How To’s On Mid Length Pants: Culottes and Capris

Not all of us like to wear a dress or skirt in the warmer months although leggings and denim can be heat inducing, leaving a demand for a lightweight pair of pants.

Like the skirt, pants are having a moment in the fashion industry offering an array of lengths and styles: Think culottes, 3/4 (capris) and 7/8 (crops).

To clarify, I’m not a big fan of the 3/4 pant, it’s a length that does not suit my vertical proportions and petite height. This is why my pant preferences are shorts and full length pants – with heels in tow of course!

It’s also refreshing to see an array of wider legs after years of skinny styles dominating the market.

Now wearing a shorter pant length can be a bit challenging but your height and what you wear on your feet will primarily direct how you wear them.

As always, my style rules for your consideration:

1. If you are shorter, try a 7/8 pant length worn with a wedge, heel or platform
   

   Veronika Maine $189 & $169

2. Short ladies should also avoid a cuff at the bottom of their pants
3. Taller ladies can enjoy pants of all lengths, be it 3/4 and 7/8, you will keep your elongated look.
   

   Jacqui E $79.95

   

   Sportscraft $99

4. If you have short legs, make sure your length of your 3/4 pants is just below your knee – any longer and it will make you appear shorter.
5. If you are heavy through your thigh and hip area, don’t wear the leg too tapered, instead try a slightly wider style to balance your hips.
   

   Bardot $89.95

   

   Sportscraft floral $119 and neutral $129

6. When wearing 3/4 pants, high heels will look unbalanced so wear a solid wedge or flat
   

   Trenery $149

7. 7/8 lengths can be worn with most shoe heights including your comfortable flats – enjoy!

So from my observation, I do see way too many women over the age of 50 wearing 3/4 pants as a bit of a wardrobe staple – it shouldn’t be.

Rather than having age dictate your style, I would like to encourage you to consider your height, your vertical proportions, your body shape and the abundance of pant length options available to you.

Shorter pant lengths can be for all ages so for those who enjoy the look and practicality of a 3/4  pant, I’ve hit the halls of Chadstone to showcase exactly where you can pick up a nice pair.

Notice that I am not wearing any in the photos 🙂 I already know they won’t look good on me so I’m reaching out to my lengthier ladies or those with high heel ambitions to try them on for me.

So now it’s over to you. Are you a pant lover particularly in the warmer months?

Perhaps you are over 50 and thought you couldn’t wear another length. Will you perhaps try something new now?

I’d love to hear your stories and comments below.