The 1950s crop back up

A lot of attention has been given to the return of 1970s-style flare, but 1950s-length cropped pants will be as big a trend as bell bottoms this season. Think chic and feminine, a la gamine Audrey Hepburn.

Brands such as Current/Elliott, MiH Jeans, J Brand and James Jeans are making crops that look great with a demure ballet flat or a low kitten heel.

Current/Elliott's Pony Boy crop, for instance, ends unmistakably above the ankle. The length looks good with a nautical striped top, slouchy T-shirt or even a short-sleeved, girlie blouse.

J Brand's Gigi style has a kicky flare at the bottom that feels fun and quirky.

MiH Jeans has one called Paris, which looks fresh in white, especially worn with a soft-colored blouse and a cute pair of flats. They'd also look great worn on vacation with a colorful top and pair of flat sandals in brown or metallic leather.

Because this shorter length can cut off the silhouette, play with proportions. Someone who is 6 feet tall can get away with showing a good amount of ankle. A shorter woman needs to think about extending the fabric, to lengthen the silhouette but without losing the cropped style.

Don't wear this kind of pant like a legging, even though it's slim and tailored. Tops and jackets should hit at the top of the hip, not cover the hips and behind as you would if you were wearing a legging. You might even want to try pairing cropped pants with a body suit or tucking in your shirt to really play up the super-feminine and polished appeal.

So this spring, if the '70s aren't a decade you feel like repeating and flared legs aren't your bag, think about a more form-fitting, tailored look. Try a pair of cropped, above-the-ankle pants for a confident, pixie-like style reminiscent of Hepburn or Brigitte Bardot.