Cropped ankle pants. Wide-leg trousers. Skinny jeans. These are the trendsetting pants of the summer season. So what style of pants is right for you? Many of us have found a label or style we love and we stock up on them. I've always loved fashion icon Lauren Bacall's advice: "I wear pants almost exclusively so I can sit like a truck driver. I own one dress — a long gown."

But if you need a little help finding your favorite wardrobe staple this season, here are some tips:

—Remember proportion. Mirrors can be your best friend. Really. There are so many lengths of pants to choose from this year that you should be able to find a style that flatters your body shape. Balance is key. The popular wide-leg cropped pants may be one of the hardest silhouettes to work with, but it's also a great way to get the look of a skirt with the comfort of pants. If you're short, consider wearing heels or platforms with this look. Keep the top fitted. With slimmer pants, you can add a fuller top like a tunic or boxy jacket.

—Choose work or play. Yes, you may be able to wear your favorite pants to work and on the weekends, but chances are you will not want to wear your distressed jeans to the office. The new high-waisted trousers are perfect for projecting a professional yet stylish option for work environments. Keep them on the soft side, perhaps in linen or silk, for a cooler choice this summer. Then pair more of a structured jacket or short, cropped top with them.

—Focus on the ankle. It's the latest erogenous fashion zone. Pants that hover right around the ankle are not going anywhere. Whether they're wide and flowing, or skinny and cinched, there are lots of shorter pants shaping up for the warm weather ahead. Don't be afraid to have your favorite seamstress or tailor add or subtract a few inches to give you the most flattering length. And when trying on pants or having alterations done, don't forget to bring the shoes you plan on wearing.

—Ditch the details. This is a personal preference, of course, but we've all seen the results of baggy pleats, zany zippers, holey patches and bulging pockets. Be a little particular about pants with details that may detract from the most flattering silhouette.

—Don't be afraid of prints. Another top trend this summer: printed pants. But these can be tricky to wear. Floral designs may be best worn at the beach or at a resort and not on city streets. Instead, stick to graphic patterns that are more sophisticated. Pants that looked like they've been splashed with paint are another hot trend. If you do wear printed pants, concentrate on wearing solid colors on top.

—Try something new. Yes, we may all have our favorite pants, but why not experiment. Live a little! Summer is the perfect time to try something new. This summer, the "sheer over opaque" trend is big. Think shorts underneath a layer of sheer chiffon. It's the ultimate in easy, breezy summer chic.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com