Capri Pants Are Tricky—Here’s How I’m Making Them Work
And how not to look like you’re boarding a cruise ship.


Cropped, close-fitting, and slightly controversial, capri pants are officially back for another spin around fashion’s trend cycle. Once championed by '60s-era Hollywood starlets, like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot, this calf-skimming trend has since made its way onto the Spring 2025 runways of modern labels like Sandy Liang, OpéraSPORT, and Filippa K. To no surprise, the style has trickled down from designer catwalks to the coveted closets of fashion enthusiasts.
Marie Claire Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs tells me that she’s a staunch advocate for capri pants. “I consider the cropped pants a cult classic—up there with ballet flats and Breton stripe shirts,” she says. “I own a pair of black stretchy capris from H&M and typically wear them with either a button-down shirt or a minimal black long-sleeve (à la Audrey) with my favorite Prada kitten heels to tie the vintage-inspired look together.”
Like my savvy colleague, I prefer a polished approach to wearing capris, often coordinating them with sharp blazers and lofty mules for days in the office. However, if I’m in a laid-back mood, I’ll pair these pants with oversized T-shirts and retro sneakers for errand runs and casual city strolls. As for my chosen style, I opt for high-waisted capri pants with lengthy mid-calf hems, which create an elongated look, considering I'm borderline petite at 5 feet 4 inches.
With endless styling options available this season, there’s no better time than now to indulge in the capri pants trend. Scroll on for 20 options that will help you do just that, from neutral variations to statement-making alternatives featuring pinstripes, gingham prints, and lace.
Shop the Capri Pants Trend:
I tried on Everlane’s Dream Capri pants last week and instantly fell in love. The silhouette offers a flattering slim fit without being too tight. Plus, these bottoms are made from soft, stretchy cotton, delivering an extra dose of comfort.
You might know Levi’s for their standard straight-leg jeans, but don’t overlook the brand’s capri pants. Featuring a simple form and drenched in a deep dark wash, these bottoms will cycle seamlessly through your rotation of warm-weather outfits.
Enhance your assortment of summer work uniforms with Lamarque’s Celine pants. They’re cut from pristinely stitched twill fabric, so they closely resemble refined tailored trousers.
If you’re looking to test the waters of summer 2025’s capri pants trend but don’t want to spend a fortune, make a splash with this $15 pair from Lioness. Act quickly, though—these slacks are on sale, so they’re bound to fly off the shelves soon.
Aritzia’s Scribe capris flaunt a timeless, form-fitting look that celebrates ‘60s fashion. Slip into these retro slacks with a crisp blouse and a pair of Mary Janes to turn up the old-school volume even more.
While Childs’s favorite H&M capris are currently sold out, I found a similar pair from the beloved brand. Follow the fashion editor’s style playbook by pairing these pants with a button-down and kitten heels.
Gingham is a quintessential summer print, so why not embrace the season of sweltering heat with Frankie Shop’s Parlour pants? Made from lightweight poplin fabric, these capris will keep you cool and comfortable.
Damson Madder’s capris stand apart from the others with ruffled cuffs that add a hint of texture. These pants also showcase the brand’s signature logo, which is embroidered on the back pocket for a unique touch.
While COS’s capris are regarded as “slim,” they actually offer a relatively loose fit compared to their counterparts. Pull on these pants if you’re not in favor of a skin-tight shape.
Y2K fashion is back in full swing, and denim capris are leading the charge. Travel back in time with this version of the trend from Gap.
While some capri pants are cropped at the knee, others feature a longer design. With a calf-skimming hemline, Lovers and Friends’s Marnie pants fall into the latter category.
There’s something so elegant about the subtle flare of these capri pants. Style them with a frilly top and slingbacks if you’re feeling sophisticated.
Doused in an inky indigo colorway that feels effortlessly cool, Still Here’s capris are perfect for endless late nights on the town. Pair them with a sculpted tube top and sky-high platforms for an easygoing going-out getup.
Not afraid to show a bit of skin? Embrace the naked dressing trend with La Porte’s sultry capris adorned in delicate lace.
FP Movement’s capris showcase a sporty twist with a relaxed silhouette, breathable mesh fabric, and functional drawstrings. You’ll want to slip into these bottoms if you’re planning to break a sweat.
What I love most about Good American’s cropped bottoms is that they come in a range of sizes, from 00 to 24, making the capri pants trend accessible to women of various shapes and sizes.
For your next gym day, consider wearing Alo Yoga’s ‘90s-inspired capri leggings. Not only do they have a super soft feel, but they’re also undeniably stylish and will pair well with a streamlined sports bra and chunky sneakers.
The girlhood aesthetic is still thriving, and Miaou’s capri pants are evidence of that. Adorned with delicate bows, these bottoms showcase a delightful feminine flair.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Lauren is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes trend reports, shopping pieces, and celebrity news stories. Prior to Marie Claire, Lauren worked for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE as a freelance editor with a specific focus on seasonal styles and coveted products. She also worked for Town & Country, where she developed a robust portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.
Lauren graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism. While attending Penn, Lauren contributed to the university's fashion magazine, The Walk, while also interning for Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.
When she’s not exploring the world of fashion, you can find Lauren sharpening her skills as a DJ, discovering new restaurants in New York City (she’s a foodie), and spending quality time with friends and family. Follow her along at @laurenktappan.
-
The Little Silk Scarf That Whispers Old Money
The secret to looking like you live in a Soho loft.
-
Kendall Jenner Pregames the Met Gala in a $14,170-Worth of Her Favorite Designer
If this is her off-duty look, I can only imagine what Monday's event will bring.
-
I'm Going on Vacation Next Week—These 15 Amazon Beauty Sale Finds Are Coming With Me
Don't sleep on these warm weather staples.
-
This Elegant $50 Silk Scarf Is a Low-Key Status Symbol
The secret to looking like you live in a Soho loft.
-
Granny's Freaky Garden Clogs Are Summer's New Lo-Fi Shoe Obsession
The style has quietly morphed into this summer’s cult obsession.
-
The Vintage-Inspired Boho Bags New Yorkers Can’t Stop Carrying
Shop the styles driving the vintage revival.
-
The Summer 2025 Shoe Trends Stylish Women Will All Wear in Two Months
Get a head start.
-
Padlocks, Suede, and Fringe: The Boho Bag Trend Is Back, Baby
Accessorize like an Olsen twin this spring.
-
Take It From a Fashion Editor: These Summer 2025 Trends Are Certified Compliment-Magnets
Don't wait until June.
-
I’m Choosing These Retro Sneakers Over Every Other Shoe Trend
Footwear designers are on a vintage kick, and I'm all for it.
-
TikTok's Viral Beaded Lobster Bag Has Reached Its Boiling Point
A $34.99 purse from T.J. Maxx has sparked a nationwide scavenger hunt.