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Yes, it’s true! Capri leggings are back. The resurgence has been growing for quite a while now, and the cropped length is poised for mega sartorial fame this spring.
Of course, capris aren’t anything new. They made their debut in the 1950s and experienced a glorious revival in the early 2000s. Like most trends, they never return exactly as they were before. They evolve in subtle ways that reflect the times. Last summer we spotted a few street style stars gravitating toward different variations of the knee-hovering look. And this year one particular style reigns supreme. The most relevant silhouette is a fitted design that feels like a natural transition away from the mass obsession with biker shorts. Those thigh-exposing micro lengths are receiving an upgrade with an over-the-knee iteration that still hugs the body but has an undeniably sophisticated touch.
Recently, Kendall Jenner demonstrated how effortlessly chic capri leggings can be with a sporty look elevated with polished ballet flats and a minimalist handbag. In the same vein, several street style stars are proving their versatility, pairing them with oversized blazers, vests, and button-down shirts.
This isn’t just a fluke that’s here today and gone tomorrow. Some of our favorite designers are leaning into the cropped moment this spring and well into next fall too. For the spring 2024 season, 16Arlington paired the cropped design with a ladylike jacket, while Coperni put a modern twist on business dressing. In the fall 2024 collections, Knwls included a cream pair styled with an off-the-shoulder knit sweater, whereas Rotate went bold with a red capri that would surely be a standout pick for holiday parties—especially when paired with a glamorous fluffy jacket.
Photo: Coperni
Photo: 16Arlington
Photo: Knwls
Photo: Rotate
Just like the return of any trend, it can be tough to figure out ways to make capris feel fresh and of the moment, but we’ve gathered six outfit formulas that make it easy—and they’re all below.
