Outfit Formula: The Ankle Pant

It is ankle pant season, so for our 20th Outfit Formula, let’s talk about them!

Ankle pants are flattering on everyone.

Yes, everyone.

Short, tall, plus, petite, doesn’t matter, you can wear them.

They are like the opposite of capris, in that I’ve never seen anyone not look nice in them.

In a straight cut that stops at your ankle, you can wear these a million ways.

Today I’m showing two options, again using pieces we’ve recently featured that you may already have.

The Ankle Pant

Ankle Pants, $89 (plus 40% off with the code: SUNSHINE)

In this formula, we’re featuring classic ankle pants from Ann Taylor.

I have these and love them. They are fantastic workhorse pants you can dress up and down.

Available in black, navy, and light beige, regular, curvy, petite, and tall, in sizes 00 – 18. Regularly priced at $89, you can take 40% off at checkout with code SUNSHINE.

If you prefer a Talbots cut, they have an excellent option in all sizes, including plus, petite, and plus petite.

You want these to hit your ankle. The image above is a great example, as the hem grazes the top of the ankle in a heel. If you wear a flat, the hem can cover the ankle and graze its bottom.

You have flexibility with the length. Remember that when the hem is sitting above the ankle it’s considered more of a cropped pant.

And they are fine too, they are just different pants.

Outfit Formula #20: The Ankle Pant Two Ways

Let’s start on the left with the first look.

If you know the chaos of having to wrangle kids out to dinner or an event looking close to presentable, then you know that mom needs to be able to get dressed in less than 30 seconds.

This is the kind of look I turn to, when it’s my job to get everyone out the door in one piece.

In the last few weeks many readers have reached out asking for spring tops with elbow length sleeves.

They are not easy to find, so when I came across this on from Chaus, I knew I had to feature it.

Ignore the “balloon” sleeve detail, it’s not puffy, rather, it has some drape, so it shouldn’t overwhelm you.

I love the scoop neckline detail and fun pop of color.

Available in pink and yellow at Nordstrom, in sizes are limited to XS – XL for $49.

But an ankle pant works well with any novel top. Like this pretty top from LOFT , or any of the CeCe tops, like this one, both featured here last month.

You can also wear it with our favorite Boden Breton top, or this popular NYDJ blouse in a ton of prints and patterns.

This combination allows you to throw-on and go.

I added an earring that coordinates with the top (so cute, from Baublebar). Then just add a heel, like these Reader Favorite Woven Sandals in black, and a sleek clutch for only $20.

For the second look, we are buttoned up and going to work, reusing more items featured last month.

First, you want to create a sleek column of color, but adding a black under piece.

Here, I’m turning to the Nic + Zoe Perfect Tank.

Then, we’re adding this white One Button Blazer by Halogen at Nordstrom (featured in Outfit Formula #15).

Obviously, black and white is a striking combination. And by layering the white blazer over the black tank and ankle pants, we’re visually creating a long sleek line to the body.

For the bag, I’m highlighting the Kate Spade Zip Top Tote. I was happy to see so many readers took advantage of their sale, and happily it’s still marked down from $300 to $90.

Finally, our favorite classic gold hoops, also available in silver and rose-gold for a steal.

And these leather pointed flats by Linea Paolo. If you are part of our Private Facebook Group, you may have seen these recommended to a member by another member for their comfort and wearability. Which thrilled me because they are one of my favorite mid-priced flats.

52 in 2022!

Follow Us on Instagram!

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.