I know, sounds like a kinda random blog post, but it’s definitely one of those things I get asked about by blog readers and styling clients quite a bit.
One gorgeous reader sent me a message the other day asking what the deal is with lengths of Winter pants, and how to wear different shoes (mainly ankle boots) with them – so I told her I’d answer in a blog post! (this one’s for you Kirstyn).
It can be tricky trying to get the length of your pants right, and matching the right shoes to not only keep you warm, but to look great too!
I’ve put together some times (along with pictures – because who doesn’t love pictures!) to give you some guidelines on how to mix and match your pants and shoes this Winter.
Tip #1 Â – Pick your pants length
We’ve seen quite a resurgence in the 7/8th look for the last few seasons and my tip is that it’s here to stay.
This length generally sits just on the ankle, which is a super-flattering length (yes, even if you are short) as it exposes the slimmest part of the leg – the ankle –Â therefore drawing attention to that slim part, therefore making the rest of your leg appear as slim.
Even though we’ve seen an appearance from wide leg pants and culottes this Autumn, they are generally in a lighter fabric, so you won’t see too many in the height of winter – maybe this is a leg shape to leave again until Spring.
Tip #2 – What is your heel height?
Also, the other simple rule I often follow is if you are wearing HEELS, you can wear your jeans full length, if you are wearing FLATS, try cuffing your pants/jeans, exposing that lower part of your leg, showing off that slender ankle of yours.
Tip # 3 – Combining the two!
So! Here’s my beginners guide to pants + shoes for the cooler months.
Skinny jeans + flats = cuff your jeans
Skinny jeans + ankle boots = cuff your jeans
Ponte pants/leggings (even though they aren’t pants) + flats = leave them long
Ponte pants/leggings + ankle boots = leave them long.
Basically, if you aren’t sure if you need to tuck or not, then cuff your pants so they sit just on top of your ankle boot. Yes, your legs will still be warm! (invest in some merino socks y’all) and you won’t be constantly tucking your pants back into the tops of your boots all day! Yay!
Again, these are just guidelines! If you want to wear a long top and cuff your jeans then go for it! Hey, I’m sure I do it all the time!
So I hope that helps answer your question a wee bit Kirstyn! But remember everybody, just guidelines – do what feels right for you.
Until Next Time, In Style & Love Always
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Love this…… how have I not seen this page before!? As a tallish (5″8) big boobed (GG), size 14 body woman, I struggle with dressing trendy. I tend to go for round neck tunics from Glassons, you know the type, longer back shorter front that hide my boobs but look like sacks ….. it’s getting tiring. What should I be wearing for both comfort and style…. that and not poking anyone’s eye out lol!
Where are those fabulous pink boots from?
They are from Rubi Shoes Susan. Current season but not online đ
Thanks for this great post! I’ve been trying to figure out how to wear long boots. Any suggestions?
Hey Sophie,
that’s a whole other post! It’s coming in the next few weeks.
Generally, I tend to wear long boots over pants, it can be a lot tricker with skirts and dresses. I tend to stick to ankle boots (and thick black tights) with dresses đ
I wore my skinny jeans and camper lace ups today. Not half as trendy as those silver brogues. I felt rather.. Well comfy but like a women of a certain age(which I’m not) .My question is, how do you wear socks with this combo. What colour socks, should the laces match the shoes or the socks…. Help please. I only wear flat lace ups. I cope in summer without socks, but the socks throw me. Thanks
Hey Hannah,
If you are cuffing your pants, I would just suggest the hidden socks that don’t show through.
If you are wearing your pants full length, I would either match the sock to the pants (ie black pants, black sock) or try and get some skin-toned ones so it looks like you aren’t wearing socks.
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Being short would cuffing my jeans make me look even shorter?
Nope, not at all! As I mentioned in the blog already, cuffing your jeans won’t make you look even shorter, as you’re actually exposing the slimmest part of your leg, your ankle, which makes your leg look slimmer (and therefore, taller).
This works particularly if you are wearing flats, it can take away some of the “frumpiness” you might feel with long pants and flats – does that make sense or help at all? đ
Love it! Specifically, the comment on shorties.
xx
Where are your black boots (Ponte pant) from – they are beautiful!!!
They are a brand called Alias Mae – they are a few years old, but they do similar still!
I love this article but unfortunately all pants are 7/8 on me due to being 6ft tall âšī¸ī¸ Got any tips on where to find longer length pants and jeans?
I have the same problem with 7/8th pant Kate đ that tip was more for the vertically challenged gals đ
I’ve always had good luck at Jeanswest (they do a longer length), practically ALL my jeans are from there! also Kmart and EziBuy have different leg lengths too đ
Omg thanks, best post ever!
haha you’re welcome đ