Fashion has a way of reviving the past, taking iconic pieces from yesteryears and infusing them into current trends. Enter the cropped bootcut jeans, a classic blend of the 70s vibe and today’s modern sensibilities. While their retro appeal is undeniable, their versatility in the modern wardrobe is commendable.
Cropped bootcut jeans are mid-rise jeans with a flare starting from the knee, culminating in a cropped length just above the ankle. The subtle flare gives an elongated look to the legs while the cropped feature keeps it contemporary.
It’s no surprise that these jeans have reemerged as a favorite among style enthusiasts and celebrities. Their flattering silhouette offers a refreshing break from the straight and skinny jeans dominating wardrobes for the past few years.
History and Evolution
The 70s Influence
The 70s were a time of great experimentation in fashion. Denim became the fabric of rebellion, and the bootcut style was at the forefront. With icons like Farrah Fawcett and John Travolta flaunting them, the style quickly gained traction.
Modern-Day Revival
Fast forward to today, cropped bootcut jeans borrow heavily from the 70s but with a twist. They are not just a nostalgic nod to the past; they are redefined and readjusted for the contemporary audience.
Defining Cropped Bootcut Jeans
Cropped bootcut jeans, though seemingly straightforward in their description, have nuances in their design and silhouette that make them stand out in the vast world of denim. It’s these little details that can significantly influence how they fit, look, and feel.
The Cropped Length
What sets cropped jeans apart is, unsurprisingly, their length. But why crop it?
- Focus on Footwear: The cropped feature ensures that the jeans end just above the ankle, which means more emphasis on shoes. Whether it’s a pair of statement heels or sleek sneakers, this length allows your footwear to shine.
- Versatility: The length is adaptable for various occasions and seasons. In summer, they provide a cooler alternative to full-length jeans, and in winter, they can be paired with high boots.
- Flattering Silhouette: For many body types, the cropped length can create an illusion of longer, slimmer legs, especially when paired with heels.
Bootcut Silhouette Explained
When we think bootcut, we often picture a more significant flare. However, it’s more subtle than one might expect.
- Origins: The bootcut style was originally designed to accommodate boots, ensuring they fit over the shoe without bunching up. Over time, the fashion world has adopted this style, even for non-boot footwear.
- Gentle Flare: Unlike bell-bottoms or wide-legged jeans, cropped bootcut jeans offer a silhouette that is both balanced and chic. The gentle flare, which is neither too wide nor too narrow, starts from the knee, offering a silhouette that accentuates the natural lines of the body.
- Body Balance: The slight outward flare can balance out wider hips, providing a harmonious silhouette. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to achieve a more proportional look.
Choosing the Perfect Pair
When it comes to jeans, the devil is in the details. Picking the right pair goes beyond just size; it’s about understanding what works best for your body and style.
Fit and Comfort
- Waist and Thighs: The fit around these areas is crucial. A well-fitted pair accentuates the body shape, while ensuring there’s enough room to move around comfortably. Consider stretch denim for a blend of fit and comfort.
- Avoiding the Muffin Top: If the jeans are too tight around the waist, it can create an overhang, popularly referred to as the ‘muffin top’. A good fit should sit comfortably around the waist without being too restrictive.
- Leg Shape Consideration: Depending on one’s leg shape, the flare should start at the right point to provide an elongated look.
Denim Shades and Materials
- Shade Dynamics: From vintage washes to pristine blues, the shade can drastically alter the look. Lighter shades are casual and great for daytime outings, while darker shades are more formal and slimming.
- Material Matters: While pure denim has its charm, a blend with elastane or spandex can provide that much-needed stretch, especially if you’re between sizes.
The Importance of Rise
- Rise Defined: It’s the distance from the middle of the crotch seam to the top of the waistband. Depending on the type, it can sit below the belly button (low rise), right on it (mid-rise), or above it (high-rise).
- Body Type Adaptability: While mid-rise is universally flattering, those with a shorter torso might opt for low rise, and those looking to accentuate or create an illusion of a smaller waist might lean towards high-rise.
- Current Trends: High-rise jeans have been in vogue for a while now, thanks to their ability to create a cinched waist look. But always opt for what feels comfortable and suits your body type.
Outfit Ideas for Cropped Bootcut Jeans
Classic Tee and Sneakers
- Casual Perfection: The combination offers the ultimate laid-back look. Best for relaxed days, quick errands, or an unplanned outing with friends.
- Tee Selection: Depending on the jeans’ shade, you can go with monochromatic tees or add a splash of color. Graphic tees can add an element of edginess.
- Sneaker Style: While white sneakers are timeless, don’t shy away from experimenting with colors and patterns.
Layered with Oversized Jacket
- Transition Ready: Perfect for the unpredictable transitional weather. It’s a blend of style and function.
- Jacket Choices: From denim to leather, and bomber to trench, the choices are endless. Depending on the outfit’s overall vibe, pick a jacket that complements the jeans.
- Proportions Play: The cropped length of the jeans balances the oversized nature of the jacket, ensuring the outfit doesn’t look bulky.
Pairing with Heeled Boots
- Instant Elevation: Boots, especially with heels, can elevate the look, making it apt for more formal settings or night-outs.
- Boot Varieties: Ankle boots, knee-high boots, or even thigh-highs can be paired with cropped bootcut jeans. However, ensure the jeans’ flare doesn’t get lost in taller boots.
- Color Coordinated: While contrasting colors can make a bold statement, monochromatic looks, especially with darker shades, can create a seamless, elongated appearance.
Off-Shoulder Tops and Ankle Straps
Embracing an off-shoulder top with cropped bootcut jeans is a chic way to display a hint of skin while still staying modest. It’s an outfit combination that embodies both femininity and edginess, making it perfect for a myriad of occasions.
Off-Shoulder: A Timeless Appeal
Off-shoulder tops, with their sultry yet sweet allure, have been a beloved choice for many fashion enthusiasts. The beauty of this garment lies in its versatility; it can be dressed up or down based on the occasion and the accompanying pieces.
- Fabric Choices: Light materials such as cotton, chiffon, or silk provide an airy feel, perfect for sunny days or beach outings. Heavier materials like velvet or knit can provide warmth and are apt for cooler seasons.
- Sleeve Styles: From bell sleeves to puff styles, and from sleeveless to long-sleeved variants, there’s an off-shoulder to suit everyone’s preference.
- Patterns and Colors: Solid colors offer a minimalist and sophisticated vibe, while patterns – be it stripes, floral, or abstract – can make a statement.
Ankle Straps: A Delicate Detail
Ankle strap heels or flats not only provide a secure fit but also add a delicate touch to the outfit. This footwear choice, combined with the cropped length of the jeans, ensures that the straps get the spotlight they deserve.
- Heel Varieties: From stilettos for a sophisticated edge to block heels for comfort, there’s an ankle strap heel for every occasion. The added height can also complement the flare of the jeans, creating an elongated silhouette.
- Flats for Casual Days: If heels aren’t your thing or you’re aiming for a more relaxed look, ankle strap flats can be equally stylish. Think gladiator sandals or delicate ballet flats with ankle ties.
- Color Coordination: Neutrals like black, white, or nude can be versatile choices. However, metallics or vibrant hues can add a pop of color and elevate the overall look.
Bringing it Together: Styling Tips
- Balance is Key: An off-shoulder top, being flowy, paired with the flare of bootcut jeans, can sometimes seem overwhelming. Tucking in or opting for a cropped off-shoulder variant can help maintain a balanced silhouette.
- Accessorize Thoughtfully: A choker or a long pendant necklace can accentuate the bare neckline created by the off-shoulder top. Similarly, hoops or statement earrings can draw attention to the face.
- Bags Matter: Since the outfit has multiple focal points, from the exposed shoulders to the ankle straps, it’s wise to go for minimalistic handbags. A clutch or a simple sling bag can be a perfect addition without overshadowing any part of the ensemble.
Cropped Sweater Balance
Combining cropped bootcut jeans with a cropped sweater is an on-trend move that harmoniously merges comfort with high street fashion. Especially in transitioning seasons, this duo is both cozy and chic, delivering a balanced look that isn’t too heavy or too light.
Cropped Sweaters: A Cozy Trendsetter
Cropped sweaters, with their abbreviated hemlines, have grown from a fleeting trend to a wardrobe staple for many. They provide warmth and comfort while maintaining a chic appearance.
- Texture Play: From chunky knits to fine ribbed designs, the texture of the sweater can drastically alter the outfit’s mood. Chunky knits exude a more relaxed, cozy vibe, whereas smooth, fine-knit versions tend to be more refined.
- Necklines and Cuts: From crewnecks to V-necks or even off-shoulder designs, the choice of neckline can adapt the look to various occasions. Similarly, long-sleeved, short-sleeved, and sleeveless options offer flexibility for different weather conditions.
- Color Dynamics: Neutral tones like beige, gray, or black can be effortlessly matched with various jean shades. However, for those looking to make a bolder statement, vivid colors or patterns can be the go-to choice.
Styling Cropped Bootcut Jeans with the Sweater
Pairing a cropped sweater with these jeans requires a keen eye for balance, ensuring neither piece overshadows the other.
- High-waist Advantage: Cropped bootcut jeans, especially high-waisted versions, paired with a cropped sweater, can elongate the legs while showing off just a sliver of the midriff. It’s a subtle yet stylish way to play with proportions.
- Footwear Choices: Depending on the sweater’s texture and weight, footwear can range from casual sneakers for a laid-back look to heeled ankle boots for added sophistication.
- Belt It Up: Adding a belt, especially with high-waisted jeans, can define the waist and create a more structured silhouette, particularly beneficial when the sweater is on the looser side.
Perfecting the Look: Additional Tips
- Layer Thoughtfully: On chillier days, layering a shirt or turtleneck under the cropped sweater can add depth and warmth to the outfit.
- Accessorizing: Simple hoop earrings or stud earrings can complement the outfit without making it too busy. If the sweater has a wider neckline, consider adding a delicate necklace.
- Bag Selection: Crossbody bags or small backpacks can maintain the outfit’s balanced vibe, ensuring functionality without sacrificing style.
Formal with a Blazer
Incorporating a blazer with cropped bootcut jeans paves the way for an ensemble that effortlessly straddles the line between formal and casual. It’s a fashion-forward fusion, enabling you to grace professional environments and social events alike with impeccable style.
Blazer Basics: Choosing the Right Fit
The crux of perfecting this look lies in selecting a blazer that complements the jeans in terms of fit, color, and texture.
- Tailored Appeal: Opt for a blazer that hugs your frame just right. An overly loose blazer might overshadow the jeans, while an overly tight one could hinder comfort.
- Length Matters: While cropped blazers can emphasize the waist and highlight the jeans’ unique cut, longer blazers can lend a more elongated and sophisticated appearance.
- Color Coordination: Neutral-toned blazers (think black, gray, navy) can provide versatility. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pop of color or a patterned blazer can inject personality into the ensemble.
Making the Jeans Stand Out
With a blazer taking center stage, it’s essential to ensure the cropped bootcut jeans don’t get lost in the ensemble.
- Contrast is Key: If opting for a dark blazer, light-washed jeans can provide a delightful contrast, and vice-versa.
- Heels for Elevation: Pairing the ensemble with heels, especially pointed ones, can further accentuate the jeans’ flared cut while adding a touch of formality.
- Tucked or Untucked: Depending on the occasion, you can either tuck in a blouse or top beneath the blazer or let it hang loose for a more relaxed vibe.
Accessorizing the Look
The beauty of this ensemble lies in its versatility, allowing for varied accessorizing based on the desired final look.
- Neckpieces: A delicate necklace or even a statement piece can elevate the neckline, especially if the top beneath the blazer is plain.
- Handbags: Structured handbags or clutch bags align well with the formal vibe of the blazer.
- Wristwear: A sophisticated watch or a set of minimalistic bracelets can add finesse to the outfit without overshadowing the primary elements.
Styling Tips and Tricks
Balancing Proportions
One of the key things to remember while styling any outfit is to maintain balance. With the cropped bootcut jeans, this becomes crucial because of the specific silhouette.
- Upper Body Fit: Since the jeans have a flare, it’s often wise to pair them with tops that are more fitted or can be tucked in. This ensures that the body doesn’t look bulky and the outfit remains streamlined.
- Layering Wisely: If you’re layering with jackets or cardigans, consider the length. A longer outer layer can sometimes dwarf the look of the jeans. Opt for cropped or waist-length jackets to maintain the outfit’s proportions.
Mixing and Matching Textures
A fun way to elevate any outfit is to play around with textures.
- Fabric Fusion: Pairing the denim with materials like silk, velvet, or lace can add a touch of luxury and contrast.
- Accessories: Think about leather belts, suede shoes, or even chunky knit scarves. These can break the monotony and add layers of visual interest.
Accessorizing: The Final Touch
From chunky belts to dainty necklaces, accessories can take the outfit from good to great.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for my cropped bootcut jeans?
Regular washing inside out in cold water and air drying is the best way to maintain the color and fit of the jeans.
Can I wear cropped bootcut jeans in winters?
Absolutely! Pair them with heeled boots and layer up with a cozy sweater and jacket for a winter-ready look.
Are they suitable for all body types?
Cropped bootcut jeans, with their balanced flare, are versatile and can flatter various body types. Choosing the right fit and rise is crucial.
Conclusion
The charm of cropped bootcut jeans lies in their unique blend of retro and modern elements. Their rise in popularity isn’t merely a fashion whim but a testament to their timeless appeal. As they make waves in the fashion world, their adaptability ensures they suit various occasions, from casual outings to dressier events.
Fashion is an ever-evolving realm, and the resurgence of these jeans is proof of how cyclical trends are. However, some items, like the cropped bootcut jeans, transcend fleeting trends and etch their mark as perennial favorites.
For those looking to break the monotony of regular jeans and venture into a style that’s both classic and contemporary, cropped bootcut jeans are the perfect choice. It’s not just about wearing a piece of clothing; it’s about embracing a style that’s elegant, versatile, and undeniably chic.