Cropped pants and rolled cuffs currently have a strong presence in my wardrobe. It took a while for me to embrace the look but I’m a devotee now. It’s kind of like the way I accepted that skinnies could be flattering to me … I had to try it. For me, the trick to making these look good is the slim fit style. Anything too loose or bagging will most likely look frumpy and dumpy, and with cropped pants, there’s no exception.

The photo shoot for this post was once again on location. As The Husband and I are adjusting to the freedoms of our partially empty nest, we let spontaneity reign when a last minute opportunity to join friends for a weekend in Cayucos presented itself to us. My only caveat to enjoying the three-day holiday weekend in a privately owned ocean view home was that we would be able to take photos for the blog, to which The Husband agreed.

When I emerged from our room in this first look, one of the friends said “you look like you’re ready to go to the office” which is good because that was my intent (just the look, not truly being ready to go to the office). I had actually worn the ensemble at work just a few days earlier. It’s a bit difficult to see in the photos but the sweater and tank are teal and the pants are navy blue. Or instead, you can just enjoy the view of the ocean like I did.

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Pants – J.Jill (exact, on sale); Sweater – New York & Co, old (similar, another option); Top – Old Navy, old (optionor this one)

When I bought the top last Fall I already had the sweater and I knew they would look great together. Usually I wear them with black or gray so I wasn’t certain about a blue and teal combo but I really like how it looks. The T-strap pumps are from Loft, from about 10 years ago and when shoes were still sold in the stores. The necklaces are actually two separate ones. The large tear-drop shaped pendant I bought at a Chico’s outlet store and the multi-strand mix of stone and metal beads I think is Kenneth Cole and I got it at Macy’s.

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Grabbing my white Keds and switching to a cute blue and white floral top with a pale lavender sweater makes these cropped pants ready for play.

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Top – Loft outlet (cute optionand another)

For enjoying the sights in Morro Bay, it’s a floral linen tee, my cargo jacket, and wedge sandals. I’d like to take a moment to point out that the photos below were taken later the same day as the ones of the ‘work’ outfit. Notice the difference in my hair? In the work photos, my hair is still slightly damp and still under the control of product but it grows during the day as it fully dries and winds up as you see it here.

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Top – Loft, sold out (option, another option); Jacket – Loft, old (option, or this)

Now, onto the Up, Down, All-Around link up for this week. My featured contributor from last week’s link-up is Ada at Elegance and Mommyhood. In her post, Gingham Style – 3 Ways, one of the ways is shown on her adorable little girl. The two of them look so cute in their coordinating outfits.

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Have you thought of how an item in your wardrobe could fit into all aspects of your life? How much of your style time is spent at work or at play or at having fun and does that reconcile with your clothing options?

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Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you. And don’t forget to add a post or two to the link-up.

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21 Comments

  1. robjodiefilogomo

    I’m a big fan of ankle pants/cropped ones!! In fact, next week—that’s the theme of my blog—great minds think alike, Rena!!
    I had to laugh when you mentioned your hair—I can totally relate—even though it’s relatively dry here in Denver—my hair still has a mind of it’s own!!
    Love your pants—they are truly so versatile and something every woman, any age can wear!
    jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • Rena

      Just read your post … it is great. As to my hair, one of these days I will do a ‘day in the life of’ my hair.

    • Rena

      I’m glad we have the same style sensibilities. Thanks for commenting.

  2. shelbeeontheedge1

    Oh I love how you styled these pants! I love teal and navy together…it is such a rich color combo. And the t-strap heels are fabulous! And I really like the floral top and linen jacket outfit with the wedge sandals, too! I am very much on board with the cropped pants, too, right now. I like how you can pair them with heels, sandals, or sneakers and it changes the vibe but the pants still look amazing!

    I didn’t even notice the difference in you hair until you pointed it out, then it made me chuckle! I don’t have curls, but I have crazy thick hair that does the same thing…I love when it is only partially dried…I can get it to look super cute, but once it dries all the way and the humidity takes over I have mushroom head!

    Great post!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeonthedge.com

    • Rena

      Thanks, Shelbee. Comments like yours truly make my day.

  3. andreaswellnessnotes

    Great outfits! I am intrigued by cropped pants. Since I’m tall, I’m still a bit afraid that it will look like it’s a mistake and the pants are just too short… But the more I see them around, the more I want to try them. And I LOVE your locations for your photo shoots! The Central Coast is such a beautiful place!

    I actually really like your “growing” hair, but I totally understand the desire to control your hair… I have very wavy hair and have to blow dry it straight (which I hate!!!!) to make it look the way I want…

    Happy Sunday!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

    • Rena

      I’ve also worried that cropped pants would just look like they were too short but I think the trick is to make sure they are slim fitting. I used to get my hair blown out and ironed but then I chose to embrace the curls and I finally have made peace with them. Thanks for reading and commenting.

    • Rena

      I’m happy to find other like minded women. I haven’t tried cropped flares yet but perhaps I should.

  4. First of all I am a huge fan of cropped pants and I love all the three ways you styled them. I think I prefer the look with the white sneakers but I must say those Mary Jane Shoes are gorgeous. All the locations of these pictures are so pretty Rena. Where are they taken?

    Secondly, what a sweet awesome surprise to see this Tuesday morning! Thanks so much for featuring my gingham romper and the sweet words you wrote about me and my daughter. I welcome you to stop by when you can and please linkup again with me this Thursday. Thank you, Ada. =)

  5. I am completely jealous. I need to go see if I can find something green to wear today, to match my green eyes. Lol! You look like you had a great time, and all the outfits were perfect. Thanks for link-up with me on Wednesday’s Wardrobe.
    Tania @ http://www.50isnotold.com

    • We did have a very nice time and it was easy to squeeze in time for photos. Can’t wait to see you sporting green.

    • I’m so glad you liked the post. Thank you for letting me know.

  6. I’m a little wary of cropped pants myself, being on the vertically challenged state of things where height is concerned. But I must say they do look very fetching on you, Rena, especially with those T-Strap Mary Janes!!

  7. Abril/the color palette

    your outfits are so on point, my favorite one is the one with the emerald green blouse
    x,Abril