This surprisingly simple outfit actually took me forever to put together. I really wanted to wear these cropped trousers I had picked up from Express last Christmas. Yes, it’s been sitting in my closet just staring at me for months! I decided to finally make use of them and since I spent way too long thinking about this outfit, you’re going to get the low-down on how this outfit came together. In case you’re wondering, wearing cropped pants has always been hard for me to pull off. 🙂
I have a slight fear of cropped pants. Because of my short legs (26″ inseam!), I have the hardest time first even finding cropped trousers that even fit me as cropped trousers. And while these trousers aren’t exactly as cropped as they looked on the model they do hit above my ankle. Honestly, I personally think cropped trousers that hit slightly above the ankle are the most flattering for petites as it lengthens the leg while still keeping true to the cropped look.
And if you’re petite like me, cropped trousers with heels is a must. Picking the shoes was actually the easy part of my outfit deliberations today. The slingback style goes well with the casual cropped look and the stiletto heels helps taper out the shape of the leg too, bringing in a bit of femininity back to the lower half of the outfit.
Since the pants were kinda on the baggy side, I needed something fitted for a top. The hardest part was finding something fitted that wasn’t dark. I can’t even remember how many tops I ended up trying on before finally settling on this one. I then spent probably another good ten minutes trying to figure out a blazer or jacket to layer on top of this top as I kinda think the light baby blue color washes me out. But unfortunately nothing worked (jean jacket? um, yeah, not so much) so I ended up giving up on that front. As I was storming out of my closet in frustration (oh closet, I felt so betrayed!), I noticed this little beaded necklace. Thank goodness for accessories. I threw this necklace on and instantly I knew I had to pair it with a pink skinny belt. Finally I was done getting dressed.
At the end of all of this, I felt like my closet and I had a big fight. My closet definitely looked like a war zone after all of this. But making up is definitely the best part. My outfit woes worked itself out and we’re all stronger for it. Oh, and my closet and I, we’re back to being BFFs again. 🙂
Michael Kors Chronograph Watch in Rose Gold (MK5430) – $127 after gc (buy)
Essie Nail Polish in Lady Godiva – $5 (buy)
Louis Vuitton Bellevue Purse – gifted from parents (similar)
Hope your Sunday was as exciting as mine!
P.S. In case you missed it:
- Color Brigade Vol 10 – Are you guys ready for Vol 11 tomorrow night?
lol I'm glad that you were able to kiss and make up after the showdown. The baby blue helps add to the femininity, especially after adding some pops of pink. You pulled of the cropped trousers like an old pro 😀 Gorgeous as always, Kileen. Have a great Monday. Can't wait to see your outfit tomorrow =)
Cropped trousers are pretty much the petite girls nightmare! They never fit off the rack and run the risk of making you look shorter. I think you did really well with these, and yes, heels are such a must!
I think the crops looks fab! I often have the exact opposite problem, ALL pants tend to be too short. I think it looks classy, yet more spring.
matters of merrymaking
oh goodness, if only i had your problem! give me your long legs!! 🙂
Haha I like this story 🙂 Don't worry, I almost had a fight with my closet yesterday, too, because I swear it ate my cropped black cardigan! Thank goodness for roommates and borrowing.
Anyways, I really like the cut of these pants on you. And it looks so nice and clean with the white shirt, and fun accessories. Very tailored.
http://alamodeetplus.blogspot.com/
I think you look great in those cropped pants! I love how you accessorized the look!
XO, Katie
Running on Happiness
I actually really love this outfit! You look fantastic! I too have issues with cropped pants, though not due to my inseam, I just don't think I can pull them off. Maybe it is because I haven't taken the time yet to try to make them work. Great, now I think I might have to hit up Gap or Express and see if they have some that I can make work.
http://kateolmstead.com
I love the color of your belt and your sweater! The pants look great on you. If you want a more cropped look, maybe you could try rolling them up a little at the bottom.
yes, i'll probably give that a shot next! 🙂
After all that, and you chose a white top 🙂
I want crop pants too, but I can find any that looks good on me. I am 5'2", do you have any suggestions?
btw, I saw on your formspring- you're going to do a closet inventory post soon?! I'm excited!!
Just Better Together
it's actually a baby blue color, but it's so super light that it kinda ends
up looking white in these pics. it's baby blue though, i promise! 🙂
and yes, closet inventory although i have no idea how long that's gonna end
up. my closet not small!
You are looking good in these cropped pants!!! Really polished and clean look 🙂
Tanvi
from © tanvii.com
Those trousers look fabulous on you! I am really scared of wearing cropped pants too! O_O They never look good on me and I'm about 5'4ish!
you look amazing kileen!
kiss from prague!!;)
You look fantastic!!! Im short as well (5'3) and have a special place in my heart for tailored cropped pants, unfortunately I can't wear heels due to a knee injury but I can dream and stare in envy!
I really like the outfit. Cropped pants are really hard for me too but I'm a bit taller than you at 5'4". I think a dark top would create a nice long line though.
My Heart Blogged
I think you look super cute….I say heels with almost everything, lol:)
Those trousers look great on you…I think the battle was worth it although I do hate having to put all my clothes back in the closet after having a battle with the closet!
I have fights with my closet all the time. It doesn't show me what I want to see! I think this outfit is definitely a winner. It must be hard finding cropped pants with a short inseam, I'm 34" and I have the opposite problem! They're too short lol. I tried on a pair of cropped jeggings at the Gap and they looked way too painted on. My search for decent cropped pants continues!
http://mygrowingobsessions.blogspot.com
Your struggles were definitely worth it. This outfit is so flattering. The cropped pants look great on you, and the baby blue top is super pretty. The accessories are the icing on the cake 🙂
Sometimes I fight with my closet too – especially these days as I'm getting closer to completing my 30 for 30 challenge… But soon we will be BFFs again too 🙂
Very cute! I like the heels with the cropped trousers… I must try that!
Melanie@Unravelled Threads
Follow @UnraveldThreads on twitter!
Hmm, I was browsing Express and thinking about picking up cropped/ankle trousers. I think seeing this post might be the inspiration I need to give it a try. Thank you Kileen! You look great in these pants, but that goes without saying 😉
good luck with the rest of the challenge. you'll do great!! 🙂
oh i can always dream about having legs that are too long! 🙂
You look adorable!!!! The shoes are awesome!
IvonneStacy.blogspot.com
You fooled me, the pants look great on you!
looks good 🙂 thanx for the tip! i remember wearing this gaucho/cropped pants and i ended up looking like a hot mess because i wore flats hahahah!
love the shoes! your style is so sophisticated – love it!
wow, sounds like quite a process! It paid off though – cute outfit!
How cute Kileen …(I have the same pair in regular 0) Your outfit came together beautifully! Great job on sticking to your guns……sometimes you just have to power through 😉
It may have been a battle, but you sure won! I love cropped trousers, and you look fantastic in them.
North Meets South
I think you styled these pants perfectly – they look great on you!
xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com
Haha I dream of being able to wear heels and not tower over people (boyfriend included, he does not appreciate it but is learning to deal!). It's so true that we want what we don't, or in some cases can't, have!
I love this look and the shoes are super cute!
thanks!! i hope you do check out some of their cropped trousers. they
would look even better on you since you have longer legs than me. 🙂
I can never find cropped pants either, these are great on you! Oh to have pants fit loosely from my closet again.
Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge
Otis and James accessory giveaway
Sent this to a few of my tinier friends that are always saying how they can't wear cropped pants.
Thx
Brett
I love how you added the pop of pink in the belt! I bought my purple belt from AT factory and have yet to wear it..LOL
Why did you think that cropped trousers look funny on you? I think that you look great and I love that necklace.
I always find it hard to style cropped pants as well. We both attempted it yesterday and I think we did good! You look stunning with the sling-backs and fitted shirt. I should try that next time.
Cheers,
Bre
lol, thanks. hope it helps! 🙂
This sounds like what I go through with my closet on an almost daily basis! I fight with my closet all the time. I'm glad you won! You look fabulous in those cropped pants and this is such a classy, simple, lovely look on you!
Come take a look inside A Working Mom's Closet
kileen, yet another favorite from you. the colors are very simple, but the accessories really make this outfit stand out. very classy!
You did an excellent job pulling off the cropped pants! I know I have issues pulling them off…and I really love your necklace!
I love, love, love that belt. And I'm glad the cropped trousers worked out! I hate it when pants don't fit just right. It's frustrating. 🙂
Bri
http://fourtyninedresses.blogspot.com/
kileen the cropped trousers are gorgeous on you!! i think it looks really great with your heels! i'm in love with your beaded necklace with the floral print so cute!
The skinny belt with the cropped trousers look so fabulous! A perfect combo! And I am loving that necklace…my mom has a vintage one a lot like it…I think I'll raid her jewelry box next time I'm home. 🙂
Kileen, LOVE this outfit!! Simple, yet you look so polished in those cropped pants and the pop of pink from the belt really adds a special something. After seeing the Loft Equestrian wool cropped pants on so many bloggers, I'm convinced there is a cropped pants void in my closet that must be filled before summer rolls around 🙂
yes, i keep kicking myself for not snatching up those LOFT equestrian
cropped pants too since they do look so good!
You actually look tall in those pants! You did a great job of styling them even though the look is simple. 😛
very cute and chic
I don't think I've worn cropped (at the ankle) trousers out… I do have one but I use it as sleepwear… One day, I'll get over this fear, too. One day…
You pulled it off, though. I think the necklace was absolutely perfect (instead of a cardigan or jacket.)
I have some pants like these that I bought for an interview. I wore them with simple black heels but I can't figure out what shoes I should wear them with for a casual, everyday outfit. I'm 5' 7'' so height is not an issue. Any suggestions anyone?
Since it sounds like you're tall, you can probably get away with wearing
flats with cropped pants even for a more casual look! another great option
is sandals as it still gives you great height while still being casual.
hope this helps! 🙂
Yes it does. Thanks!
This outfit is so well put together. It is very classy and chic and I love it.