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How to Style Capri Pants, Summer 2026’s Trending Pant Silhouette

Meet the once-controversial cropped hemline style defining the season's hottest looks (and shop the best capri pants of the year).

Stacia Datskovska, Camila Quimper

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July 16, 2026, 6:52pm

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assortment of the best capri pants for women overlaid on two street style photos of people wearing cropped pants; shop best capri pants, leggings, jeans online

Courtesy TheStewartofNY, Christian Vierig/Getty Images, Manufacturers

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Fashion’s fascination with nostalgia continues to reshape summer 2026, but this season’s most unexpected revival isn’t a handbag or a shoe — it’s the capri pant. The mid-calf silhouette, once synonymous with Audrey Hepburn’s effortless elegance and later embraced throughout the ’90s, has quietly become one of the most defining wardrobe staples of the present day.

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Designers were among the first to signal the shift. Spring 2026 collections from Ralph Lauren, Proenza Schouler, Dries Van Noten, Maison Margiela, and Carolina Herrera reintroduced capri pants in everything from tailored suiting to slim knit separates, while Khaite and Jacquemus demonstrated how the style could feel sleek, modern, and undeniably sophisticated.

Beyond the runways, capri pants are being cosigned by fashion insiders who are emulating the city-chic aesthetic of 2000s sartorial legends like Carrie Bradshaw and generating thousands of TikTok likes in the process. The fictional character, after all, was a fan of the cropped pant trend that boomed during the early aughts: donning them in many “Sex and the City” scenes with striped blazers, vibrant headscarves, and other masterful matches.

Celebrities, it’s safe to say, are quickly following suit. Beyoncé’s pinstriped Giuseppe di Morabito look and Rihanna’s leather Saint Laurent ensemble during Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium performances helped thrust the trend into the spotlight very recently. They join a growing list of capri pant devotees that includes Jennifer Lopez, Tessa Thompson, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Barbara Palvin, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner.

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But how did it all begin? The original capri pants can be traced back to German fashion designer Sonja de Lennart during World War II. Rebelling against the notion that trousers were strictly for men, de Lennart designed a pair tailored to her petite frame, naming them “Capris” as an ode to the Italian island where her family vacationed.

After debuting in 1948, the pants — also referred to as pedal pushers, nodding to their made-for-cycling length that avoided getting caught in bike wheels — quickly gained traction and landed in the U.S., where they were welcomed by Hollywood’s inner circle.

Capri pants’ icon status stateside was solidified courtesy of a breakout appearance in “Roman Holiday.” Once leading lady Hepburn was seen in the style, everyone wanted to own it, and de Lennart’s hero product was later worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor: who no doubt appreciated its originally rebellious intentions and contemporary appeal.

Audrey Hepburn poses for a publicity photo to promote the film “Sabrina,” released the year after “Roman Holiday.” Clearly, her affection for capri pants stuck around long after she was introduced to Sonja de Lennart’s pieces. Courtesy Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Today, capri pants take the form of leggings, too, and come in many different materials: from denim and cotton to the canvas that makes up some cargo variations. The attire’s controversial element has to do with its leg-shortening effect if the hemline isn’t the right length. To avoid this, opt for a pair that hits as close to the knee as possible and fits without cutting off your proportions.

Also, complement your capri pants with shoes that reveal the front of the feet for an added lengthening effect (kitten heel sandals are stellar, with this combination appearing on Bieber and Thompson alike).

Because of their tight-fitting nature in most cases, it’s best to style capri pants with something looser and more fluid on top, like a cape-sleeve blouse. Worried about your curves getting lost in all that fabric? Go the opposite route and stick to body-skimming camisoles.

Nicole Scherzinger, Bella Hadid, Elizabeth Olsen, and Julia Fox are all partial to showing some ankle. Courtesy The Hapa Blonde, XNY/Star Max, 305pics/Getty Images

For a more corporate-approved spin on the trend, consider tucking a starched button-up into high-waisted capri pants; so as to avoid excessive matchiness, stick with neutral coordinates if you’re wearing patterned capri pants or spice up an off-white pair with a polka-dotted halter tank.

Capri pants in the leggings category can easily work with a bra-bikini hybrid under a blazer, and jean ones practically beg to be showed off alongside Y2K-coded bags, hairbands, and other accessories that will take you back to a simpler time. Still don’t see the vision? We’ll be providing some outfit ideas ahead.

Given their current trendiness, there’s no shortage of capris on the market to choose from, but the below selections will have the highest payoff in terms of seasonal styling. From gingham-printed picks to longer versions of jorts, these are the best capri pants of the summer, according to our editors.

Top Capri Pants to Shop Now

Skims Cotton Jersey Foldover Capri

$64

Buy Now at skims

Kim K’s label is making a strong case for the wear-everywhere capri pant with this Cotton Jersey offering, a top seller beloved for its sumptuously soft feel and flattering profile. Thanks to that unique, foldover waistband and stretchy fabrication, the pair also doles out an accommodating fit while enhancing the body’s natural shape.

Three colorways of these pants are in stock as we speak, making them a no-brainer addition to whatever else is in your warm-weather style arsenal. Pro tip: Complete the look with a fitted tank plus jelly sandals.

Price upon publish date of this article: $64

Reformation Gale Satin Mid Rise Capri Pant

$198

Buy Now at reformation

A more directional take on the obsession in question, wide-leg capris bring volume and movement to the table: maintaining a tailored trouser structure with a shorter hem. Balance out the visual equation with streamlined add-ons like a tucked-in shirt or curve-hugging blazer. In elevated textiles like satin, such pants feel polished enough for the office, and Reformation’s relaxed-fit Gale is proof of concept.

Price upon publish date of this article: $198

Posse Chiara Gingham Stretch Cotton Capri Pant

$290

Buy Now at nordstrom

The gingham pattern on these Chiara capris from Posse pays homage to the O.G. trend while ushering it into the modern wardrobe. Featuring hidden side-zip closure and a midweight weave, the pants have ample flexibility that doesn’t come at the cost of shape retention. Don in conjunction with your go-to Tabis, and thank us later for the suggestion.

Price upon publish date of this article: $290

Commando Faux Leather Capri Legging

$118

Buy Now at revolve

High-quality capris can take you from morning errand run to night on the town, and leather never disappoints in the versatility department. This Commando release boasts an elastic waistband for “slip on and go” ease; crafted out of high-shine faux leather, the pants also have a hem that hits just below the knee (remember how we said this is the most ideal scenario?).

Here, an off-the-shoulder blouse is just what’s needed, and make sure you don’t leave home without throwing on those kitten heels.

Price upon publish date of this article: $118

Athleta Elation High Rise Crop Flare Legging

$48.99 $89 45% off

Buy Now at athleta

With their flowy fit from the knee onwards, these workout-friendly capris channel the laid-back athleisure ethos of the early 2000s. Lightweight, smooth like butter, and optimized by an “unpinchable” waistband, per the brand, the Elation High Rise Crop Flare Leggings will become your loyal companions for dance lessons, hot yoga, and casual days on the go. The good news? They come with a pocket. The better news? The pants frequently go on sale, bumping the total down to under $50.

(Shoppers report that the style runs a bit small, so sizing up may be the move.)

Price upon publish date of this article: $48.99

Gap Mid Rise Belted Culotte Barrel Pant

$79.95

Buy Now at gap

PSA: Not every capri has to be skin-tight. Gap’s denim culotte version offers covetable roominess that will maximize your range of motion. Manufactured out of 100-percent cotton, it’ll naturally relax after just a few wears, and that belt can be kept or taken off at will. For a streetwear-inspired final result, style with chunky dad sneakers and a jersey (it’s the summer of sports, after all).

The pictured product’s Moss Green counterpart has almost fully depleted in inventory online, so act fast if you like what you see. Its relatively affordable price tag makes the pair a budget-conscious way to embrace the capri pant fascination — urging you to try it out if you’re still on the fence.

Price upon publish date of this article: $79.95

Norma Kamali Capri Legging

$150

Buy Now at revolve

Previously styled by Emily Ratajkowski in two distinct ways, these Norma Kamali leggings are a no-frills, go-with-everything buy that will help you look put-together to the max without sacrificing comfort. If you ask Ratajkowki, she’ll likely tell you to put the capri pants in conversation either with a color-blocked, long-sleeve varsity tee or a split-fr o nt blazer. In other words, the classic black leggings style is completely adaptable and easy to dress up or down.

Price upon publish date of this article: $150

Desigual Capri Cargo Pant

$169

Buy Now at nordstrom

Another early aughts favorite, cargo pants remain a must for all style-savvy It-girls. Loose-fitting, made from durable materials, and equipped with multiple pockets (every woman’s dream, honestly), they take into account your day-to-day life rather than being impractical eye candy. Move freely this summer with the Desigual Capri Cargo Pants on, which will do their best work when mixed with itty-bitty corset tops — layering some femininity over all that tomboyish edginess.

Price upon publish date of this article: $169

Levi’s Wedgie Capri

$89.50

Buy Now at levi’s

For an even heftier dose of throwback energy, let yourself be swayed by denim capri pants — a simple swap for jean shorts when you’re craving added coverage. This iteration (already sold out in lighter washes) benefits from all the qualities Levi’s is known for, top-tier craftsmanship and trend-aware design sensibilities included.

Going out? Striped, oversized button-ups and pointed-toe pumps will be your best friends here (as tempting as it may be, we advise against the calf-swallowing cowboy boots). Don’t have anything formal planned? A classic white tee and retro sneakers will do the trick.

Price upon publish date of this article: $89.50

NikeSkims Matte Women’s Printed Cropped Legging

$56

Buy Now at skims

Skims and Nike’s internet-breaking joint brand might seem like an unlikely source of capri pants you can wear beyond the studio, but here we are. Marked by activewear‘s best attributes (sweat-wicking tech; four-way stretch; resistance to wear and tear; breathability; skin-smoothing fabric) and a coquettish ditsy floral print, the NikeSkims Matte Cropped Legging will make you the center of attention from pilates class to the farmers market run.

Put on with a wraparound top or a V-neck polo tee, and you’re off to the races.

Price upon publish date of this article: $56

How to Style Capri Pants

Posse Chiara Gingham Stretch Cotton Capri Pant Styled With: Aritzia InterLock Cotton Script Top ($45), NikeSkims Rift Mesh Shoe ($150), Clare V. Pot de Miel Bag With Bamboo Handle ($265), 8 Other Reasons Shell Earrings ($23) Courtesy Manufacturers

Norma Kamali Capri Legging Styled With: Paige Edina Blazer ($429), Staud Freja Leather Thong Sandal ($295), Marc Jacobs The Cristina Small Satchel ($358) Courtesy Manufacturers

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Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Authors

Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an Assistant Digital Editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, wrote about tentpole sales, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on seasonal fashion trends worth investing in.

Camila Quimper is a Commerce Writer at Penske Media, where she covers fashion, beauty, luxury shopping, and the latest trends across WWD, Footwear News, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Rolling Stone. Previously, Quimper was a Commerce Editor at E! News, and her work has also appeared in Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, i-D, Dazed, and other publications. Before joining E! News, Quimper got her start in e-commerce at Hearst Magazines, testing products alongside the Good Housekeeping Institute team, covering major shopping events, and curating gift guides. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism from London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London and loves reporting on designer launches and the best luxury finds to add to cart.

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How to Style Capri Pants, Summer 2026’s Trending Pant Silhouette

In this article

View More

Best Capri Pants to Buy Online: Summer 2026 Edition

Skims Cotton Jersey Foldover Capri

Reformation Gale Satin Mid Rise Capri Pant

Posse Chiara Gingham Stretch Cotton Capri Pant

Commando Faux Leather Capri Legging

Athleta Elation High Rise Crop Flare Legging

Gap Mid Rise Belted Culotte Barrel Pant

Norma Kamali Capri Legging

Desigual Capri Cargo Pant

Levi’s Wedgie Capri

NikeSkims Matte Women’s Printed Cropped Legging

Related Articles

Top Capri Pants to Shop Now

Skims Cotton Jersey Foldover Capri

Reformation Gale Satin Mid Rise Capri Pant

Posse Chiara Gingham Stretch Cotton Capri Pant

Commando Faux Leather Capri Legging

Athleta Elation High Rise Crop Flare Legging

Gap Mid Rise Belted Culotte Barrel Pant

Norma Kamali Capri Legging

Desigual Capri Cargo Pant

Levi’s Wedgie Capri

NikeSkims Matte Women’s Printed Cropped Legging

How to Style Capri Pants

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Authors

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