THE CAPRI CHRONICLES: ONE YEAR LATER

Nearly every client I see asks me about capri pants.  How short is too short?  How short is too long?  Why do I have to throw away all 16 pairs of my linen calf-length elastic waistband capris?  The truth is, I like a cropped pant, and I know a good one when I see it.  But they're not all good, and it's hard for me to give the science behind it.  You may have read my previous post about this topic where I linked you to Sylvia from 40+ Style.  If you haven't read her advice, I think you should.

I've been browsing through my copy of Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic (because reading a book to try to look like you didn't try makes sense), and the authors' no nonsense instructions regarding capris is priceless:

Capri Pants, Calf-Length
NEVER:  The wide model, in limp linen, with pockets on the sides and/or sliding laces, combined with a fourteen-year-old's T-shirt, girly sneakers, or monk's sandals.  Help!
YES:  It's tolerable in the Audrey Hepburn style, close to the body and tapering, that is, more like 7/8 or toreador pants, sober and chic, worn with ballet flats, fine leather sandals, or pumps cut low across the foot.  

Well said.  And all joking aside, the book is actually a pretty good reference for keeping it classy.  A good rainy afternoon read!  I'd love to know your thoughts on capris.  Do you wear them?  Are they more like "7/8" ankle-length, or are they the French girl's full-on "NEVER?"


As a personal stylist in Richmond, VA, I strive to make wardrobe choices clear and easy for women who are short on time, overwhelmed by their closets, or transitioning from one period of life to another.  Let's connect! 

Reference:
Thomas, I. and Veysset, F. (2012) Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic. New York, NY: Abrams.