Itâs finally happening: Capri pants are back in the zeitgeist. And honestly, we couldnât be happier about it. Like other controversial bottoms of the recent pastâlow-rise denim, cargo pants, skinny jeansâtheyâve spent a moment in fashion jail. But thanks to some A-list endorsements and a slew of viral TikToks, the fashion trend is on the precipice of another golden age that could rival its â60s, â80s, and â00s heydays. (The 20-year trend cycle wins again.)
The style establishment is firmly pro-capri-pants right now. Hailey Bieber just styled a pair with strappy heels, while Emma Stone, Bella Hadid, and Meghan Markle have cosigned the silhouette within the past year. Chloé, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry included cropped pants in their spring-summer runway shows too. And look around any busy city streetâyouâll probably notice a stylish woman rocking capri leggings. Itâs really happening, and weâre not mad about it.
Glamourâs capri pants wish list
Best capri trousers
If youâre taking the trend to the office or a nice brunch, youâll need a slightly elevated pick. You can never go wrong with classic black or white, which really do go with anything. (Grapentâs straight-leg option is cropped just enough to enter capri territory, making it a great entry-level find.) Down to double-dip your trends? Try a gingham pair, since the classic print is also having a moment for summer; you can also make a statement in the colorful, textured picks below. Wear Mary Jane flats or kitten heels to keep your outfit feeling elevated.
Best capri leggings
Trusty leggings are perhaps the safest way to give this trend a go, since you probably already own a few cropped pairs anyway. Just throw on a black pair and a matching sports bra for a ridiculously easy entry point. Elsewhere, colored capris offer a touch more personality, whether you go low-key in a hoodie or aim to turn heads with a blazer or blouse.
Best capri jeans
Long, loose jortsâa close cousin of caprisâare going to be everywhere this summer. But for many of us, capri jeans are actually easier to style; cropped just below the knee, theyâre elevated and relaxed all at once. As with short trousers, stay away from sneakers in favor of dressier footwear like fisherman sandals and strappy heels; the high-low contrast feels now. Any of these picks would look incredible with a breezy button-down and ballet flats.
How to style capri pants
Gotham
âBut Glamour,â you say, âdidnât we, as a society, decide that capris are too hard to style well?â Weâll give you that oneâtheyâve been out of commission for a minute because theyâre hard to get right. But it can be done! The easiest way in is with a pair of slim black leggings or trousers; Bella Hadid went with a matching jacket and heels, and the look is pure elegance.
Style capri jeans as you would any other pair for a slightly dressy occasion; a tank top and mesh flats will ace the look, and weâll also suggest a white button-down and slingback heels. (Again, sneakers arenât quite right here, so go with loafers or any of the styles mentioned above instead.) Wider capris, also known as culottes or gauchos, look great with slouchy sweaters, tight-fitting T-shirts, or trim blazers. The most important part of any great capri pants look, though, is confidenceâwear them with the (rightful) attitude that youâre cool and ahead of the curve.