Capris Are in Again—Here’s How to Style Them

Yes, you read that right. Capris are back in style. And this time around, they’re making sure that their influence on people’s wardrobes is stronger and longer-lasting than ever before. Created by fashion designer Sonja de Lennart in 1945, capri pants—which were introduced in de Lennart’s 1948 fashion collection called Capri—were unlike the typical wide and masculine-looking trousers women were wearing during that era.

Capris were three-quarters in length and had a tighter fit, and these features were what caught the attention of style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Grace Kelly. Between the late 1950s and early 1960s, capri pants rose in popularity—most especially in the Italian isle of Capri, from which they are named.

Although capris waned somewhat in popularity around the 1970s, they made a comeback in the mid-2000s. When famous figures like Rafael Nadal, Jodie Whittaker, and Kate Middleton started wearing capri pants, everyone else soon followed suit. 

Now that the early 2020s have rolled in, capris are making waves in the fashion industry once more and are being incorporated into a variety of classic and trendy looks. They’ve also evolved to meet the needs of the modern woman, and they’re now widely available in different fabrics, styles, colors, prints, and patterns. As such, it’s unsurprising that many of today’s fashion-forward women consider capris to be wardrobe staples for everyday activities, from workouts to coffee runs. 

If you’re new to styling capris for your everyday outfits, here are some useful tips for styling them: 

Choose a Capri Style That Flatters Your Body

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of dressing up with capri pants, the first thing you’ll want to do is to find a capri style that complements your body. Due to their design, some capri pants might fall a little short or beyond your mid-calf, which may cause an unflattering effect. 

When choosing a pair of capri pants to wear for everyday activities, you should always consider the length and style of the garment as well as your body’s proportions. For example, if you have a petite body type, it’s better to wear mid- or high-rise capris to create the illusion of long legs. 

On the other hand, if you have a toned body, wearing capris that fall just below the knee will make your calves look more defined. Remember to choose a pair of capris that truly makes you look good and brings out the best in you.

Properly Incorporate Capris into Your Activewear Outfits

One of the benefits of the capri style returning in the 21st century is that it can be tweaked to suit many modern fashion trends. High-quality women's leggings that come in the capri length, for example, have become popular additions to women’s activewear outfits. Their shorter length makes capri leggings both more stylish and less restrictive, giving wearers a boost in confidence while increasing their comfort levels during exercise. That makes them ideal for all sorts of fitness activities, like yoga, running, and biking.

To ensure that your capri leggings are doing you a favor, it’s a good idea to buy leggings that match your style. If you love to work out in an all-black outfit, for example, a dependable pair of black capri leggings will be easy to add to your wardrobe. Conversely, if you want your workout ensemble to stand out, you can get capri leggings that come in bright colors and feature cute details like mesh panels or bolder seams. It’s also a good idea to invest in high-quality capri leggings that come with pockets and a waistband for added support, durability, and convenience.

Pair Capris with Your Everyday Looks to Make Them More Fashionable

The capri trouser’s signature style and silhouette are actually quite versatile, and they can easily complement an array of everyday outfits. For example, if you want to up your casual ensemble, putting on a pair of capri denim jeans can pull the look together. 

The tightness of the capris makes for a stylishly stark contrast to an oversized tee, loose-fitting blouse, or tunic, giving your casual outfit a more balanced appearance. If you want to show more leg when donning your favorite athleisure tops, capris joggers will fit the relaxed and cozy vibe you’re going for.

Add Sophisticated Items and Elements to Create Stunning Office Ensembles with Capri Pants

Even though capris are shorter compared to typical trousers, they can be worn in formal settings like the office. You just have to choose the right capri length and style, as well as pay attention to the other elements in your outfit, to look more professional. 

Capri slacks that come in neutral colors like black, gray, taupe, and brown and that fall at least two inches below the knee are excellent options for office wear. You can pair them with a matching-colored blazer and a white blouse to give your ensemble a sophisticated, clean, and approachable look. This outfit also works well with a variety of office-appropriate shoes like flats, slingback heels, and pumps.

Indeed, capris offer endless possibilities for stylish outfits that suit various occasions and personal styles. From casual to chic to sophisticated to sporty, they can be easily tailored to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Experiment with different tops, layering techniques, and accessories to create unique looks that showcase your individuality. Thanks to the versatility of capri pants, you can confidently embrace this classic and trendy wardrobe staple and elevate your fashion game.