Giving up on capris...

I've given capris more fashion chances than they deserve. It's like a footstool that you keep stubbing your toe on and you never move it. When do you finally DO something about it? 

So I'm moving capris (the footstool) out of my closet once and for all! Why are they so bad? Well, after telling women to wear them carefully...I've had enough of this hard to wear proportion in my own closet. SO OUT THEY GO!

Last week on my radio show a young woman asked if she can wear capris. The caller was 5'4" and an average hourglass shape. Instead of explaining how they can be hard to wear because they hit mid-calf and make it harder to balance your shape...I told this woman to go to the mall and sit. Watch women walk by in capris. Do ANY of these "capri wearing" women look good? Really...does anyone look good in them???

Capris have a way of sabotaging our wardrobes. They make it hard for you to look great. The proportion hits usually mid-calf which is bad if you are bottom heavy, have thick legs, are short, have a long torso....isn't this enough? Did I leave anyone out? How about the fact that they make your legs looks shorter, heavier--even if you are on the slender side? 

I understand the "comfort" factor of capris. They cover a multitude of sins. Spider veins, white legs, cellulite and anything else we don't like about our lower extremities. They are cooler than long pants and cover more than the average short. However....THEY DON'T LOOK GOOD!

Why not wear a short or skirt? Capris have become such a "go to" summer staple that we forgot they are OTHER choices we could wear in the summer. Capris are in every store, every price point because they sell! But why not wear an attractive short? Or a pretty floral skirt? A short around the knee is much more attractive because it gives you more leg length! I'm sure you can handle showing 6" more of your skin! You'll look so much better for it.


I'm kicking my capris to the curb this season. (Actually I'm shortening most of them to shorts or purging them from my closet). How about you? Are you with me? Are you ready to give up on capris?

Bad proportion: Capris

Good proportions: Shorts

Again, bye bye capris that make my legs look short and stumpy....

Do you agree with me? Capris don't do us any fashion favors.

Who wears short shorts?

It's that time of year to expose our legs! I know it sounds scary at first but....

I am happy to announce the fashion gods have finally answered our prayers! A flattering length of short is “IN”. The Bermuda short! Yes, ladies the Bermuda short that hits at, above or just below the knee-- is a “hot” fashion statement! We can ALL finally wear something cute, comfortable--and trendy!  (I think the fashion gods are saying sorry for the impossible-to-wear “skinny” pants most of had the sense not to wear!)

Women wonder (and ask) what is the most flattering length for shorts, capris and cropped pants? Your pant or short length is often one of the first things noticed about you. So wearing the best length for your body type is important. Here are basic guidelines to get you started. In a couple of weeks a complete shorts guide for each body type (with pictures) will be listed at http://www.missussmartypants.com

Follow these guidelines to help you find your best length:

Bermuda shorts: Hits at the knee. This length is universally flattering. Look for a flat front (no pleats) straight cut for the leanest look. Inseam should be about 12”. Add a wedge heel or espadrille sandal for a long sleek and dressier look. A cropped or fitted jacket works well with Bermuda shorts too. For a more casual look, wear flats, a short-sleeved cardigan sweater and perhaps a pretty long beaded necklace.

Walking shorts: Hits mid-thigh and are loose, casual and comfortable. This style is best for women that are fairly confident with their legs and thighs. Best length is around 7” inseam.

Short shorts: These are also called “Daisy Dukes”. Short shorts are for ladies who used their Thighmasters all winter--or answer by the name of Jessica (Simpson). Inseams are a mere 3”.

Capris: These tend to run around the mid-calf area and can be hard to wear. Women love Capris because they are cooler than long pants and hide a multitude of “issues”. The best Capri silhouette for most women (unless they are tall and thin—then any length is okay) is above the calf. If capris are long, have them hemmed up shorter to add slenderizing length to your legs. Avoid capris that hit your thickest part of your calf.

Cropped pants: These are above the ankle bone. Cropped pants are very hard to wear. If you are heavier or shorter—your legs appear chopped off—like tree trunks. If you are tall, you appear even taller and like you are wearing high-water pants! Wear cropped pants with a heel for the most leg lengthening look. MissusSmartyPant’s advice is to avoid them all together.

Petites and plus sizes: Wear shorter lengths for shorts and capris, if you can. Find a length that is flattering (around the knee is best) and avoid the longer lengths that can make you look dumpy. The longer your legs look the better, tall, leaner, etc.—you get the picture!

One last thing before you get your legs out there…spend some time pampering. Groom your legs (shave) use tan-in-a-can (if you need a glow) and get your tooties looking terrific too! Now you are ready for flip-flops, sandals and of course--Bermuda shorts!

Love, Leslie

P.S. Are you ready to show off your gams?