Fashion

5 Ways to Wear Cropped Pants This Spring

by Mary Avant

If you’re one of many American's who've had a rough winter, you're probably ready for spring to be here, like, yesterday. After all, with its sunshine, perfectly mild temperatures, and super-cute outfits (think printed shorts, flirty sundresses, open-toed shoes!), spring is basically the most perfect season ever. So we totally understand it if you're not too excited when we tell you that the next celebrity-inspired trend for spring involves covering up, rather than shedding layers as the weather warms up. Fortunately, it's covering up in the best way — in wildly chic cropped pants. Really, who can’t get on board with that?

A slew of celebrities have been throwing on the cropped pant as they gear up for spring, with both Emma Watson and Scarlett Johansson rocking the look at two recent movie premieres on the same day. These ladies — along with a host of other supremely stylish stars — are proving that the cropped pant is not only a versatile wardrobe must-have, it’s also the perfect transitional piece to play with this spring. Not sure where to start? We've got you covered with five celebrity-inspired ways to wear — no, rock — the cropped-pant look.

1. In a classic combo

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Even in sunny springtime, there’s nothing chicer than a good black-and-white ensemble, and a black, cropped pant like the J. Mendel one Watson wore to the Noah premiere in Madrid — is a great starting point for creating the classic look. Keep the pant tailored but slightly loose for a hint of elegance, then make it modern with a white, plunging wrap blouse. The look screams — no, whispers — “effortlessly cool.”

2. With a head-to-toe color

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If you’re ready to turn up the drama, a cropped pant in a rich hue — like Johansson’s color-drenched Michael Kors pant — works overtime when paired with a matching top or blazer. Break up the look with a printed or neutral heel, along with a blouse in a different hue, if you’re wearing a monochromatic pants-and-blazer combo.

3. In a chic and slouchy fashion

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Nothing says spring like a breezy white blouse, so a take a page out of Girls’ star Allison Williams’s book and pair your springtime staple with slouchy cropped pants in a luxe fabric like suede or satin. Finish off the look with beachy waves and a bright heel if you’re dying for color, or keep it neutral for an ensemble that’s a little more laid back.

4. In a fun print

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Add a little excitement to the cropped-pants look by searching for a pair in a fun pattern or visually intriguing print, like the slouchy chevron pair actress Kate Beckinsale sports here. Anchor the look with a basic blouse or tank, and if you’re feeling especially daring, complement your patterned pant with a color-soaked heel or pair of flats.

5. By piling denim on denim

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Double denim never goes out of style, but it happens to look a whole lot chicer when worn with a skinny, cropped pant in an ultra-dark wash, like the one actress Kate Bosworth shows off here. Add a flirty, floral-print heel to the mix for a dose of spring pattern, or choose a pastel or neon clutch to break up all of the blue.