The question
Cropped pants are great with ballet flats or heels, but it is getting cold now and my ankles and the tops of my feet are feeling it. Can I wear nude knee-highs with my cropped pants? How about a fun, coloured pair of knee-highs?
The answer
Anyone who has followed me on Twitter will be familiar with my favourite hashtag: #bareankles. I love them – equally on men and women. I am stubborn about switching over to hosiery and socks, so I sympathize with your cropped-pant conundrum.
Sheer knee-highs work, to a point. Keep in mind that quality counts: The hosiery brands Falke and Wolford are my suggestions. But don't expect them to keep you warm. I asked my mother, a crop connoisseur, for a second opinion and she agreed that any other knee-high must be the same colour as the pant. However, fuchsia on fuschia is questionable and stripes can work only if you're under 30 – or comfortable with looking like the Muppet Babies' nanny.
On the other hand, I do see women in France wearing fine black socks between their jeans and their flats. But really, your boots are probably starting to feel neglected. Let them know you still care.
Amy Verner is The Globe and Mail's Paris-based style reporter. Have a fashion question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.
Amy Verner