Styling the Wide Leg Crop

I’m obsessed with a wide leg crop pant. It’s got all the chic swingy coolness of a wide leg, but for us shorter gals and New York commuters, give us so many shoe options. While some might argue that this crop cuts you off and makes you look shorter, the proper styling actually can add length and just enough volume to your frame to give you presence. As a critical first step, take note of where the pant hits your leg. The hem should hit you at a slim part of your calf, wherever that is for you personally.

The gal in the above Banana Republic shot is giving us a good example of what to do on length, but ironically showing us exactly what not to do in terms of shoe choice. Between the hem of the pant and three straps she has exactly four lines (count ‘em - four) cutting off the slim part of her leg. Now the lovely tall dangly models at Banana can get away with such silliness that our mere mortal workday selves that navigate the average office cannot. This is not the shoe for you. Your very best shoe here will almost always be a nude pump of some sort, or another punchy pump with a very open front. Some may be tempted to add a sandal, which again, in nude might cut it, but still beware that anything strappy does exactly what you do not want with these crops.

So let’s go shopping. I absolutely live in these wide leg crepe crops from J. Crew. These cream linen crops from Gap also have promise (but beware that pleat—that might give you a bit too much volume in the midsection.) This splurge pair from See by Chloe have the most gorgeous tonal button detail, this Anthropologie pair of cropped wide legs in olive gives you that same earthy color and a button detail at the waist for a better price point.

On top, you need something tucked in—bet it a blouse, tee shirt, or layering tank. Third pieces need to be fitted or cropped. (No boyfriend blazers or anything boxy here!) A tie blouse is a nice counterpoint and adds some polish. For a casual Friday, I like a silky tee tucked into my cream crepe wide legs, and topped with this faux leather moto. Zip off the hoodie though, unless your office is your local coffee shop.