The Return of Capris Is Nigh—Are You Ready For It?

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Another day, another ’90s/early aughts comeback. As if plucked from the pages of a Delia’s catalog, capri pants are gliding their way back into the spotlight. It’s been a couple of decades since this calf-baring silhouette felt ubiquitous, but rumblings on both the street style and designer circuit point to an almost certain revival.

For starters, Sandy Liang gave the pants her stamp of approval—which is usually a strong indication a trend is emerging (proof: bows). Her spring 2024 runway debuted pink pedal pushers styled with graphic tees as well as a pair of black cutout capris worn with a sporty spaghetti strap tank (cue the ballet girlies). Another endorser of the trend’s return? Bella Hadid, purveyor of all things early 2000s. The model recently illustrated how to accessorize capris with flats in a palate-cleansing monochrome look, a combination that feels all too easy to recreate.

While some days the fashion cycle feels like a constant regurgitation of comebacks and revivals from eras past—some more welcome than others—in the case of capri pants, I’m welcoming this lighthearted silhouette back not just for the hit of nostalgia but also because there are some pretty gah-inducing options to choose from right now. Ahead, 16 ways to translate this retro staple to 2024, just in time for spring’s arrival.

Virginia Pant

A great starter capri here. Cut from a sculpting Ponte-twill fabric and detailed with a cute slit at the hems, this solid black pair would be so easy to style with a chunky cardigan and kitten mules for Scandi vibes.

Capri Wool Pants

Polish designer Magda Butrym has nailed the whole unapologetically bold genre, and her take on capri pants has me itching for a tailored pair with a matching hourglass blazer. Finish the look with simple slingbacks to keep it sleek.

Compact Rib Capris

For a slightly sportier take, these ribbed capri pants come with a foldover waistband. They’d play nicely with an oversized graphic tee (with a jean jacket layered on top) and paired with socks and sneakers.

Maldives Plaid Drawstring Leg Capri Pants

I’m not going to pretend pink plaid drawstring capris are for everyone—it’s a direction. But if your personal style tends to skew toward colorful, expressive, maximalist separates, then this pair from Collina Strada is perfect. Style these with a cropped white tee and espadrilles for a spring picnic.

Le High Cropped High-Rise Slim-Leg Jeans

If it’s feeling too fast, too soon for you with the capri pants return, ease into the calf-baring silhouette with a pair of slim crop jeans. This pick from FRAME comes in a versatile indigo wash and would look charming with an airy blouse and mules.

Abigail Pointelle Drawstring Capri Pants

The kind of pants that I can imagine worn by an extra on the set of She’s All That, these cherry red woven capris are oh-so-sweet. Style them with a peach-fuzz-colored cardigan and a trench coat for a tonal approach.

Beige Check Trousers

Quickly selling out but worth calling out—these mesh gingham capris are the crème de la crème of capris. Wear them with a printed top and sandals or even tuck them under a dress for a unique layering combination; they can do it all.

Drew Capri Pant

Hitting just below the knee and designed with a ruched waistband, these capris are simple and feel like a subtle upgrade from classic leggings. Keep following that direction and wear them with a ballet-inspired knit top and flats.

Imogen Pedal Pusher Pant

Classic black capri pants are the perfect base for a ’50s-inspired look à la Audrey Hepburn. Wear this pair with a Breton stripe tee and flats for a nod to Beatnik style.

Petal Pusher

I was this many days old when I learned my wardrobe was missing a pair of transparent lace capris. These sweet (but also hot!) pants look fetching with the matching top and cardigan, and the playful spin on the name (petal pushers) is like catnip to my soul.

Louis Vuitton Silk Pant

Since capri pants are a retro silhouette, it’s only fitting that your hunt for the perfect pair includes vintage finds. This one, specifically, from Louis Vuitton, is elegant and delightful with its crop flare hem and floral embellishments.

Callias Knit Capri

Petal pink capris with bow ties and a delicate ribbed knit texture? Ding, ding, ding! You can toughen these up a bit by layering them with a graphic tee and leather jacket.

Thilde Slit-Cuff Pintucked Jersey Leggings

Aside from the fact that I’ll wear just about anything The Row tells me to, this pair feels particularly special thanks to the pintuck creases and front-and-center slits. Style them with a crisp poplin shirt (oversized) and leather sandals (chunky).

Caraco Cropped Wool-Blend Slim-Leg Pants

hot capri pants? Yes, if you’re asking Jacquemus. This slim-fit pair is designed with lingerie-inspired straps and gold-toned hardware for a decidedly modern take on the silhouette.

311 Shaping Skinny Capri Jeans

If you’re new to the world of capris and need an outfit that doesn’t feel too directional, look no further than denim pedal pushers styled with a classic white tee and jean jacket. Dress it up with strappy sandals or down with ballet flats or espadrilles.

Posie Pedal Pusher Pant

Usher in spring romance by pairing these clean, classic capris with a delicate top (something along the lines of what Jeanne Damas might wear to brunch). Finish your ensemble with everyday heels and a straw bag.

Tudor Capri Blanche

Available in both black and white, these cotton capris are designed with covered buttons in the front and back for a touch of regal whimsy. Wear them with the matching top for an A+ party look.

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