The Rolled Cuff: Potential Fashion Panacea?

Perhaps the rolled cuff trend hinges on a longing for the days when a woman showing her ankle was both erotic and scandalous. I do subscribe to the argument that the spans of leg between the lower calf and beginning of the ankle bone still holds some sort lingering aesthetic charm. (Not that "showing a little ankle" can really attract droves of men these days... but historically speaking it's a validated attempt!)

Regardless, the strategic nonchalant pant roll has a multitude of life benefits. And by life benefits I do mean important, earth shattering, and otherwise absolutely necessary for happiness. I cannot TELL you how many times I've salvaged an otherwise ill-fitting pant by rolling up the ankles and creating the illusion that all is well and good.

A slightly rolled pant (if executed correctly!! mustn't be too perfect or too precise!) can provide the following benefits:

1) Trick observers into thinking that your shoe matches the rest of the outfit. I call this the "buffer zone phenomenon." Think of those 2 inches of ankle as a visual field which combats the necessity for continuity between pant and shoe. Glory be!

2) Make your outfit appear as if it is more styled and contemporary than it actually is. The rolled pant indicates a mediated action upon dressing. It says: A minute or so of extra time was spent in thought about the aesthetic balance of the outfit. In other words, this person cares a little. NOT SO MUCH AS TO SEEM HIGH MAINTENANCE. But enough.

3) Create more substance on the bottom of the pant leg in order to detract from an ill fitting thigh-of-pant. This is particularly useful when trying to get away with wearing A RELAXED FIT TAPERED TROUSER SITUATION. A relaxed fit pant with a large leg opening, however, cannot be rolled without one appearing as if one just came from some sort of waterlogged terrain. There are some pants that truly cannot be saved.

4) Allow an otherwise casual pant to be paired with a heel. Again, this falls under the category of the buffer zone phenomenon. A truly priceless naturally occurring event!