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:
- If you are shorter, try a 7/8 pant length worn with a wedge, heel or platform
- Short ladies should also avoid a cuff at the bottom of their pants
- Taller ladies can enjoy pants of all lengths, be it 3/4 and 7/8, you will keep your elongated look.
- 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.
- 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.
- When wearing 3/4 pants, high heels will look unbalanced so wear a solid wedge or flat
- 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.
Rebecca says
First wear of my black & white coulottes today! Not sure if you noticed them when I saw you?! Teamed with ankle shoe-boots. Felt fab though I’m sure hubbie will wonder what they are!!
Cindy Newstead says
Great Rebecca!!! No I didn’t notice sorry 🙂 Too focused……. but if you felt great that’s the main thing……plus you know the rules xo
Janelle says
I’m too short to wear them too 🙁
Cindy Newstead says
Janelle :(…….. The up side is that we may be short but we can wear lots of other things!! 🙂
Gabrielle Rebbechi says
I wear jeans and trousers a lot. I am 5′ 4″, and was told that Capris tend to shorten your look, so have been reluctant to wear them.
Will reconsider, Cindy, your comments are food for thought. :).
Cindy Newstead says
Gabrielle, this is fine with a Capri or a heel or Wedge!! 🙂
TC says
Morrison also has some great staple 3/4 length pants and an unusual cullote style pant (that almost looks like a skirt until your legs move apart)!
Cindy Newstead says
Sounds good, I must have a look, they do carry some great pants, thanks!!
Jodie says
I love to rock heels with shorts…. I am short so flats and 7/8 or 3/4 are never an option! Loving your blog!
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Jodie, yes its just something us short girls cant do! xo
Michelle says
I got the Sportcraft pants (pictured) – but at Myer who had them at 20% off …. so worth looking there as well as the Named store.
Cindy Newstead says
Well done Michelle!!!! xo