4 tips to get the most flattering look.

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When it comes to summer style, capri pants are the perfect pick: They're comfy, look good on most women, and work for lots of occasions. To help you look great in your capris this season, follow our rules:

Rule 1: Pick the perfect length. Capris should fall to mid-calf. Avoid too-short capris that hit just below the knee, as they look more like clam diggers (read: dated!).

Rule 2: Choose the best cut and pattern. The most flattering capri pants fit close to the body (but not skin tight) and are straight-legged or have a slight flare. Avoid capris that are tapered, which can make your hips look disproportionately big; or those that are too wide, which can make you look like a sailor wearing high-waters. If you're looking to slim your hips, vertical stripes can work wonders. Stay away from big, bold prints unless you are really slender.

Rule 3: Wear the right shoes. Capris work best with flats or small heels (like kitten heels). Slides or flip-flops makes them weekend casual. The biggest no-no: High heels.

Rule 4: Learn to dress them up. While capris are easiest to wear on weekends, they're also appropriate for most office environments except the most conservative. To dress them up for work, choose capris in a fabric like linen, stretch cotton, or silk. Then pair them with a sleek sweater set or simple shell. Avoid wearing a suit blazer, which can throw off the proportion of the capris. If you must wear a jacket, look for a capri suit, or choose a close-fitting jacket with three-quarter-length sleeves.