wear the options are limited for up to date good quality basics.
Absolutely agree. I cannot wear any length longer than my ankle, doesn’t suit and just bought a new pair of skinny jeans (although back to the drawing board because they have too much stretch). Navaz Batliwalla said the other day that most of the recent collections were styled as if minimalism was dead but not for her and I agree with her and you wholeheartedly.
Here Here to wearing what you love and looks good on you!
I have to say. I LOVE a wide leg cropped anything. I’m short but have long legs. I’ve worn this style for years as my go to weekend wear. I can’t do all skinnies (they are not created equal), but I’ve found that a BF jean and a slim ankle always feels on personal brand.
I love this style – and I love a wide leg pant. I have kept both in my rotation throughout the years. Wear what makes you feel happy and confident. Gretchen, check Ann Mashburn for cropped flairs. This pant style is always a part of their line up and Ann writes they are a personally preferred style. As usual, a great post!
YES!
This is the style that has suited me for years but fashion being what it is, I always feel the need to try what is new and in trend but keep coming back to the trim ankle length in pants and jeans (just wish I could source a good demon with out stretch). Also, how would you style this with a boot ? Say a paddock or Chelsea style ?
Thanks
Always in style – wear what you love and looks best on you!
Skinny jeans look well on my short, small-boned, slender frame.
So, for me, I see no point of yielding to a trend I really don’t like (any more)
and have already ” been there” and “done that.”
My exception to the above would a palazzo pant for evening.
Janice
I just don’t even allow myself to even think of buying a wide legged pant. I feel so much better in a slim shorter line.
I think trim pants are just so darn chic ~ with flats, loafers, kitten heels, sandals, boots, winter boots . . . what other pant can do that?
Like Janice, I would make an exception for a chic palazzo pant (a la Lee Radizwell!).
You are right it’s best to dress for your style tastes and body type. But..I guess I’m in the minority here. As someone who has a very straight body shape pants that have a little fluidity add balance. I’ve purchased two pair of pleated trouser pants and love them. Also, the photo of Emma Hill is an old one. Recently she wears long full leg trousers. I enjoy having varied shapes and lengths for pants and jeans. For me it’s about having an outfit that’s balanced.
For those of us who need affordable options: I had a pair of J.Crew Crop Billy Boot sitting in my closet ofr 4 years and never wore it until this year. It has become my favorite pair this year. It is highwiasted, skinny with a bit of flare, and standard length is perfect on 5’2″ frame of mine, hits right above the ankle. I could never find a pair of Frame or Mother that flattered my figure. And for classis black pants, still rely on an old pair of J.Crew wool minnie. I too wish that they still offered suiting in nicer material. Recently came across Avery cut from Banana Republic that is also in all season wool and after trying multiple sizes, was able to find the best fit.
The picture of Emma Hill is from October 6, 2021
Love these so chic and comfortable! And agreed you can never go wrong with Frame
I’ve come to the same conclusion. Particularly if they are cropped. I recently bought a wider pant from Wales Bonner that I love, but they are full length and there are no pleats.
Yes! Love to hear you say this. Like skirt and dress lengths
and cut, we should do what works for our body. Pant length and shape are no different.
I love all of those photos! I am wondering if you and your readers believe that trim ankle length pans look best on those with thin legs. For those of us with more substantial / muscular, shorter legs, is there a better choice?
So, who is making a good (non-flared, sorry) version of these rn? On the hunt…
Postscript to Paula
Re: Palazzo pants à la Lee Radziwill
She’s the perfect iconic chic example of how to wear palazzo pants for evening!
Couldn’t find (a.s.a.p. for this blog) a photo of Radziwill dressed in the above.
However, check out the photo in her book HAPPY TIMES (Assouline 2000, page 23)
of her jogging along the beach in Southampton
wearing what looks like a “daytime version” of palazzo pants in denim.
Again – perfect, iconic and chic!
Tammy, I have short muscular legs and ankle length skinny jeans sadly make my legs look like sausages. I have yet to find a slim cut jean in an ankle length that looks good. Sad bc I love the look!
I second the recommendation for the J Crew Billie jean. I have never had luck with J Crew denim before but a chic friend of mine sold me on trying them. I ended up buying them in every wash – though I had to get the length shortened to be cropped and flattering.
Thank you Sassy! I really appreciate the reply. I just ordered two pairs of the Billie Jean. Fingers crossed!
You quickly learn if you are not tall (I am not) that styles like that are best left to others. I steadfastly stick with what I know works for me, but happy to try new things that I think can work for my shape.
Too funny! Was just lamenting the loss of the tapered (dare I say Skinny). Always look great with loafers or high boots.. And the Stylish Danish Crew have not really gone wider that a 501.
Completely agree – this style is good in winter with ankle boots and great sandals in summer.