Give your wardrobe a 50s twist and flash a bit of flesh with a pair of cropped trousers. Our need-to-know guide will show you how to wear them with style and what to wear them with to ensure you look like the cream of the crop this summer…
With their ankle grazing length lending a modern edge to any ensemble, cropped trousers are an ideal way to inject some character into your wardrobe. Perfect for smart-casual occasions, a cropped hem can be applied to all styles, from smart trousers to jeans and chinos; the key to pulling off this look lies in the choice of footwear.
Bare your ankles the smart way
The crop helps to break up sharp tailoring and make everything more playful. To keep your look clean-cut, opt for slim-fit trousers to maintain a continuous taper throughout. Pair your ankle-length smart trousers with pieces with similarly streamlined silhouettes such as loafers, minimal trainers or espadrilles. Loafers would add the perfect finishing touch to your look – try wearing a bold coloured suit with neutral loafers, and if you favour a more streetwear-led style, opt for minimal trainers- adding a flash of white will make your look Pinterest worthy. For a more casual look, pair your cropped trousers with espadrilles. Team with a linen suit for the perfect smart-casual summer look.
Dare to crop your denim
Team your ankle-baring denim with equally strongly structured footwear; trainers, chunky platforms and desert boots make for a perfect combination. Wear tightly-folded jeans with chunky platforms to strike the perfect balance between casual and edgy. For a laid back outfit, team your cropped jeans with canvas trainers such as Vans or a pair of Converse. If you decide on a lower-rise hem that sits closer to the shoe, wear desert boots to balance your outfit. Keep the jeans slim to create a polished shape and avoid swamping the shoes.
Roll it up with chinos
Rolling your trousers’ hem is the easiest way to manipulate their length. Chinos are an easy and unfussy option to keep your ankles cool, and your style comfortable. Easy to style, you can pair your rolled up chinos with a blazer and a T-shirt for an instant smart-casual outfit. Try pairing your cropped chinos with boat shoes – it’s a timeless combination that looks smart but helps you stay cool in warm weather. Driving shoes are also a fail-safe option; they complement cropped trousers and instantly make a statement when teamed with folded chinos, while moccasins make a great choice for warm weather and are comfortable to wear.