Are Capris In or Out of Style?
Hi Deborah,
I’m sorting out my closet and notice I have several capris in different widths and lengths. Are Capris still in style? If so, which ones are the most modern, and what should I wear them? Thank you, Gabriela.
Hi Gabriela,
Good question! There’s always been some negativity around capris, which makes one wonder if they are still in style. The answer is YES, although not in a cutting-edge kind of way. Capris are a summer favorite for many women. Whenever I go to update this post, I have a hard time finding capris to link to because they are usually sold out. Somebody is buying them!
What are Capris? How do they Differ from Cropped Pants?
Capris are light, casual summer pants that are a shorter version of cropped pants. Whereas cropped pants end a few inches above the ankle, capris typically end around the midcalf. They can be skinny, wide, tapered, straight, flared; you name it.
This year the trend seems to be clean, unfussy, jean-style capris with a slim or straight-leg. I haven’t seen as many loose, relaxed, or flare capris or capris with a lot of busy details like multiple pockets, strings, zippers, etc.
Are Capris Flattering?
Capris have gotten a bad rap because they visually chop up the leg line and can make you look shorter, wider, and even frumpy. They’re not ideal if you have heavy legs, and you need to be sure they don’t end at the thickest part of your calves. They are most flattering when they end just above or below the calf. That sweet spot is the key to looking good in capris.
Here are some trending capris and what to wear with them this summer.
1. Cuffed Capris
If I were buying capris this summer, my first choice would be a cuffed, jean-style pair. These seem to be everywhere. The cuff is small; you just roll up the bottom of the capris once or maybe twice, and that’s the look! Light denim washes are also trending.
The modern way to style light wash is with a bold pop of color like this cute orange front-tie top. Chunky sports slides look relaxed and are super comfy. I’ve paired this outfit with some pretty earrings and this chic cream Tory Burch bag with the cool, new shape. I love the energy of this look. It really says summertime to me!
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2. Colored Capris
Women love color, especially in summer, which is why colored capris are so popular. Pink adds a feminine touch to a sporty look. These capris would be great to take on a cruise or traveling. Imagine how cute you’d look in all your vacation photos! I love the breezy top and the mix of vibrant colors in the print. White sneakers and creamy accessories let all that pink take the spotlight.
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3. Pull on Capris
Comfort has become increasingly important, and as a result, pull-on pants are selling like hotcakes. I’m not talking about your grandma’s stretch pants! These fabulous capris prove the elastic waistband pull-on style can be very chic. The no zipper, flat front on this capris makes it easy to wear with something like a thin white top and not have buttons or beltloops showing through.
I love the perfect taupe/green color of these capris with the beautiful brown raffia slides. These are new from Sam Edelman and come in several colors. Be sure to take a look by clicking through my shop the post and seeing the detail. And aren’t these gorgeous earrings just the perfect match?
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4. Print Capris
These blue and cream capris are different and lovely looking too. It’s nice to switch things up with a print every now, and this is an elegant one. I love the way the midnight blue tunic makes these jean capris pop. Wear this outfit with neutral accessories and gold jewelry for a regal vibe.
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5. Utility Capris
Some women prefer wider legs; in that case, these straight-leg capris are a fabulous look. These are linen, so they are light and breezy, and they have oversized front pockets to add some sporty utilitarian style. I like them with this romantic, flowy floral blouse. Throw on a pair of creamy espadrille sandals, a woven bag, and some modern earrings, and you have a classy, laid-back look.
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6. Denim Capris
Denim capris are a classic style, but add a new top with a cute boho vibe, and you get a fresh, new feel. Did you know that fab sandals and a stylish bag are the easiest way to refresh any outfit? White cushioned mules and a dressy navy chain link bag are a gorgeous way to uplevel a casual capris look.
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7. Button Fly Capris
Button Fly Capris add a nice touch to a pair of elegant, white denim capris. White is so easy to style, but it always looks chic with black. I love the cute, casual drawstring sleeve top, the black wicker mules, and quilted bag which elevates the look.
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Gabriela, I hope you’ve picked up a few good ideas for making these trending Capris look fabulous this summer. Ultimately, it’s not so much about what is in or out, but how you feel in your Capris and owning the look!
This article was helpful as I love tight or loose capris around the legs; it doesn’t matter.
Are you sure you want that pair of high-waisted jean shorts in there? LOL. I think anyone over 40 should skip that look. You’d have to look pretty impressive to pull that off without it looking like you never stopped wearing them since the 70s or 80s. Heaven forbid they get paired with a crop top!
I am 5’8″ with a long back, broad shoulders, and hips with an inseam just a bit longer than off the rack. I look great in full, long pants, but not so much capris. I tend to slim and somewhat form-fitting capris as they tend to modify an almost boxy look. Then I wear long tops.
Thanks for this post! Very helpful!!
This post is beneficial. Thank You
Hi, do you think a petite woman would be better with a longer leg style below the calve so as not to look shorter?
Hi Linden, Anyone will look taller wearing cropped (above the ankle) pants over a Capri because capris pants break the leg line. However, that doesn’t mean a petite has to avoid capris. If you want to wear capris, ensure it doesn’t end at a heavy point on your leg, like the middle of your calf. ( That goes for everyone) Petites should wear short tops with capris to look longer and leaner. A bit of a heel helps too, and neutral capris are better than bright capris, which will draw attention to your bottom half and short legs. I hope that helps, and thanks for dropping by!
I agree with your reply. I only wear crop pants. As a petite woman with short legs, I don’t need to make myself look shorter. I look at pictures of me wearing capris with long tops and think, what was I thinking? Reading various fashion blogs, this is the only one with positive thinking on capris.
I love the tops above (and the shoes!)
Thank you for this informative article. It appeared when I was trying to decide which length cropped pant was in style. Your information and pictures were so helpful! Thank You, Deborah!