Should I keep or return my ankle-length trousers?

[Antst]

www.johnlewis.com/betty-barclay-button-waist-cropped-trousers-light-beige/p4989061

I finally got around to buying some new trousers and went for a style that's subtly pleated at the waist area (at link above, except that I got them in navy blue).

I'm surprised to say that they look great. As a tall-ish, hippy person, I'm used to hearing that it's a bad idea to add bulk to the problem area. They're also very comfortable because they're not tight.

Anyway, I'm dithering over whether to keep or return them. This week has been quite chilly and I don't want them to sit in my wardrobe all winter, only to be the wrong size at the end of it (I'm in the process of working off my lockdown sourdough). I don't want to waste yet another item.

I have seen photos of models and movie stars wearing ankle-length trousers with boots. Is that something a hippy nerd could get away with? I'm trying to break out of a style rut, but have a tendency to get a little too wacky when I make an effort, so thought I'd ask for opinions. The boots I have are a bit like these:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Womens-Timberland-Blue-Bell-Lane-Lace-Up-Boots-Dark-Red-Brush-Off-Boots/274025825951?hash=item3fcd36469f:m:mlfige4X5Lnoam60eHO5T3g&var=574062297299

Those trousers are absolutely lovely. I'm not sure about them with those specific boots, but try it and see if you're comfortable with it. Otherwise, I'd go for white trainers or ankle boots like this: www.allsaints.com/women/trousers-and-leggings/allsaints-aleida-trouser/?colour=4183&category=21815

I think ankle length can be fine in winter - but depends on the trousers, and those do look quite thin, esp as they’re draped polyester so may not suit winter styling? Or perhaps in the office they’ll be ok. Depends where you’ll wear them

[quote notwavingbutdrowning5]Those trousers are absolutely lovely. I'm not sure about them with those specific boots, but try it and see if you're comfortable with it. Otherwise, I'd go for white trainers or ankle boots like this: www.allsaints.com/women/trousers-and-leggings/allsaints-aleida-trouser/?colour=4183&category=21815[/quote]
Thanks very much. Yes, your boots do look much better. I agree that white trainers would look great, but it'll be too rainy and muddy soon where I live to get away with those, so I thought I had better plan for boots!

@LaPampa

I think ankle length can be fine in winter - but depends on the trousers, and those do look quite thin, esp as they’re draped polyester so may not suit winter styling? Or perhaps in the office they’ll be ok. Depends where you’ll wear them

Thanks very much.

Yes, they are quite thin, although I don't think they look summery in navy. My office tends to be quite hot, but I am dithering. I like the shape so much that I'm worried I'm brushing off the fabric/winter issue.

These ones? www.johnlewis.com/betty-barclay-button-waist-cropped-trousers-dark-sky/p4901114

If your office is quite warm I think they’ll be ok as long as they look good with knitwear. Plain thin merino would look ok I think.

You’ve also got 2-3 months before it gets super cold to wear them. Based on previous October weather you might be glad of some lightweight but autumn suitable office wear

Honestly I think they are a bit frumpy op it’s the material and colour. Betty Barclay tends to excel at frump.

Ankle length trousers can work but I am not sure what age range would get away with those without looking frumpy.

I'm returning to work this week and had to rush out and buy myself new larger trousers. I bought 3 pairs (Asda cheapies) and immediately shortened them so they have a glimpse of a gap when I wear boots. I'm a boots person and they look weird with full length trousers. I did the same with my slimmer pre lockdown trews. I'm far from a style icon but I like the look.

What are your main concerns? I love mine. They're so practical. No dangling in snow, slush or rain. No tripping up!! And they look very smart imo. I wear them with nude shiny skin knee length pop socks.

What do they look like with chunky flats, eg brogues?

(So pop socks make my legs look nicer but are invisible. Add a touch of warmth too. I'm 50 by the way. Don't let that put you off. I feel smart, comfy and slightly'with it' !)

I really like ankle length but I have to warn you, it's taken me 3 years to find some boots that I like and that are the height I wanted - which is high enough to leave just a streak of sock/skin on display but without freezing / exposing several inches of calf. I'm fussy though.

@Floisme

I really like ankle length but I have to warn you, it's taken me 3 years to find some boots that I like and that are the height I wanted - which is high enough to leave just a streak of sock/skin on display but without freezing / exposing several inches of calf. I'm fussy though.

I'm very fussy too! I really don't want to buy any more boots, but if I keep these trousers, that is probably going to happen.

I'm usually impervious to cold, but this week surprised me. I had to dig my fluffy slippers out just to sit here and type. So that strip of ankle is a concern.

@Dontfuckingsaycheese

(So pop socks make my legs look nicer but are invisible. Add a touch of warmth too. I'm 50 by the way. Don't let that put you off. I feel smart, comfy and slightly'with it' !)

I had to google "pop socks." Thank you for broadening my horizons!

Some people can wear anything and look like they intended to, but I am not that kind of person. I wear about three pairs of trousers over and over again, but my wardrobe is full of past attempts to look "with it"! I was horrified recently when I did a clean-out. So now my strategy is to ask people who are with it for help!

The colour says spring/summer to me but depends on what you're wearing them with I guess...

You could always wear pop socks or tights under them when it gets colder. I find my legs don't feel the cold much though if I'm wearing a warm jumper/jacket etc. otherwise.

@GreyishDays

What do they look like with chunky flats, eg brogues?

I was wondering that. I think they would look good with the right ones but thought I'd ask about boots since I know I'll be tempted to put the trousers in the wardrobe when my ankles start getting cold.

I have black broguey shoes and summery blue trainers (neither of which go with dark blue trousers) or rather wide red fit-flop ones that look fine under long trousers but might look weird under these.

If I keep them, I'll be tempted to get some dark red brogues.

@Bluntness100

Honestly I think they are a bit frumpy op it’s the material and colour. Betty Barclay tends to excel at frump.

Ankle length trousers can work but I am not sure what age range would get away with those without looking frumpy.

@Bluntness100, I'm usually not into Betty Barclay because the styles often seem more suited to a corporate environment than where I work. The sizing is usually an issue too--it never corresponds to my usual size.

But I am a fan of a bargain and thought I'd give these a shot when I expected to return to the office last month. I'm trying to be more open-minded too. My friend showed me a photo from seven years ago recently where I was wearing the same outfit as I had on!

@Dontfuckingsaycheese

I'm returning to work this week and had to rush out and buy myself new larger trousers. I bought 3 pairs (Asda cheapies) and immediately shortened them so they have a glimpse of a gap when I wear boots. I'm a boots person and they look weird with full length trousers. I did the same with my slimmer pre lockdown trews. I'm far from a style icon but I like the look.

What are your main concerns? I love mine. They're so practical. No dangling in snow, slush or rain. No tripping up!! And they look very smart imo. I wear them with nude shiny skin knee length pop socks.

Good--so I'm not being weird.

Yes, I have been wearing my running clothes since March. I was horrified when I went to put on my normal trousers and realized I might end up popping a seam if I sat down too fast.

My main concern is that I'll look like a lightbulb if the trousers are to short. Also, I can be a bit of a princess-and-the-pea when it comes to temperature and might freeze if the exposed ankle strip is too wide.

I think you guys have convinced me though. I'm British, but worked overseas for so long that I keep forgetting what autumn weather is like. One person said that October can be warm and that's a relief. This week worried me a bit. I have been freezing. Thanks a lot everyone.

I think they're lovely. Would have to seem them with the boots but I could see them working with chunky boots. Few examples...

@peachgreen

I think they're lovely. Would have to seem them with the boots but I could see them working with chunky boots. Few examples...

@peachgreen, thank you very much for that. Especially the photos with the black boots (I have some!) and the puffy coat. OK, I'm feeling better about this.

I wear mine with these

I was amazed what a difference that tiny sliver of skin makes to the look. I'd never really considered it before. I bought the boots and tried on with full length trousers and thought urghh something's not right here!! Turned them up a bit to try and it makes all the difference. As I practically live in boots - they don't fall of as I'm skipping about classrooms (learning support) - most of my trousers are this length now.

Ps. I imagine I look like the photos above. I probably don't.

@Dontfuckingsaycheese

I wear mine with these

I was amazed what a difference that tiny sliver of skin makes to the look. I'd never really considered it before. I bought the boots and tried on with full length trousers and thought urghh something's not right here!! Turned them up a bit to try and it makes all the difference. As I practically live in boots - they don't fall of as I'm skipping about classrooms (learning support) - most of my trousers are this length now.

Interesting. I need to find a full-length mirror and check this out. I have always been taught to wear long trousers and dark shoes to minimize my hips.

Can't believe those boots are only £10, by the way.

They've reduced them. My first pair were £20. I bought a second pair for £16.

Tbh I'm a bit of a short-arse and the look does nothing to elongate me but I like it.

I always go for ankle length slim trousers for this time of year. They're only good for a few months then again in the spring. I have never managed to get them to look right with boots so go with neutral or pretty socks and brogues. I have a pair of DM brogues that are too chunky for them but a pair of pale brown suede brogues from Bertie (on sale) that look good. However once it gets too cold / rainy the trousers go and I'm in skirts/dresses, tights and boots for the winter.

I opened the link expecting to hate them but they are great.