What to Wear with Cropped Pants to Avoid Cold Ankles

For today’s #Shoesday post I’m talking all about what to wear with cropped pants to avoid cold ankles. This was actually a reader request and I get it. In the Winter I wear lots of tights with dresses to avoid a similar dilemma. And that got me thinking … can I wear the tights and the pants – I mean sometimes it is just too cold for dresses.

Whether you are on board with the trend or not – cropped pants aren’t going anywhere. If you are still clinging tightly to your skinny jeans – that’s fine – just realize the cropped trend (and crop flare) is here to stay. Unfortunately, as the temperatures drop this trend can get a little uncomfortable depending on how far North you live.

So what is the solution to wearing your trendy trousers and keeping cold ankles at bay? I have several options for you depending on how fashion-forward you are feeling. Let’s start with the most conservative and move on from there. Without further ado …what to wear with cropped pants to avoid cold ankles!! #HereWeGo

Solution 1 – Sock Boots

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Sock boots are a trend that have been around for a few years (here’s me nearly two years ago) and it’s the perfect solution for cropped pants that range from straight to wide in width. The idea is for the boots to tuck up inside the bottom edge of the pants leaving a stream lined silhouette and no skin exposed. I’m loving the green monotone look below – but monotone is not a requirement.

This next look highlights the idea that your pants can be cuffed and not cause an issue.

And just so you can see this works for even the widest of legs …

The key to this look is to find a pair that hugs your lower calves (notice I didn’t say rubs) and tucks cleanly under the hem or your pants – whatever the style of pants. This can even work for skinny jeans (exhibit A).

Shop Sock Boots

Solution 2 – Actual Boots (No Really)

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The beauty of the wider cropped pants is they can pair with actual boots. Those are my calf tall Aquatalia boots hidden under those beautiful leopard crops. It was New York, it was cold and I had a long walk. I wanted nothing to do with cold air anywhere near my skin. The wider the culottes you wear on top, the better. Look for calf boots that fit snug to your leg – this isn’t the time for riding boots or OTK boots.

Same idea, totally different look. Equally stylish and effective.

And no – your pants don’t have to be white. But if you want to try wearing Winter white – check out last weeks Style post.

Try to avoid really slouchy calf boots. They aren’t going to stream line as nicely and will break up the look. I would slouch any more than the look above.

Shop Calf Boots

Solution 3 – Meet in the Middle

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If you are trying to solve the problem with only footwear – this solutions is the hardest one to get right. The goal is to to match the height of your boots with your pant hem. That’s the first consideration. The second, you also need to be aware of the width of both. Make sure your boots aren’t wider than your pants.

This look makes me want to find a pair of large windowpane check pants to coordinate with my silver booties.

The last example shows you a match that is right on the edge. The hem is maybe just a touch to long or the boots are maybe just a touch to wide. It’s close though.

Not every pair of pants and or boots in your wardrobe are going to work in this manner but if you have a match it’s one of my favorite looks. If you have a specific pair of pants you are trying to solutioneer – be sure to wear them to the store for try-ons.

Okay, now moving away from footwear solutions to using layers as a solution. These next two solutions involve adding another layers. I mean ankles stay warm when you wear socks or tights. So how do you wear either while wearing pants?

Very strategically.

Solution 4 – Fancy Socks

Men have this luxury every day. They wear their pants with their socks and their shoes and no one says a thing. No one.

So what is the secret to making this work for women? Fancy socks. Don’t just wear black trouser socks and call it done. If someone is going to see them – make them memorable.

If you want to stay in the trouser sock camp then a good option for an upgrade is ones with Lurex. They have a slightly metallic sheen that makes the look more intentional.

One brand to check out from a pure functional standpoint is Uniqlo’s heat socks. Yeah, the heat word is there for a reason and your feet (and ankles will thank you). And while I would generally avoid the white sneakers as my footwear choice … I don’t actually hate this look.

The awesome part about this solution is that no boots are required. Loafer’s … check.

Heels … those work too.

Even sandals ….

Shop Fancy Socks

Solution 5 – Tights

And we’ve now come full circle back to wear this discussion started. Remember tights? Those things I wear under dresses all Winter long? Well guess what? They are totally acceptable under pants too.

Feeling really bold? Color block your tights for an unexpected pop of color!!

what to wear with cropped pants to avoid cold ankles

The best place to find colored tights in any color? Amazon Fashion.

my 9 to 5 shoes

Style Ideas from a Wannabe Fashionista in a Black Suit World

What to Wear with Cropped Pants to Avoid Cold Ankles

Solution 1 – Sock Boots

Shop Sock Boots

Solution 2 – Actual Boots (No Really)

Shop Calf Boots

Solution 3 – Meet in the Middle

Solution 4 – Fancy Socks

Shop Fancy Socks

Solution 5 – Tights

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