There are so many terrific and flattering summer style options for post-50 women that I often wonder why we insist on wearing things that simply don’t look good on us. And I put the ubiquitous cropped pant — at least those that hit us in all the wrong places — top on the list.
When I first saw women wearing them a few years ago, I thought, “Oh, cute!”… until I tried on a pair, which made my, uh, well, certain areas of my body look a little larger than life, while my husband innocently noted that my legs looked half their normal length. Hmmm. Satisfied that at least I tried, I went back to my normal, below-the-ankle length jeans and linen pants in the summer, and assumed this fashion trend would soon disappear.
It didn’t.
That’s when I embarked on my “cropped pants study.” I knew there had to be a certain length and cut to these pants that were modern and flattering. I was right.
Generally speaking, if cropped pants are a certain length, they can look dreadful, making us appear shorter and heavier, no matter what age, weight or height we are. Not good. The good news, though, is there a length you can buy that is flattering, stylish, modern and very comfortable, which, at the end of the day, is really what it’s all about. And the more comfortable you are, the comfortable you feel, which ultimately leads to being more confident.
Since spring is here, and summer is right around the corner, now is the best time to start thinking about your perfect pair of cropped pants.
Let’s do a quick review of the options, including those that fall into the “steer clear” category:
The “don’t wear unless you are stick skinny” (which shouldn’t be any of us, and I know that’s definitely not me) length is slightly above the ankle and flared, as in this photo:
Do you see what I mean? The length and cut make this model look unnecessarily wide and frumpy.
Here’s another example of a flared-at-the-bottom cropped pant. I’ll let you be the judge.
Okay, now let’s take a look at another cropped pant option:
These pants are slightly below the knee, which is usually a more flattering length on just about everyone. Another plus is they don’t flare out at the bottom, which is a fashion “yes” if they are regular length pants or jeans, but a definite “no” if they are cropped.
What to do if you have cropped pants like the “don’t wear” ones above? Bring them to your tailor (your new best friend) and have them hemmed to the most flattering part of your leg… and that could even be right at your knee. And if they’re the right length, but just flare out too much, your tailor can narrow them a bit. Or, donate them and start over.
When you find a pair that’s just right, it might be a good idea to stock up in basic go-to colors such as black, white and tan.
Here is my favorite pair of cropped pants (from Theory), which I bought on-sale in both tan and white.
I live in these during the summer. Put them together with a white tee-shirt, a pair of flats or wedges and some silver bangles, and you’ve got the perfect warm weather outfit. Add a cute cropped jean jacket or snug cardigan (I live in the Merona Essential Cardigan from Target) when the temperature cools down in the evening.
Another great option, especially if you need to dress things up a bit, is a “city short,” which comes down to that same point at the knee as our dresses and skirts should be (most flattering length). The best cut is fitted and straight, not pleated or puffed out around the thigh.
The look is as if you took a great fitting pant and hemmed it to the knee (which is, in fact, something you can do). A pair in black looks sexy and polished in the summer, as can white and khaki, and easily can be dressed up with a jacket or cardigan. Simply pair with kitten heel sling backs or wedge-heel sandals, a crisp white shirt or t-shirt, and wear it to work, dinner or a girls night out. You can even throw them on with a pair of Tom’s loafers for a cool, easy and stylish look for day.
Pick up a few of these options (steer clear of those “no” cropped pants), several well-made t-shirts in different colors (including white), some big chunky bracelets and you’ll be comfortable, cool and very stylish… all summer long.
Please do not ignore your gut! It is telling you something and you don't want to listen. It's yelling loud and clear. There are red flags here. Please listen!
Greetings, Arden,
Thanks for the interesting questions. Wow--it WOULD take a book to answer them all! When I got to the last sentence, I laughed out loud, cause--guess what--there IS a book, and of course we'd be delighted for you to buy it. It is 
... Can I hear an AMEN in the VN house ? (:
DON'T give up...Never..and you'd be surprise how life works...a gift of love can come from just anywhere and when you least expect.in the meantime HONOR yourself because you are indeed the BEST friend and support to yourself.I worked very hard on rel
I have a pair of city shorts and a pair of rolled jeans the length of city shorts that I wear with a heeled sandal. I treat them like a pencil skirt. I have gotten a lot of compliments when I wear them. It helps that I have good legs, something I’ve just discovered.
Oh no. Bermuda shorts. I don’t mean to speak for all women of a certain age…but many of us are wearing cropped pants because we don’t want to wear shorts. Cropped pants cut to the knee are still shorts- just long shorts. Some may have heavier calves, don’t like the look of spider veins, no longer tan, enjoy the option of wearing something that allows a little bit of fresh air on our legs without exposure- looking summery without the exposure.
Ankle length pants, tailored to a non flare…or even a bit shorter cut to just below the calf and also tailored to a non flare would be the compromise. You have lovely legs…wear whatever. Many women have 50+ years of standing on our legs and the colors and marks to prove it. Fashionista backlash on crops might jeopardize the availability of a welcome summer option for the vast majority of women who do no have the legs to wear Bermuda shorts.
Great comparison and I totally agree. I was told men don’t like cropped pants- so what! They are so comfortable for summer- the right ones of course. Thanks so showing us what that is.
Yes, I don’t care if men don’t like cropped pants. They like long hair too. I guess cropped pants are all about what looks good on your body. I am not stick thin but I do have thin calves. I don’t want to play them up so I’m in the long flared cropped category. As for shorts they are somewhere mid-thigh. Actually I’ve noticed that women over 50 have developed a kind of uniform, cropped pants and mary jane styled sport shoes. It kind of drives me crazy really.
I, too, have already been repulsed by the “crop” length. I think they are the most unflattering directive Madison Ave has perpetrated on us. I always look for what I refer to as Capri length or peddlepushers. They all come just below the knee and usually have a slit on the outside so you can sit down and not rip them. But I have found that many manufacturers call their pants “capris” when in fact they are the ugly crops. Land’s End has a lot of them. And what they call “walking” or Bermuda shorts. These come to the knee. Let’s keep looking ladies. And pass on what you find out to the rest of us!
I don’t look good in any of them. It gets unbearably hot and sticky in Alabama in the summer. I opt for soft flowy, linen skirts that give lots of breath room or long flowy, linen pants…preferably in white. I wear lots of white linen in the summer. I see women who look good in cropped pants, but not me.
Vicky, I am with you – this year is a bonanza as flowing cool maxi dresses are very much in fashion. I love wearing loose, preferably cottonn dresses or skirts. I stay cooll and my less than desirable hips stay covered….I have one pair of cropped pants and I might wear them shopping to the market or at home , but not out.
It is all about the shoe that you wear with the crop or capris, go light and a little bit of a heel, I stay clear of the rolled up look. It makes the pant look off balance!
They’re all ugly in my opinion. I go with pretty dresses, and fun jean and linen skirts all the way! Pair skirts with a tank or tee and some pretty sandals or flip-flops and you’re out the door!!!
I buy the ‘crops’ you describe as full length pants, they’re the perfect length for me. I am 4’11″ tall and yes, overweight. I reserve shorts for gardening and camping, at about 2-3″ above the knee, modest and comfortable but exposing a little more veins and thigh than I’m comfortable with these days. in public I wear mid calf, narrow Capri’s (if I can find ‘pedal pusher’ length, just below knee on normal people) I don’t even have to hem. I love flowy skirts but again I have to hem or make them myself. More petites are available now than when I was young, but they’re made for someone 5’3″ or4″ so I still have to lop off 4″! You can see shy I learned to sew when I was 11.
I’m like Carol, 4′-10″ tall. The crops shown with the cuff would look ridiculous on me – the cuff would take up half of my leg. I actually think the 3rd picture looks nice – so there’s the issue – it’s not one style/one size fits all. And we all have different tastes. I really don’t think crops are going to make me look any shorter or taller for that matter. I’m not going to trick anyone into thinking I’m 5′-5″ because I’m wearing long pants. I like them because I don’t have to hem them, and believe me, there isn’t an article of clothing that I haven’t sewn or altered in the last 40 years, and continue to do so.
By the way, to prevent chafing when wearing skirts without hose you can now get women’s boxer brief’s as anti-chub rub shorts. I get mine at Woman Within. they start at clothing size 12. There are 2 types, snug fitting and looser ones that are nice and airy in hot weather. Kind of a throwback to 1920′s women’s tap pants. They”re not sexy but they’re sexier than bad heat rash.
I wear whatever fits and doesn’t make my 5’0″ and severely overweight self look any bigger. The long skirts can be over whelming on me. Also, comfort and no maintenance clothes are high on my priority list in hot, humid Florida.
I don’t wear any kind of pants in the summer time. I don’t like having my neather regions bound up in hot humid weather.
Uh-oh. I feel intimidated by this discussion. Cropped pants are a staple of my summer wardrobe. Here are my reasons:
– skirts are almost never seen in my office
– my skin is freckled and mottled; in short skirts I feel uncomfortable without pantyhose, which no way I’m wearing in summer
– crops showcase my beloved flat sandals
– my weight is not in my thighs or my derriere.
– long pants hide my ankles, which are slender and well shaped; at my age I like showing the few good features I have left!
You are very right about the proper length, though, Barbara.
Eileen Fisher makes black crops in a soft fabric and in several styles and lengths. They are not inexpensive, but they hold their shape (this is the third season for mine) and they flatter the mature figure amazingly.
Long skirts like the ones Vicky advocates are the best alternative, and white linen is very seductive in the summertime.
You have to be so careful about ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts”, you know? The two styles YOU say look bad look best on me! The styles you say look GREAT make my legs look HUGE! I have very curvy calves – all genetics – which look awful in just at the knee or high mid calf lengths. They look great on gals with slender, less muscular calves. You just have to try all the different lengths and find what looks good on YOU. Sorry you don’t like the ones that make me look good!
Thank God someone thinks like me ! I hate cropped pants , Everytime I see
them I think somethings missing, and there is the bottoms of the pants.
And Alot of women think they look good in them .
Basically women, look in the mirror–front view, side view, back view!! If your butt looks big in the pants–it is! If your stomach/love handles are screaming, ’Michelin Man!’ your pants don’t fit. If your legs look cut-off and sqaut in the cropped pants, they are! If the crotch area appears to resemble a ‘camel toe’… the pants don’t fit! Wear the correct size. Don’t try to squeeze into a smaller size…tsk.tsk.. nasty… Don’t go up a size ‘because it’s so comfy’… this just makes you look frumpy & dumpy. If in doubt about the look and fit of your pants, ask for someone elses’s opinion; in the store, at home, a good friend, your son/daughter/husband etc. It’s okay. If cropped pants aren’t your thing–Don’t Wear them!!
All that aside, you know what irks me about this blog regarding cropped pants? The fact that the pictures demonstrating the various cuts of cropped pants, illustrates a female figure with no ‘muffin top’, cute little flat tummy, tiny butt and shapely legs. I was built like that when I was…. ummmm…. well, a long time ago
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Puh-leeze! How about using a the average, post 50 woman’s body type! Don’t get me wrong, I’m aware that there are women over 50 that are trim and tiny BUT, I’m 5’8.5″, 166 pounds and have some ‘pudginess’ around my middle (i.e. not too much waist, little love handles and a tummy ‘ball’ beneath my belly button. My legs are in so-so shape, but do bear the scars of sun damage and a sprinkling of veins. I acquired this less than perfect figure upon the onset of menopause (53) and I am now 58. I feel good about myself and my ‘whole package’ and happy with life in general. It is what it is. I have discovered the cropped pant through trial and error, for my body type and am confident when I wear them, when I choose to wear them. Again ladies, look in the mirror–they don’t lie. Sometimes the truth hurts but, get a grip and move on….. past the clothes that aren’t flattering to your particular body type. It’s Okay. Really.
Show us real women without use of airbrushing, photoshopping, photo manipulation etc. You know, realistic portrayals of all, post 50 female body shapes, for use in ads, on TV etc. Whatever shape or form, big or small, short or tall, we’re pretty wonderful but, wearing clothes that fit well, make you feel relaxed, confident and, flatter your REAL shape, well that’s a bonus to enjoy
debbie-deb you hit it on the head! I’m 5’0″ and weigh even more than you. A good fit, and and good looking fit are hard to find in a piece of clothing. My own fault but that’s another post. Give us real women in pictures!!
All the pictures of these pants are on tall, skinny models…too bad we couldn’t see them on normal sized women!
I might be the only one on this thread who loves cropped pants.
In my younger years, when I was 30 lbs lighter, I had a killer set of legs and could wear shorts just above the knee and even mini skirts. Which I rocked with a sexy vengeance.
3 kids and many varicose veins later….uh uh……nothing above the knee. NOTHING. But, I look quite swell in cropped pants of any length and style.
For me, it’s about the shirt that I wear with them. Tailored with a rounded, dropped length which flatters the hips makes it all come together for me.
Think Mary Tyler Moore, and that’s me.
Sorry ya’ll have such a tough time with this fashion trend. But, I’m afraid I love it!
Magnolia
I don’t have a ‘tough time with this fashion trend’. I do wear the cropped length at times and have found the correct cut/length to flatter my shape………….which isn’t a size 2 (size 12). I can ‘rock sexy…’ in anything I wear because I’m comfortable with me. What I have a problem with, is the stereotype, skinny girl, twig representation (as shown in the pictures of this blog) of the average female body type, over the age of 50. Ads should be representative of ALL women’s shapes and sizes. I have two daughters, 28 and 32. They are 5’9.5″ - 132 lbs. and 6′ – 147 lbs. They are built as I was when I was their ages, but middle age happens. It’s not a crime—-represent us as wonderful as we have become…. big/little/short/tall and everything in between.
I ’march to a different drummer’ and wear what makes me happy and comfortable, but I’m also aware that there is a line to draw when it comes to fashion and what works for each individual. As I said, look in the mirror to see if you look good in any particular style. You’ll know after the first glance.
Fashion comes and goes. Style is forever.
Very well put.
Magnolia, I like my crops, too. I think they are a forgiving style, by which I mean a well chosen pair of cropped pants can hide whatever it is a woman wants to hide. They can help us show off, too. As I said in my earlier comment above, I like the way they showcase my ankles and my sandals, both of which I am proud of — can’t say that for some others of my body parts, with which crops are helping me out.
I always thought (and read) crops cut off your legs …making you look shorter……..and being 5 ft 2 inches tall, I sure don’t want that look! I have killer legs, but don’t want to “cut” myself in half with any kind of clothes that are unflattering.
I don’t think it’s fair to just make these proclamations about a style of clothing, like it applies to all women of varied shapes and sizes.
I rock crops, capris, ankle pants. I can get away with Bermuda shorts (but no shorter). That’s what works for me, no mater what anyone else says. That’s just me. I am 5′-10″ tall, not skinny or fat, with a 36″ inseam. It is almost impossible for me to find a pair of pants that don’t hang funny, give me a wedgie, or make me look like I’m on my way to a flood. These other shorter lengths have been a lifesaver for me! And not every pair works, but the ones that do, fit and flatter me in very nice ways.
I am woried these latest proclamations on capris will result in them disappearing as an option, and it’ll be painful for me. I’ll have to wear skirts all the time, and I don’t want to.
When can we stop giving each other hangups about what we wear? If someone’s happy with themselves, why do they have to read such “friendly advice” that makes them doubt themselves, and feel so badly?
I think I am going to wear crops for at least the next week in reaction to this article. And I will rock them.
I too rock capris or cropped pants but I am 5’2″ and weigh 108 lbs. I think if you feel comfortable and feel good in anything, well wear it. I am 60 years old and still have a body like I did when I was in my 30′s. I work out and do yoga but I have not stopped working out since I was 30. I have been blessed with great legs (I have been told) and can wear just about anything. I love capris which are a staple of mine in the summertime. I don’t like shorts much, but then again, I never did. Wear what feels good ladies!!