Crops and boots

Feeling a bit equine this week after a weekend jaunt to a horse farm in the Poconos. That does not mean that crops and boots always work, though, as evidenced by the picture to the right.

You know, I give her points for trying. It is a hard one to get right, boots with cropped pants. Obviously come summer, those boots will be off and replaced with ballet flats, flip flops or sandals. But in this crazy, mixed-up weather we call Spring, we still try to make crops work.

"So, what's the trick?" you ask.

Glad to tell you: length.

Wait...haven't we already had this convo?
Sorta. See, hemlines are tricky, if you haven't already figured that out by the multiple postings on this issue. What is really bad though is that so many of us get it wrong so often (Yes, I include myself in this one).

OK, here it is: This would actually work if the pants were cropped a little shorter (or were full length, duh). They are hitting her just above the ankle, but if they were just below the knee with high boots--fabulous! Seriously. No, seriously, it works.

Why? Well, maybe it is because of proportions. With high boots, you see a narrow profile almost from knee to toe and it sort-of reminds me of the look of boots with a knee-length skirt. It just works. Here it is again...it gives you a great shape! Now, notice, I said, "below the knee." Above the knee, well, those aren't cropped pants, those are shorts and yes, I did actually see someone wearing that outfit today and it was not good. NOT GOOD, I tell you. Really, tailored white walking shorts with black knee-high riding boots? Come on. Ok, I'd give it to you if we were talking club clothes that were hot pants and thigh-high patent leather boots, but then I might ask what you are doing on the streets of NYC before noon. I might be tempted to think a few uncharitable thoughts. You know...walk of shame? or maybe "professional"? No, let's not go there.