While nostalgic references of Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina and Roman Holiday in capri leggings offer no shortage of inspiration, today’s controversially-cut pants feel delightfully fresh when styled into a modern wardrobe. The trend’s comeback has been brewing since 2019, when Emily Ratajkowski first stepped out in black pedal pushers with a white bra top, oversized tan blazer, and simple black heels. On the runway, capris emerged at Chanel’s fall couture show in 2021, styled with a sheer belted cap-sleeve blouse, and then again at Coperni in the fall of 2022 with figure-hugging bodysuits and borrowed-from-the-boys blazers.
Denim and polka dot-printed pairs appeared in Jacquemus’s spring/summer 2023 collection, styled with larger-than-life raffia hats for a surrealist spin. Last autumn, The Row showed a tailored pair with a baby blue button-down neatly tucked into a red V-neck sweater, and worn over semi-opaque tights with heeled sandals. Most recently, capri pants cropped up in colourful striped and tweed takes at Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2025 show, as well as at Chanel’s 2026 resort presentation where they took on a looser, more culotte-like shape.
Capri pants have become a mainstay in celebrity wardrobes as well – Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Zoë Kravitz have all been spotted dressing up (and down) their black pairs this year. Bieber notably reinterpreted Miu Miu’s sporty pair when she styled hers with a barely-there thong sandal and cropped anorak, while Hadid gave her capris an evening spin by elevating them with glossy heels and a scarlet shoulder bag.
Shop eight looks that showcase capris at their best – elegant, effortless and always with a little bit of Audrey in mind.
The minimalist formula
A lace-trimmed cami, sporty jacket and heeled thong sandal create just the right amount of tension for black capris. Top it off with a pendant necklace and a woven bag – two perfect accessories for right now.
Weekend-ready
Lean into weekend ease with laidback staples like your go-to bomber and the perfect striped tee, throw on your favourite jazzy sneakers and statement tote bag to pull your easy outfit together.
Evening affair
Dress up capris with a kitten heel and black leather jacket – we love the idea of styling Dôen’s broderie anglaise top with a pair of sleek kitten heels for day-to-night elegance. A pair of sophisticated earrings and an ornate clutch bring a hint of drama.
Summer in the city
Nail summer-in-the-city dressing with an oversized linen button-down, little bikini top, and bright white capri pant. Drive the look home by slipping into a pair of flip-flops for a laidback, but chic, Sunday in the park.
Sporty style
Show up to your next Reformer class in a look Miuccia would be proud of: ballet sneakers, striped polo, and lightweight track jacket. Shades, plus and a generous application of SPF, invite a makeup-free morning.
Romantic boho
For sun-soaked afternoons that stretch into the night, dabble in opposites by pairing Loretta Caponi’s broderie anglaise top with cool-girl clogs and JW Anderson’s sequin bag. A seashell-adorned necklace gives it an instant summer feel – whether you’re on the Amalfi Coast or not.
Date night
Give capris the evening treatment with an oversized blazer, fitted cami and statement extras.
