People Are Wearing the Capri Pants Trend Again

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media, you've probably stumbled on videos dedicated to the return of the capri. Enter "Capri pants trend 2024" into the search bar on TikTok, and the top videos have millions of views and thousands of comments.

But the trend, which intrigues and bewilders, is nowhere near novel. Not to be confused with pedal pushers, which were originally designed as cycling apparel with a knee-slit, the Capri pants, a mid-calf length bottom, was the brainchild of German fashion designer Sonja de Lennart. She designed the style in 1948 and named it for Capri, Italy, her favorite European seaside retreat. Over 75 years later, the trend is taking off in the same, coquettish genre of dress made popular by American film icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Marilyn Monroe, who favored the abbreviated pant hemline and paired them quintessentially retro with ballet flats. People contributing to the Capri pants conversation span the gamut, from excited Gen Z'ers to skeptical Millenials to naysaying Gen X'ers— each with their own take on the trend.

Renia Jaz, also known as @venswifestyle to her hundreds of thousands of social media followers and widely recognized as a leading age diversity advocate in the fashion industry, tells Marie Claire that capri pants are fondly tied to her youth, inspired by the movie stars who wore them. “[When I was younger], I always styled them with a voluminous top and flats—I think back then I [was trying] to imitate Brigitte Bardot," she says.

But not everyone is championing the trend's resurgence, thinking back to the fashion faux pas of the late '90s and early aughts. The style, which became an unofficial pop star uniform for musicians like Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, and Christina Aguilera, was edgier–some might argue cringe–and in stark contrast to the ladylike looks of Jaz's childhood. “Capris were ubiquitous in the 1990s and 2000s, and once they were gone, they were considered obsolete and kitsch,” says Jaz.

Love it or leave them, Capri pants might have more legs in 2024 than we thought, gradually on the cusp of influencing the wider fashion arena. On the Spring '24 catwalks, Coperni put a sporty spin on the style, sending cropped pants with dangling drawstrings down the runway. Tory Burch took a "she means business" approach, showcasing a pair of tailored capri trousers alongside a blazer that would fit nicely into any spring work wardrobe. Ferragamo's collection featured a pair of black fitted pants that practically mirrored Audrey Hepburn's famous 1950s capris.

“It seems to me that the trend is not a one-season hit because Scandi girls' favorite brands [like] Rotate and Ganni are also including capris in their future Fall 2024 collections," Jaz notes.

Fashion's celebrity set has also adopted the calf-baring pants. Stylish A-listers like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski have all co-signed the style, teaming their cropped bottoms with fitted tops and blazers for leisurely dog walks and nights out on the town.

While a style back in fashion doesn't always come in peace, according to Jaz, who recently took to her platform to showcase capri pants and styling tips, mastering the trend can actually be quite simple and versatile.

A potential wardrobe hero? Maybe! Here's Marie Claire's capri pants edit to try them for yourself.

Shop the Capri Pants Trend

For a Casual Outing

Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch with your girls or simply taking a casual stroll around your neighborhood, laid-back activities call for relaxed fabrics like denim and cotton. "For a casual event, capri pants will create a great duo with a bomber jacket," says Jaz.

For a Night Out

Dance the night away in a pair of leather capris in a sleek black or brown hue. Jaz suggests adding a satin jacket, a white shirt, and statement jewelry to elevate your look for evening occasions. "This kind of outfit will make you look like a star from the Old Hollywood era," she notes.

For the Office

You can still wear capri pants if your office leans into a corporate aesthetic. "I think they are a great component of a modern suit," says Jaz. The content creator recommends styling yours with a blazer or a trench coat. She styled her Magda Butrym cropped pants and blazer with a pair of Alaïa mule pumps, earrings, and a Le Teckel bag.

For the Weekend

Whether your weekend plans involve running errands or decompressing at home, capri pants offer many comfort-forward options to try. Couple a soft cotton, cashmere, or nylon capri with a crewneck sweatshirt or a soft cardigan and a pair of sneakers or clogs.

Renia Jaz

Renia Jaz is a fashion content creator. Jaz uses her social media platforms to inspire her followers to explore fashion, regardless of their age.