I can't really wear either as my legs are big and short. Cutting the pant leg off before it gets to the ground just makes me look even more 'hobbit-like'.

Hell, even long shorts are a bad look for me.

I would try them on and see how you feel in them. I think that the dressiness factor is determined more by the style and the fabrication than by the length of the pant. Cropped cargo pants will look much more casual than a fine twill capri, you know? Add a elastic/stretch and drawstrings, and they get even more casual.

I do wish I had longer legs, because these types of pants can really add a lot of variety to ones wardrobe!