By Amy E. Goodman
Author of Wear This, Toss That!
More casual than its full-leg cousin yet still sophisticated and classic (think Audrey Hepburn), the capri is the perfect summer pant. However, the capri style can be tricky to pull off; you don’t want it to cut you off in the wrong place, leaving your legs looking stumpy or making your hips appear wider.
Here are some surefire tips to make the capri work for you:
What type of cut? This season we’re finally seeing the skinny pant put to rest and a celebration of a wider trouser cut. Women everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief because this translates to a wider cuff that better counterbalances the hips. You can certainly get a little nautical chic with a trouser-cut capri, but the classic fit is one that is straight-legged and tapered toward the hem.
What length? It really depends on the look you are going for and how much you love your calves! Capris can end anywhere from just at or under the knee or mid-calf or slightly below. Keep in mind that whatever skin is exposed on that leg will serve like a spotlight, so make sure you love what you see!
Which shoes? The most common question I get is what shoes to wear with capris. Your go-to should be feminine flats, which are all the rage this season. Opt to up your ante with cute jeweled styles, sandals with rosettes or flowers, or closed-toe varieties with cutouts or bows. Unless you want to appear super tall, skip the sky-high skinny heels, as this season it’s more about a thicker heel. Try a platform, a wedge, or a fun, woven espadrille in a moderate heel, which better matches a capri’s casual cut.
What to wear on top? The ideal and easiest match is a blouse or shirt that ends at or a little below your waistband. Beware if your babydoll or jersey top ends at the hips; it will make them look wider than a shopping cart!
How to accessorize? A thick belt will make a capri pant top-heavy. Instead consider a skinny or thin (one-inch) belt instead. Against a solid color like navy or tan, a metallic belt adds shine and modernizes the look. Swap out a formal belt for a casual, colorful scarf only if you want to zero in attention around your middle.
Other must-haves:
• Belted khaki capris for a great, crisp look
• Just below-the-knee capris for those who adore their calves
• Capris with side slits for a slightly sexy alternative
TOSS a capri if you have thick ankles, big feet, or heavy lower calves as this style will highlight those areas.
Looking for the perfect jeans, too?
Read a Cheat Sheet: The Best Brands and Styles of Jeans for Real Women
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