We’ve seen a handful of new fashion trends sparkling lively debates over the last few months. Bell bottoms are making a comeback, people are wearing skirts over pants again, and capri pants have officially resurfaced. No longer are these mid-calf hemlines considered cringe-y relics of a bygone Y2K era—they’re being worn by some of fashion’s biggest players. 

“Capris are having more than a moment; they evoke innocent sexiness—that’s rare in that it’s both timeless and now, once again, trend-forward,” says Jenni Lee, celebrity fashion stylist. “They’re bridging the gap between casual cool and elegant sophistication. A summer must-have—without question.”

Love them or loathe them, capris have reclaimed their place in the sartorial spotlight so you might as well have a little fun with it. 

Capri pants are cropped, slim-fitting trousers that hit right about mid-calf between the knee and the ankle. They’re an “in between” garment—not shorts and not quite pants, either. 

“Named after the glamorous Italian island of Capri, the designer Sonja de Lennart created them in 1948 as a tribute to her family’s Mediterranean getaways,” Lee tells us. “Also called pedal pushers, they are perfect for breezy bike rides without the risk of tangled fabric. They combine function with undeniable style. celebrity fashion stylist.” 

Clearly, capris are warm-weather MVPs. Lee says they’re the perfect transitional piece between spring and summer—a demure way to show some skin when temperatures rise  but you’re not quite ready to wear shorts. 

The 2025 Capri Comeback Story

So what’s with the capri comeback? Well, in case you haven’t noticed, Y2K nostalgia is everywhere right now. 

“I can’t help but immediately think of Jennifer Lopez in her silky cargo capris in the early 2000s,” Lee says. “Personally, I remember styling playful looks on Lindsay Lohan, Brittany Murphy, and Jessica Simpson on TRL Live during that era. Fashion’s cyclical nature has brought capris full circle.” 

Runways have also been teasing the return of capri pants since 2021 (see: Chanel, Jacquemus), and by 2023 Alexa Chung and Bella Hadid popped up on Insta and pap-strolled in them. 

“Now they’re everywhere, seen on personalities as varied as Julia Fox and Dua Lipa to Jennifer Lawrence and Meghan Markle, in styles from The Row to Versace,” Lee says. 

How to Style Capri Pants

Wearing capri pants  in 2025 is all about balancing a bit of nostalgic charm with modern twists. Follow these pro tips and you’ll be just fine. 

1. Power Pairing

Keep it simple but channel those “power boss” vibes. “Rock capris with a fitted white tee, oversized blazer, and kitten heels for instant office chic,” Lee says. “Victoria Beckham showed this sleek, boardroom-ready combo.” 

2. Show Off Some Shoes 

Because capris hit at mid-calf, they really set the stage for some great shoes. Now’s your chance to show off those new kicks you just splurged on, whether it’s a pair of trending slingbacks, ruched loafers, or some springish Espadrilles.

3. Play with Volume 

Balance the narrow capri silhouette with a statement puffy-sleeve top to create an inverted triangle shape. Lee says, “Rotate nailed this on the runway. This proportion play creates instant drama—fitted below, voluminous above—for maximum style impact.”

4. Layer Them

We alluded to the skirts over pants trend above, and we weren’t joking. This is another revived trend from Y2K and capris are perfect for playing into it. “Slip capris under dresses for an unexpected style that was a staple in the early aughts. Seen on the runway at Louis Vuitton, this hack adds dimension, extends your summer wardrobe in both directions (spring and fall), and guarantees double-takes,” Lee says.

5. Go Matchy-Matchy 

Take your capri inspo from Tommy Hilfiger’s runway and get a coordinated set that delivers instant outfit magic. “I like to think of matching sets as three-for-ones: the matching set, a look with the top and different bottom, and another outfit with the bottoms and a separate top,” says Lee. 

6. Try Classic With a Twist 

Channel a classic ‘00s preppy aesthetic by pairing your capris with a lightweight sweater and ballet flats. Lee says you can bring it into 2025 with some choice picks, like Leset’s pointelle knit and Alaïa studded flats.