Ask Mary Lou

Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!

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For June, 2004:

Q: I love the look of Capri pants for spring and summer but hesitate to wear them because I am short, 5' 3". Won't they make my legs appear shorter?

A: Almost anyone can wear Capri’s when a little thought goes into picking out the right pair for your body type. The easiest style advice I can give you is to start with a monochromatic base — all one color from shoulder to hem (i.e. a black pair of Capri’s with a black tee). This silhouette will lengthen your torso and make you appear taller.

Next select a sandal or mule with a one to two inch heel. Flats may shrink you a bit and higher heels could make you look out of proportion. A clutch bag or a shoulder bag that is proportionate to your petite frame will further balance out your look.

Black and white is everywhere this season so you might want to add a white shirt jacket to wear with the top and Capri’s to further pull together your outfit. If you like this look, make sure you buy the top in the petite department so it does not overpower your frame. Silver jewelry that is scaled to flatter your proportions can finish the look.

If you want to wear color, avoid too much of a contrast on the bottom and top. You might want to pick up a floral Capri (be sure that the prints are on the smaller side) and pair it with a top that captures one of the colors in the pant. A three-quarter sleeve tee and a colorful sandal might be all you need to wear with this look if you want to keep it simple.

Final thoughts — select Capri’s that end closer to your ankle than your knees. Capri pants actually come in a variety of lengths! Also, avoid ones that end across your calf — the widest part of the leg for most women. Be sure your Capri’s have a bit of a boot-cut at the hem to balance out the rest of your frame.