Capri pants are back – and zara’s $30 version is selling out
Let’s be clear: the capri pant is not a revival. It’s a reckoning. For years, the internet declared them dead, casualties of 2005’s Von Dutch hat and low-rise everything. They were wrong. Spectacularly wrong.
The return of the crop
Capri trousers – or pants, if you insist – are dominating Google Trends and popping up everywhere. Street style is saturated with them: sleek black capris paired with crisp white vests, denim versions with blazers, even cargo styles with oversized shirts. The silhouette itself is the key; cropped below the knee, fitted or wide-leg, they’re elevating sandals and ballet flats in a way that feels utterly, surprisingly, chic.
Take Gabbriette – model, chef, tastemaker, and fiancée to Matty Healy – for instance. She’s been spotted in the exact Zara pair currently flying off the virtual shelves: all black, a fitted cami, a quilted chain bag, and ballet flats. It’s not about matching; it’s about a confident, streamlined silhouette doing all the heavy lifting.
Styling secrets for summer
Don’t underestimate the power of texture. This season, look for capris in ribbed knits, crinkle cotton, or bouclé. A simple fitted blouse with an interesting neckline or a voluminous sleeve can be enough to elevate the look. ASOS and Pull&Bear offer options like the Frolic Cotton Knitted Capri Trouser (£35) and Crochet Ballerina Shoes (£35.99) respectively.
Cargo capris are also having a moment, especially when paired with a tied scarf – a trend that’s injecting a dose of effortless cool. Stradivarius’ Poplin Bermuda Shorts (£35.99) and Mango’s Pocket Linen Shirt (£35.99) are key pieces. A good button-up shirt works brilliantly with this style, lending an air of effortless sophistication.
But the possibilities don't stop there. Denim jackets and plain white tees remain a reliable foundation, as does a matching set – Reformation’s Zoee Stretch Mid Rise Capri Jeans (£178) and Tilly Stretch Denim Top (£168) are excellent starting points. And for a bolder look, sheers are trending – pairing a sheer capri with a zipped-up leather jacket creates a striking, almost theatrical effect. Sandy Liang’s Barlow Capris (£142) are a prime example.
Finally, don’t be afraid to play with proportions. A cropped top with a belt and puffed sleeves, paired with a gold chain, adds a touch of summer glamour. Meshki’s Blanca Stretch Crepe Capri Pants - Mahogany (£59) and Free People’s Candydrip Chain Belt (£48) are great choices. Zara’s Polka Dot Capri Pants (£27.99) offer a playful twist. It’s a summer refresh, distilled to its most impactful elements: confidence, simplicity, and a silhouette that demands attention.