Five ways to wear … cropped black pants

CLASSIC cropped black pants are your passport to effortless chic. Regardless of cut and style, they are an essential in every woman’s wardrobe.

But one pair is never enough. She needs a pair — or 20 — in a variety of cuts and styles.  And if not black, then maybe in navy or charcoal grey.

Actually, I have several pairs of black pants. A couple are longer and reserved specifically for heels while others are cropped so I can wear with flats and slides. Styles include a wide-legged pair, high-waisted, relaxed-style and tuxedo-style dinner pants (which are part of a suit). Fabrics are silk, wool, linen and mechanical stretch.

The pants I’m wearing here here are a classic flat-front, stretch cotton sateen, cropped black pants from Country Road. I’ve had them for a couple of seasons and wear them regularly.

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HOW TO WEAR CROPPED BLACK PANTS

• Cropped pants should sit (or fall) at the narrowest part of your leg … just above the ankle is the most flattering.
• When you find a pair that fit perfectly, buy two pairs — one to wear with heels and the other to take up and wear with flats. And if they make the same style in other colours,  buy them as well.