Playing with lengths is all the rage this season—there are long tops and short pants all over the glossies. Why hide those legs this winter, especially when, to your dismay, you’ve discovered your favorite pants have shrunk to nerd-length highwaters or those beloved R&R jeans you failed to have hemmed have now developed the icky brown holey heel syndrome from too many nights at the bar being dragged under your roaring kitten heels. Solution? Snip ’em! But do take caution. Here are tips on how to get a whole new style out of a past closet champion.
Step One: Grab those perfect pair of pants, the ones that make your butt look good, fit just right in the leg, but sadly have shrunk, are too flared (yesterday’s news), too short or look as ragged on the bottom as your dad’s old garage tee he uses to swipe the oil stick. Put them on.
Step Two: Decide on the length. Short shorts are hot, but hot pants are not. Give yourself at least a two-inch inseam (if not for yourself, then for the sake of others). Just-above-the-knee works too, so long as the fit is slim and it doesn’t appear that you’re sporting those culottes hot in 2005. You can also snip so your jeans fit perfectly in your boots without too much bunching. Mark the pants with a pencil (or a pen on the inside if the pants are dark) where you want them to end, all the way around because if you’ve got some booty, it may be a different length for the rear. Now sit down. Notice how they rise up so keep this in mind when deciding where to cut. It’s best to draw that line at least an eighth of an inch lower than the front.
Step Three: Take the pants off.
Step Four: Slowly and carefully cut.
Step Five: Put them on again. Try them on with shoes or boots to see how you want the finished product. You can leave edges frayed or fold up two times for a tidier look. Folds can be hemmed as well.
Depending on your style, your new shorter pair will work well with ballet flats, the short boot that’s on the heels of many designers this season, round-toed platform heels, or knee-high boots as well. Don’t be afraid of socks with shoes either. Add a lacey pair for super feminine flair or a knee-sock in a solid. Cover up legs with tights or leggings if there’s a chill in the air for the layer look. Top off with a blouse of your choice, and strut. You may not have won “Project Runway,” but you’ve got a one-of-a-kind pair of pants designed exclusively by you.
