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Somewhere in the land of garment anarchy — nestled between skinny jeans and itty-bitty booty shorts — lies the routinely reviled capri pants. For the past decade, these cut-off bottoms have largely been relegated to the territory of long-gone trends. But today, fashion forces are bidding adieu to ankle pants and saying hello to cut-off slacks.
Yep, capri pants are trending
We first investigated the rise of the capri pants 2023 micro trend last summer, when celebs started sporting sartorial endorsements of the divisive style. And in recent months, the momentum has only continued, with the Spring 2024 runways chock full of stylish capri pants.
There were ruffled iterations at Coperni, loosely low-slung capris at Tory Burch and bow-adorned cropped leggings at Sandy Liang. Not to mention, street style stars like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have given capris the stamp of approval through their highly photographed outings.
Named after the island in southern Italy, these pants rose to popularity in the late 1950s and undoubtedly emit vacation-ready ease. After evolving through the years, they ultimately fizzled out of fashion’s favour in the 2010s. But now, they’re back in all iterations.
How to wear capris pants
As the runways indicate, there is no shortage of ways to wear capri pants. For those feeling more ambitious, layering a miniskirt on top of your cropped pants blends early aughts nostalgia with 2024 risk-taking sensibilities.
Plus, capri pants present the perfect opportunity for playing with proportions. Tight legging styles achieve visual balance when paired with voluminous tops, like billowing peplum tops. Capris are also great for accessorizing, be it with an unnecessary Y2K belt or a chunky statement necklace.
When in doubt, play with the patterns of your capris. Black may be eternally chic — but a leather print or checkered motif exudes confidence and artistic statement-making. Whichever style you choose, one thing’s for sure: Cropped pants are officially cool this summer.
The best capri pants to buy now
3.1 Phillip Lim compact rib capris
Athleisure and style come together with this pair of ribbed ankle pants by 3.1 Phillip Lim. Knitted from a compact viscose rib, they hug the body for a firm fit that keeps you feeling sophisticated and secure. Plus, the folded waistband give it an upgraded contemporary edge.
Arket ribbed capri leggings
Simplicity shines with Arket’s tight-fitting chocolate-coloured capri pants. Made of acetate, polyamide and spandex, they offer a subtle glossy sheen with just the right amount of stretch.
Featuring a high-rise fit and below the knee length, they’re an ideal basic complete with bottom vents for building out a chic summer outfit. Dress these up with one of these stylish blazers for women or get going-out ready with a tank top and a pair of kitten heels.
Anthropologie Maeve structured capri leggings
With their intricate stitching, Anthropologie’s capri pants strike a balance between structure and delicateness. The subtle V-cut waistline adds an elongating hourglass silhouette, while the soft flare at the hems gives the pants a retro effect.
Available in tall, petite and standard sizing, these stylish capri pants are meant to look good on every size. Pair them with a gingham red and white top and rosy makeup for optimal summer freshness.
Simons Contemporaine stretch slimming capris
Complete with a lined stretchy waistband, these designed-in-Canada pants are made for easy slip-on styling. Standout details — like trompe l’œil pockets — add intentionality, while practical elements like the hidden stretch mesh lining keep them feeling comfortable and body-hugging all day long.
Sandy Liang Solow capri
Featuring a skirt overlay, these Sandy Liang capris pants are an elevated ode to the controversial skirts-over-pants trend of the early 2000s. (Remember this controversial Katie Holmes Y2K fashion moment in 2022? That’s the vibe.)
Available in three colours — pastel pink, classic black and warm yellow — they were a standout favourite from Liang’s Spring 2024 collection thanks to their ability to blend wearability with whimsy. Made of polyester and spandex, they’re stretchy like activewear but elevated enough for a night out.
Musier Paris Corsair capri pants
If you’ve got an affinity for Parisian style, this one’s for you. Made in France, Musier Paris’s 100 per cent cotton capri pants are soft, comfortable, and brimming with easy-going chicness — like all the French girls do.
The lightweight raw denim hue adds a casual chic touch, while the side slit vents and low-rise fit give it an early aughts nostalgia.
Alo Yoga Airbrush V-Cut Define capri
Designed to hug any shape and size, Alo Yoga’s sculpting airbrush fit offers a four-way stretch that moves with you all day long. Free of side seams and tested by yogis, these leggings promise to keep you feeling lifted. Plus, the V-cut waistline works to accentuate the body’s hourglass silhouette.
Somebodee Gina capri pants
Nothing says vintage-inspired summer styling like gingham. These black-and-white print leggings check the boxes of both comfort and chicness, delivering a curve-hugging shape with a comfortable nylon-spandex blend.
Design-wise, dainty details like the lace lining give it the perfect feminine touch. Pair with sling-backs and a sleek purse for evening sophistication.
Topshop leopard print capri
In case you haven’t noticed, fashion is once again having a party with leopard print, which was one of the key Fall/Winter 2024 fashion trends. And it looks like the trend has legs (or should we say paws?).
These loose Topshop capris, with their playful print and below-the-knee cut, are a perfect statement pick. Beyond the standout pattern, subtle stitching at the waist and side-slit vents at the hems give them a retro flair. Pair with flat sandals, a black tube top and gold jewellery, and you’ve got a stylish night-out ensemble.
Cos knee-length shorts
Think baggier is better? These stylish capri pants are for you. Crafted with organic cotton and hitting satisfyingly below the knee, the billowy silhouette works to elongate your natural shape while offering the classic durability of denim.
What’s more, their washed grey hue gives them vintage versatility, whether they’re paired with the the best sneaker for women of the season or dressed up with a mule.
Frame high-rise easy capri pants
Wide-leg jeans have been the favoured cut (and the catalyst for inter-generational spats) for a few years now. And with the return of capris, the billowy bottoms take on a cropped identity. Frame’s true blue pants emit the ease of a classic pair of jeans with the summer breeziness of some of the best Bermuda shorts.
Featuring frayed edges and the perfect cut-off length, they’re a timeless staple. Pair with a linen button-up and ballet flats for a modern capri moment.
Veronica Beard Renzo pant
For the capri-curious office goer, these pleated Veronica Beard pants are a comfortable way to tap into the trend. The streamlined silhouette is professional and polished, while the asymmetrical statement gold buttons add some built-in accessorizing. Style with a tucked-in button-up and Mary Janes shoes for a polished ensemble that makes the workday more fun.
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