Are Capri Leggings Really Back? Here’s the Fail-Proof Way to Wear Them in 2024

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Capri pants conjure up a variety of memories, from classic images of Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina and Roman Holiday (hers were designed by Sonja de Lennart for her iconic 1948 Capri collection and styled by Edith Head) to ’90s associations with Delia’s catalogs and a particularly voluminous top over short fitted pants donned by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Whatever your nostalgic references with the trousers are, there’s no denying the pant named after the magical town on the Amalfi Coast of Italy is having a moment again.

Vogue’s Favorite Capri Pants:

• The ’50s-Inspired: Rag & Bone Simone Ponte capri pants, $198
• The Slim-Fit: Vince mid-rise slim-fit capris, $245
• The Crisp White: Frame Jetset capris, $198
• The Tailored-to-Perfect: The Frankie Shop Emersyn woven capri pants, $240
• The Denim Pick: Levi’s 311 shaping skinny capri jeans, $60
• The Pleated Pair: J.crew Kate capri pant, $90

Let’s track the trend: Emily Ratajkowski first stepped out in a black pair in 2019 with a bra top and tan blazer with simple black heels. Designers like Khaite, Chloe, and Maryam Nassir Zadeh had put them on recent runways. Moving ahead a bit, they cropped back up (pun intended!) at Chanel Couture in 2021, paired with a long jacket, and then again at Coperni in the fall of 2022. For Jacquemus’s spring 2023, a denim pair reappeared and was styled with a cropped white top and oversized rattan hat, lending a decidedly summer feel to the idea. Gigi Hadid took this pair to the streets with a simple black tank and heels.

Most recently, capri pants have gotten The Row seal of approval for fall 2024, meaning they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Oslen showed their pedal pushers with a red V-neck sweater over a button down and the actual pants layered over stockings and heels for a buttoned-up vibe. Stylist Elly MacGraw wore a similar look to fashion week, pairing a striped capri pant suit by Magda Butrym with tights and ankle strap heels—an inspired workwear moment, with fashion edge.

Trend creator Bella Hadid was photographed in a black pair, twice, most recently with a cropped white long-sleeve top in an outfit that calls to mind Brigitte Bardot in Saint Tropez. Influencers Camille Charrière and Anne-Laure Mais have also stepped out in capri pants, making them fully within the purview of that always-appealing French girl style.

As we embrace the warmth of summer with an eye on delightful fall days, shop six looks that leverage capris at their best—chic, elegant, and always with a little bit of Audrey in mind.

The ’50s-Inspired

Lean into the era that started the capri craze, but make it modern. Rag & Bone stretch capri pants set the tone, paired with a woven polo from Tory Burch. Drive the point home with an aptly named Hula Hoop bag from Bottega Veneta, and accessories including split-toe ballerina slides by Maison Margiela (for a dose of the unexpected), a perfectly sweet head scarf from Miu Miu, and rounded cat-eye shades by Elisa Johnson.

The Cool Color Block

Seeing a great pair of capris calls to mind easy black and white looks, which make perfect, chic sense, but why not try to inject a little color into your life? A Liberowe linen jacket, extra cropped Vince pants, and a suede Little Liffner bag make for a perfectly lovely outfit, but adding a Bottega Veneta striped top, and Zara red Mary Janes and resin bracelets take the whole ’fit to a cool, colorful place.

The Gamine

While black capris may be the default, white capris offer a welcome lightness. Go full French-inspired with a pair by Frame, paired with a Breton striped T-shirt from Everlane, The Row sleek and simple black mules, and a raffia hat from Janessa Leone. A swingy Loewe jacket and Porto pochette complete the look.

The Return to Simplicity

Start with some perfect wardrobe basics like a Jil Sander button-down and The Frankie Shop cropped, fitted trousers. Then, add in some interest with a sculptural Massimo Dutti leather cord and silver bracelet, a wrap belt by Anderson, and an oversized mesh bag by Alaïa—for the girl who isn’t into keeping secrets. Green satin mules by Jimmy Choo give just the right hit of color.

The Denim Jacket is Back

There was probably a moment in your life when a denim jacket was your mainstay, and it might be time for a return to that mindset. An oversized jacket from Banana Republic sells the idea. Wear it with a cropped Perfect White Tee shirt, Magda Butrym capri pants that fit more like a trouser than leggings, and Toteme ivory heels. A mini Bottega Veneta bag and Lizzie Fortunato pearl necklace are the ideal accessories.

The Naturalist

As previously stated, the urge to wear your capri pants in a full black and white outfit is entirely justified. But a more natural approach is just as welcome. An ivory By Malene Birger long vest falls perfectly over dark denim DL1961 denim. Add in a wooden beaded necklace by Ben Amun, raffia Massimo Dutti ballet flats, a suede brown Prada bag, and Loewe tortoise shell sunnies and you may never go back to black.

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