Alternative to cropped/capri pants?

[Anonymous]

I've just discovered that I've been a "fashion don't" for the past, oh, 10 years or so (whenever cropped or capri pants come into style). I'm 5'3" and HATE wearing shorts. I have terrible looking legs (pale, lots of spider veins, cellulite, etc...) so capri pants have been my savior in the summer. I also wear a lot of sundresses and skirts as well, but capri/cropped pants have been my solution to shorts. Now I find out that I'm too short to be wearing them and that they make me look shorter and heavier. What's a short girl who hates exposing any leg above the knee to do???

[Anonymous]

Get some great, slightly loose fitting linen pants that sit a little low on the waist (not super low). They're flattering, cool, and look great. J. Crew usually has some, and you could also try Chadwick's online or catalogue -- I thought I saw some the other day that looked good and were reasonable priced. Just make sure they're not pegged or narrow at the ankle!

[Anonymous]

A lovely walking short (right above the knee) or skirts. It is all I wear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Get some great, slightly loose fitting linen pants that sit a little low on the waist (not super low). They're flattering, cool, and look great. J. Crew usually has some, and you could also try Chadwick's online or catalogue -- I thought I saw some the other day that looked good and were reasonable priced. Just make sure they're not pegged or narrow at the ankle!

Best advice ever- I heartily second the suggestion for well-cut, full-length trousers in a light material!

I don't get the widespread fondness for walking shorts... to me, shorts are strictly around-the-house wear, especially for adults.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I'm a SAHM and spend a lot of time outside at the park with my DD during the day, so I'm not sure the full-length linen pant is going to work for me for most of the week, although a great idea for going out at night (casual). I do wear a lot of skirts and sundresses, but always make sure they cover my knees since I have some bad veins on the backs of my knees, so as far as the walking shorts above the knee go, that won't really work. What about the new style of pants that hit right below the knee -- is that still a mistake for short women?

[Anonymous]

OP, would you ever consider having the veins removed? My friend did it and it has made her life SO much easier!

[Anonymous]

I bet the linen pants would work fine in a dark color.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I bet the linen pants would work fine in a dark color.

You really sweat through linen pants, and the wet spots show. Behind the knees, crotch... Cute cropped pants from The Gap or JCrew are comfy and look fine on the right body type. If you are short buy the shorter length.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bet the linen pants would work fine in a dark color.

You really sweat through linen pants, and the wet spots show. Behind the knees, crotch... Cute cropped pants from The Gap or JCrew are comfy and look fine on the right body type. If you are short buy the shorter length.

I haven't had this problem with linen pants, most likely because they're usually pretty loose. I think they're great for circulation since the fabric itself is so light and the cut is most likely to be roomy. Can't see how any material that covers knees and crotch would be better. It would almost certainly be a heavier fabric, and any synthetic content would reduce breathability. They do wrinkle, but as Donna Karen once said, you just have to embrace that.

[Anonymous]

Well, if you are relatively slim, and have long, thin, vein-free legs, even at 40, capris and long-er shorts look great. Capris with floaty tunics are my total go to style in the summer. I think that after 30 or 35, even great legs shouldn't be in short-er shorts except for during exercise. Peole who say capris or walking shorts are unflattering or unattractive are only talking about some body types. Its all about knowing your baody typeand dressing for it. For example, my middle is thick, as in I am normal to thin but pretty straight thru the torso with a big-ish chest (why, oh why, didn't breastfeeding make them go away??? the injustice, seriously). I love the look of long flowy pants and skirts with a fitted tee or top but, it looks awaful on me. It highlights all my figure flaws and none of my strengths. That look is best on figures with heavier legs and hips and a thin, flat tummy and toned upper body. Great look but I can't wear it. On the other hand, the walking shorts or capris with a loose top shows my thin, toned legs and floats over my thick waist and bigger-than-I wish chest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, if you are relatively slim, and have long, thin, vein-free legs, even at 40, capris and long-er shorts look great. Capris with floaty tunics are my total go to style in the summer. I think that after 30 or 35, even great legs shouldn't be in short-er shorts except for during exercise. Peole who say capris or walking shorts are unflattering or unattractive are only talking about some body types. Its all about knowing your baody typeand dressing for it. For example, my middle is thick, as in I am normal to thin but pretty straight thru the torso with a big-ish chest (why, oh why, didn't breastfeeding make them go away??? the injustice, seriously). I love the look of long flowy pants and skirts with a fitted tee or top but, it looks awaful on me. It highlights all my figure flaws and none of my strengths. That look is best on figures with heavier legs and hips and a thin, flat tummy and toned upper body. Great look but I can't wear it. On the other hand, the walking shorts or capris with a loose top shows my thin, toned legs and floats over my thick waist and bigger-than-I wish chest.

Amen. Dress for your body type, who cares what is "in" or not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I bet the linen pants would work fine in a dark color.

Personally I think linen pants would be a dusty, wrinkly mess after an hour or so at the park (assuming you actually play with your child, not sit on the bench with a book). I love linen pants for a casual evening out, though. I THINK I remember evenings out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, if you are relatively slim, and have long, thin, vein-free legs, even at 40, capris and long-er shorts look great. Capris with floaty tunics are my total go to style in the summer. I think that after 30 or 35, even great legs shouldn't be in short-er shorts except for during exercise. Peole who say capris or walking shorts are unflattering or unattractive are only talking about some body types. Its all about knowing your baody typeand dressing for it. For example, my middle is thick, as in I am normal to thin but pretty straight thru the torso with a big-ish chest (why, oh why, didn't breastfeeding make them go away??? the injustice, seriously). I love the look of long flowy pants and skirts with a fitted tee or top but, it looks awaful on me. It highlights all my figure flaws and none of my strengths. That look is best on figures with heavier legs and hips and a thin, flat tummy and toned upper body. Great look but I can't wear it. On the other hand, the walking shorts or capris with a loose top shows my thin, toned legs and floats over my thick waist and bigger-than-I wish chest.

I could have written this post. I have the same body type and choose the same clothes - I'm 40 too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, if you are relatively slim, and have long, thin, vein-free legs, even at 40, capris and long-er shorts look great. Capris with floaty tunics are my total go to style in the summer. I think that after 30 or 35, even great legs shouldn't be in short-er shorts except for during exercise. Peole who say capris or walking shorts are unflattering or unattractive are only talking about some body types. Its all about knowing your baody typeand dressing for it. For example, my middle is thick, as in I am normal to thin but pretty straight thru the torso with a big-ish chest (why, oh why, didn't breastfeeding make them go away??? the injustice, seriously). I love the look of long flowy pants and skirts with a fitted tee or top but, it looks awaful on me. It highlights all my figure flaws and none of my strengths. That look is best on figures with heavier legs and hips and a thin, flat tummy and toned upper body. Great look but I can't wear it. On the other hand, the walking shorts or capris with a loose top shows my thin, toned legs and floats over my thick waist and bigger-than-I wish chest.

I could have written this post. I have the same body type and choose the same clothes - I'm 40 too.

Maybe we know each other? I live in NWDC. Do you hate your chest? Well, not hate but, wish it were smaller? I want to lose 10 or 20 lbs but only from my mid section to neck. My mom swore that post breast feeding wouldmake my size Cs into Bs but instead they are Ds. Why??? It seems like the hardest place to take it off. And some of it seems to have migrated to the sides, like under my arms. I dont want to lose any weight at all from my legs or butt or hips or even tummy, really. Its so frustrating. Very few people get this. All I can say is thank god for the floaty top look.

[Anonymous]

I have heavy legs - I am relatively thin - with a nice flat tummy and toned upper body. But from the thighs on down I am heavy, jiggly, lumpy and have "cankles". I HATE it! I wish I could wear Shorts, Capris, Skorts, anything - but I need to cover all the way down to my ankles. So I wear very loose fitting, flowy yoga style pants and tanks.....or loose, gauzy skirts and dresses I guess I have a hippie style, in a way. It works for me - I just keep my eyes open for that flowy style - but not usually linen - too wrinkly and not really as smooth and flowy as silk or rayon or cotton. I also wear Juicy Couture terry sweats and Ts - the hardest part is the beach and pool - at some point I have to uncover - since I have a toddler who loves to be in the water!