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If you’ve been on social media, you may have noticed capri pants are back for the warmer season. The ankle pants, which were popular in the 60s, has experienced a spring revival.
The same piece that was once favored by starlets Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly, is currently now one of the hottest trends of the moment.
When done correctly – the crop pants are comfortable, practical, and highly versatile. They can be dressed up or down, styled for the office, or paired with a button-down and flats for a casual walk.
That’s the beauty of the capri pant: They can be universally styled, whether that is elevated, or dressed down.
There are so many styles of capri pants on the market, from form-fitting to jean capris and pleather, so the best strategy for finding what works for you is to experiment. It comes down to the silhouette of the cropped pant.
They key is to balance the proportions of the slim fit pants and a looser top. The shoe choice is very important – kitten heels or ballet flats are two options that work for all ankle length pants.
Scroll below for inspo on how to wear capri pants for the spring/summer season.
Capri pants are gliding their way back into the spotlight. When in doubt, look to the starlets of the past. Classic black capri pants are the perfect base for a ’50s-inspired look à la Audrey Hepburn.
With a black cardigan and ballet flats, the look is a nod to Old Hollywood and one of the easiest ways to style the classic capri pant.
In their truest form, capris hit a few inches below the knee. Capris work on all women, regardless of body shape or body type.
A downside to the style is their ability to cut off your legs and make them look shorter. If you are like me and have shorter legs, style the piece with a pair of heels which help elongate the leg.
This combo oozes chic French-girl street style, but whatever the reason, capris and heels are certain to be everywhere.
Recently, there has been a shift in silhouettes. where many of the oversize, baggy pieces that dominated fashion are being replaced by more figure-defining designs.
Hourglass silhouettes are taking over. Cinched blazers have replaced upsized “dad” jackets. Capri pants have replaced a billowing, oversized pair of trousers.
If you’re tired of just throwing on a little dress in the summer months, why not try this fresh outfit formula?
Swap out the usual maxi dress for a pair of capris. Finish off with a vest-like top, perfect for the warmer weather.
If it’s feeling too fast, too soon for you with the capri pants return, ease into the calf-baring silhouette with a pair that has some stretch. It still has the capri length, but the relaxed vibe of trousers.
Style with a white top and a crossbody that has a pop of color for a spring look.
If you are not a fan of capri pants, why not try out this chic combination for summer? Usher in summer romance by pairing clean, classic capris with a delicate, feminine top.
Finish off the ensemble with white strappy sandals and an eye-popping bag.
With the cropped bottoms, it’s best to style them with a form-fitting top or a short top. If it is too baggy up top, it can mess up the proportions and can end up looking sloppy. ( However, some people can certainly pull it off. )
The style of pants has definitely been elevated and is now a modern day essential, not to mention they are practical and comfy for spring and summer.
No need for long pants during the fall season. There are different ways to take a pair of capris into the fall/winter months. Layering a coat or leather jacket on top really solidifies this look as a solid fall look.
An oversized leather jacket really complements the retro feel of the capris. The key here is to wear point-toe heels that make the look of your leg elongated, whether you have short legs or not.
Hitting just below the knee and designed with a high-waist, these capris are simple and feel like a subtle upgrade from full length leggings.
As for what to style them with: ballet flats or a kitten heel would be a good option- something that shows the instep of the foot for long-looking legs.
Style tip: capris are a great length to show off bold red ballet flats.
The nice thing about capris leggings is that they pull double-duty, as in you can wear them for yoga with sneakers and brunch dates with heels.
It allows someone to experiment with their personal style – they are the perfect segway to go from a casual look for the daytime to an early dinner look.
Another way to visually elongate your legs when wearing capris is to pair them with something structured on top, like a sweatshirt or fleece that hits high on the waist.
Bonus point for matching the leggings with the heels.
Embrace oversized silhouettes mixed with more fitted styles, especially if you have long legs. Those with a long torso will certainly benefit from an oversized blazer balanced with the capri leggings.
On the accessory front, add a handbag, chic sunnies, and gold earrings.