Fifties-inspired clothing has bounded back into the fashion sphere - and we say quite rightly, too.
Considering fashion has continuously recycled trends from the Sixties, Seventies, Eighties, Nineties and (deep sigh) Noughties, it was about time that a sartorial relic of the Fifties took the spotlight once again. It has materialised in the form of capri pants.
Popularised in the 1950s when they were worn on the beautiful Italian isle that gave them their name, the cropped, knee-skimming trouser has been sported by VIP fashion personnel from Audrey Hepburn to Alexa Chung. Known for their preppy aesthetic, capris are typically styled with a crisp shirt and flats - fitting, given fashion’s ballet flat obsession.
Now the silhouette has taken on a whole new sartorial cachet, having been adopted by fashion houses from Acne Studios to Jacquemus and Magda Butrym. Sheer renditions featuring corsage detailing, wispy layers of tulle and undies-flashing mesh have breathed new life into the twee trousers.
It’s a much-needed shakeup; capri pants last made a splash in the 2000s, arguably the most divisive era of fashion, when Disney Channel stars hit the red carpet in skirts layered over capris partnered with a garish accessory like a feather boa. Cargo renditions were also a thing. All are footnotes in the history of capri pants that most would prefer to control-alt-delete.
Thankfully capri pants have garnered the support of stylish stars from across the globe since then. Jennifer Lawrence, Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid, Iris Law and Mia Regan have lended the design cult-cool persona, leaving brands such as Urban Outfitters, Weekday and Anthropologie to revive the piece.
Whether styling yours with Miu Miu pumps or cowboy boots, there are ample ways for capri pants to become the most versatile piece in your wardrobe. After all, if Carrie Bradshaw was a fan, then so are we.
Add a pair of summer-ready capri pants to your seasonal wardrobe and step out in style.
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Weekday Slim Fit Capri Trousers
Slip into summer by slipping into a classic pair of capris. Weekday’s timeless offering is an easy-wear bottom to finish with slingback mules for stylish summer soirees. Available in black and grey.
Buy now £44.00, Weekday
Mango Capri Leggings
Love them or hate them, capri pants are set to be a hit this summer. Slip into some heeled mules or kitten heels for a Gen Z-approved look.
Buy now £22.99, Mango
Frame High Rise Easy Capri in Wren
Turn out a dreamy denim look in Frame. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality denim, and these breezy capris are a must-have for warmer weather. They are made with recycled materials and soft-touch denim, all the more reason to invest.
Buy now £255.00, Frame
Arket Ribbed Capri Leggings
Look high fashion for less. Arket’s ribbed capris can be paired with a waistcoat and black slingback mules for a true It-girl ensemble. Add a clutch bag for evenings out and dazzle with a chic yet nostalgic aesthetic.
Buy now £47.00, Arket
Maeve Structured Bombshell Capri Pants
Wow in a retro pair of capris available to add to your online shopping basket via Anthropologie. While the red versions have flown off the shelves, the sister ebony-hued capris are ready to spark a wave of compliments during daytime summer dos.
Buy now £90.00, Anthropologie
H&M Crease-Front Capri Leggings
Tap into serene minimalism with H&M’s affordable capri trousers. Featuring crease-front detailing to catch the eye, the black bottoms are an easy-wear choice for coffee dates out.
Buy now £27.99, H&M
& Other Stories Capri Leggings
Radiate high-octane glamour this summer. Team & Other Stories’ simple yet sophisticated capris with some chunky gold jewels for evenings out when a frock isn’t on the agenda.
Buy now £55.00, & Other Stories
Karen Millen Techno Cotton Woven Crop Trousers
Look suited and booted, but in a summer state of mind. Karen Millen’s smart take on the casual capri can be worn with a tailored waistcoat and blazer for office parties and fashionable meetings. Choose from black or beige.
Buy now £67.15, Karen Millen
Acne Studios Lace-Trim Cropped Leggings
Look gorgeously girlish in gingham. Acne Studio’s red and cream checked trousers conjure up images of summer picnics and days in the park basking in the British sun.
Buy now £210.00, Farfetch
Lululemon Smooth Fit Pull-On High-Rise Cropped Pant
Put comfort first. Lululemon’s Smooth Fit Pull-On High-Rise Cropped Pants are crafted from soft-touch, sweat-wicking fabric, available in five neutral colourways. Use yours for post-gym mornings out or days mooching at home.
Buy now £118.00, Lululemon
Pull & Bear Smart Capri Trousers
Pull & Bear’s affordable capri trousers will enable you to look supremely suave on a budget. A thick waistband promises ample comfort while the all-black colourway is figure-flattering and sleek.
Buy now £19.99, Pull & Bear
We The Free Jam Session Relaxed Capri Jeans
Exude boyish charm in a pair of baggy denim capris. We The Free’s Jam Session Relaxed Capri Jeans marry a comfortable loose silhouette with a vintage denim appeal. Style yours with white trainers or biker boots and get ready to rule the streets.
Buy now £68.00, Free People
Peachy Den The Dion Capri
Peachy Den is a cult label with charm. The It-girl brand’s Dion Capris in radiant cherry are perfect for creating sweetheart style. A knee-length design in a woven construction feature in the sell-out trousers.
Buy now £110.00, Peachy Den
