How to Style Cropped Jeans
Transitional season denim meets feminine chic with designer cropped jeans. Perfect for elevating your basics and styling fresh pieces, cropped jeans are one of the most versatile jeans styles. From comfortable daywear to feminine evening style, cropped jeans work in just about every style, making them a wardrobe staple. The timeless crop is feminine and fun, and with seasonal denim washes to mix and match between, you’ll reach for your cropped denim again and again.
What are cropped jeans?
Cropped jeans cut off just above the ankle bone for a fit that’s universally flattering. Elongating the leg, styling cropped jeans is effortless, as the cropped leg style works with most denim fits. With limitless outfit variations, cropped denim instantly adds a fresh feel to the iconic denim fits, and has stood the test of time. Their unique cropped design is the perfect go-to denim for effortless fashion moments and mix-and-match styling. When styled well, cropped jeans can take you through every season of the year, for a fresh and modern take on denim daywear.
How should cropped jeans fit?
The best cropped jeans should fit comfortably and cut off at the leg, just above the ankle bone. Designer cropped jeans are always crafted from premium denim to ensure a super-soft feel and comfortable staying power, with expert tailoring for a form-fitting finish.
How should cropped jeans feel?
Cropped jeans shouldn’t dig in or feel too tight, but should sit comfortably at the hips before cutting off above the ankle bone. Stretch denim cropped jeans should hold their shape all day, with a soft-feel fit that moulds to your legs and hips without pinching your skin.
Popular styles of cropped jeans
Thanks to the universally flattering cropped finish, designer cropped jeans come in a wide number of styles. From easy-going styles with a wider leg for added comfort, to close-fitting cropped denim that sculpts the body, explore some of our favourite cropped denim fits below.
Cropped straight-leg jeans
For easy, go-to style with a laid-back feel, cropped straight-leg jeans are an absolute must. A stylish staple for all-season styling, cropped straight jeans keep things simple and celebrate the origins of denim.
Premium denim brands Paige and FRAME feature a bespoke collection of cropped straight jeans for every occasion.
Choose from classic black fades to mid to light blues for off-duty cool and smart-casual chic. With subtle distressing, vintage detailing and quality features, this heritage fit gets a modern update with an ultra-modern cropped ankle. For office wear or formal dressing, style your straight crop jeans with a fresh white shirt and slingback mules to add a modern and masculine edge.
Cropped bootcut jeans
For a more elegant feel, try cropped bootcut jeans. Available in authentic dark-wash denim, styles like the FRAME Le Crop Mini Boot and AG Farrah cropped jeans add a sleek finish to this modern style. We love these Citizens of Humanity Isola cropped bootcut jeans, ideal for transitional styling and chic evening outfits.
Cropped skinny jeans
For a smart and flattering fit, skinny crop jeans bring a Parisian feel to your wardrobe. Pair with a structured blazer, fitted blouse and mules for elevated workwear. Skinny cropped jeans can be styled effortlessly for date night, and are elegant and feminine for your workwear wardrobe. These AG Farrah Skinny Ankle jeans are an iconic fit, easily styled with a tucked-in blouse and skinny strap heels for a chic ensemble.
Cropped wide leg jeans
Effortlessly transform the wide-leg silhouette with a versatile cropped design for a playful, summer-ready look. For daytime cool or boho evening chic, cropped wide leg jeans are a popular denim style for laid-back transitional styling.
Signature styles like the Paige Anessa wide leg jeans and Frame Le Palazzo crop add a 70’s twist to your denim collection. Explore with authentic indigo and light and breezy whites for a comfortable and impactful look.
Cropped flared jeans
With a flattering design that flares out below the knee, flared jeans are an iconic silhouette. Cropped flares finish at ankle length for extra impact, for an ultimate feminine finish. Pair with court stilettos for instant elegance.
Ways to style cropped jeans: Outfit ideas and inspiration
How to wear cropped jeans in summer
Tank tops, casual tees and patterned blouses are your go-to summer looks with cropped leg jeans. For easy summer days, style cropped straight jeans with trainers and a casual tee, or for elevated style, opt for a bright tank top and sandals. A patterned blouse can mix up your look for the evening, with heeled sandals for an elegant finish. For a sophisticated summer style, wear a French-tucked blouse, oversized blazer and leather mules for a modern city style.
How to wear cropped jeans in winter
Wondering whether you can wear cropped jeans in winter? You can! This style isn’t just for the brighter seasons. Sock boots and heeled boots will avoid chilly ankles, and a roll-neck cashmere knit and wool jacket will create a stylish ensemble that elongates your figure. Angular boots or stiletto sock boots are perfect for elevated office wear. Swap out your cosy knit for a silk blouse and heels for evening occasions. Style a button-down shirt with a knitted tank and sleek black cropped jeans for a smart office look on colder days.
What shoes to wear with cropped jeans
Ankle boots
Ankle boots are great in winter to avoid chilly ankles. From classic black leather lace-ups to suede sock boots, dark wash cropped jeans are the perfect way to show off your favourite boots. Opt for a luxe boot design that has a high shaft that fits tight to the leg for a narrow fit. Ankle boots that fit under cropped leg jeans will instantly elevate your outfit, and pointed-toe Chelsea boots will elongate your legs even further.
Heeled sandals
For instant impact, style cropped jeans with statement sandals. Perfect for summer styling, heeled sandals will accentuate your ankle for a feminine look. Style light-wash cropped straight leg jeans with statement sandals for a bright summer outfit. Alternatively, opt for high-rise cropped jeans and a structured blazer for a sleek evening look.
Sporty trainers
Sport-style white trainers are great for summer. Bright, fresh and comfortable, sporty trainers are perfect for on-the-go comfort and style. For a summer, smart-casual look, opt for retro-style trainers and a bright blouse. The cropped jean style is perfect for freeing the ankle on breezier days, making more of your footwear for all the right reasons. Style your trainers with cuffed cropped jeans in a medium wash for laid-back cool.
Chunky boots
Elongate your figure and make an impact with chunky winter boots. From rock-ready platform Chelsea boots to contemporary combat boots for a sleek utilitarian look, cropped jeans can be worn with statement boots that cut off at the ankle. Cropped jeans work well with a chunky boot style that narrows at the ankle to fit under your jeans with ease. For an off-duty edge, style raw-hem white cropped jeans with a leather jacket and statement boots.
How to find the best cropped jeans for your style
Cropped jeans can suit anybody - you just need to find the right style and fit. Always consider the jean rise, and try out different styles to find the best cropped jeans for your unique style.
High rise skinny crops create a chic, slim silhouette. Mid-rise wide leg cropped jeans are great for easy-going daywear, and cropped straight jeans are perfect for effortless style.
If you need help finding the best cropped jean style for you, book a denim consultation with one of our denim experts. We’ll find you a style that’s tailored to your denim requirements for the best possible fit.
Most loved cropped jeans styles at Trilogy
Cropped jeans for women -
FAQs:
Do cropped jeans make you look shorter?
A higher-waisted cropped jean that hits just above the ankle is best for petite wearers or those with shorter legs. Style with a fitted top to balance out the silhouette.
Are cropped jeans made of stretch denim?
Many of our cropped jean styles are made of stretch denim, but they sometimes come in non-stretch, rigid fabrics too. Stretch denim allows for extra comfort and movement in your cropped jeans, which is key as they tend to be most popular for warmer weather.
Are cropped jeans flattering on everyone?
Cropped jeans generally come in a 26-28" inseam and are really versatile in terms of footwear as they can be styled casually with a trainer or sandal or dressed up with a heel. Generally, it's best to choose a straight or wide leg silhouette if you're particularly tall or short, as the consistency in the leg shape will have less of an effect on where the design is meant to sit on your body; making it easier to have them tailored if need be.
Do cropped jeans make you look taller?
If you have very long legs, avoid a cropped jean as they won't always sit at the right point of the leg and may look too short. Taller wearers can still style a shorter length jean, and going for a 28/29" inseam (depending on your personal measurements) or tailoring a full-length pair will achieve that slightly cropped look without it coming up too high on the leg.
Check out our size guide to find the perfect length for you.
Explore our entire range of women’s cropped jeans for more style inspiration. Check out our denim style guide for the latest advice from our denim experts.
