FOUR WAYS TO WEAR… CROPPED WIDE-LEG TROUSERS

This week, Sophie Warburton proves the versatility of the lesser-spotted crop

The wide-leg, cropped trouser is a Goldilocks piece of clothing: some say they’re too short to wear them, others too tall; “My hips are too big”, “I’m too boyish”. Well, you’re all wrong. They suit all shapes and sizes, it’s just about finding the right pair for you.

Trousers, were £445, now £180, Joseph ( joseph-fashion.com)

To travel in

A belted safari jacket looks great paired with wide-leg crops, and will be your saviour when it comes to travelling – it will keep you warm on the aeroplane and on those notso-balmy nights, while also folding up small enough to fit into hand luggage. The belt – although hidden here – will add much-needed definition to an otherwise boxy silhouette.

Belted safari jacket, £119 (massimodutti.com); Tennis shoes, £25.83 (bensimon. com)

At the weekend

I like my crop to fall just above the ankle – short enough so as not to be mistaken for “shrunk in the wash”, but long enough to steer clear of pedal-pusher territory. Just make sure they don’t cut you off at the widest point of your calf – better to buy longer, then take them up. Throw on a longline T-shirt (it’s important to balance proportions when it comes to cropped trousers) and you’re set for a summer weekend.

Cotton draped tee, £160 (teijaeilola.com); Shoes, Isabel Marant

AM to PM

A tucked-in silk blouse and cropped trousers is a no-brainer combo for the day. This look works no matter what your size and shape. For the evening, add some glitz with a pair of jewelled heels (look to Jimmy Choo for the premium take or Zara for the high street version) and a spangly hair band or ribbon.

Seraphina hair band, £50 (rubywillow.uk.com); Blouse, from a selection at Equipment; Sereno heels, £795 (jimmychoo.com)

For the office

Many cropped wide-legs now come as part of a trouser suit – a great update on office garb. Joseph is my go-to for interesting silhouettes, while new highstreet favourite Arket offers good quality at a great price. Me+ Em’s pink trouser suit ( jacket, £249, trousers, £159; meandem.com) has also been a hit this season.

Cotton jacket, now £300 (joseph-fashion. com); Lyocell blouse, £55 (arket.com); Brogues, Christian Louboutin