Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Capri Pants Question: I am a manager in a nursing unit at a hospital. The dress code has been revised to address capri pants. Exactly what are capri pants? I have purchased several new outfits that have pants that fall just above my ankles (loose, flowy type materials). Do you consider these to be capri pants? I personally do not, but my director considers anything that is shorter than regular pants to be "capri" pants. Thank you for your clarification! Lori Answer: Fashion terminology can be confusing; yet, generally there are some guidelines regarding specific style names. With pants, there are definite distinctions to be made. Here’s the scoop on shorter pant styles: Capri pants typically fall somewhere in the mid-calf range. Pedal pushers, or clam diggers as they are sometimes called, are shorter than capri styles; they fall just below the knee. Cropped pants are longer than Capri styles. They fall just above the ankle, such as the outfit types that you describe above. As a manager, be cautious about completely embracing the capri pant revision to your department’s dress code. Capri pants are generally more suitable for leisure or social times than the workplace. Cropped pants rank higher on the professional-dress ladder than capri styles do. Wear capri styles only if they are flattering on you. And I don’t recommend that you overdo the privilege of wearing them, particularly since you are a manager. Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: I recently accepted a position in the office of the University President. This summer I have worn skirts and tops - but sometimes I feel underdressed without a suit jacket. Are suits required in an office like this? The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from Casual Power