Very Important Journalism: Capris 101
Let's talk 1) fit, 2) material, and 3) styling.
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I have some news!
Capris are back.
If this is an unsettling development for you, please don’t shoot the messenger; I’m merely a lowly fashion journalist, bringing you this newsletter (mostly) for free.
But facts are facts: The 20-year trend cycle has once again resurrected the humble pedal-pusher from the long-dead archive, and while I don’t foresee myself gravitating toward (i.e., into) the pants anytime soon, I find it my editorial duty to assess the situation for you, dear readers. And a situation it is:
Well…why? Here’s my guess: Closely associated with lithe, girlish sophisticates like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Brigitte Bardot, capris are the latest piece of the discerning, hyper-ladylike wardrobe to enter the mainstream style circuit — alongside modern-day “swan” staples like ballet flats, pillbox hats, leopard print…the works. Amid the (sadly well-documented) rising tide of conservatism here in the U.S., such contemporary interpretations of these cartoonishly elegant socialite uniforms have proven to be the look du jour, especially among the chronically online crowd.
By which I mean, of course billion-dollar dealmaker Hailey Bieber is in on it:
It’s a good look, right? And so are these:
Inspired by
’s delightfully viral button-down edit over at the Midimalist, I want to get into when and how capris work, styling-wise, and what shoppers can keep in mind in terms of fit and material when determining whether to opt in here.As with all trends, my singular piece of advice is to avoid purchasing something unless you’re viewing it as an investment that you’re down to hold onto even when said trend goes dormant and until it kicks back around another time. It’s easy to romanticize: Buy a plastic tub and label it your archive (fancy!); have a vision of you parsing through it with your children, piece by piece, as you retell them stories of that summer you were younger and just as beautiful and wore this very pair of linen capris.
Let’s go!
Other posts you might like:
#1: The Fit
When browsing capris, it’s important to focus on fit; think slim-cut, mid-rise silhouettes that enhance the body’s natural curvature. Yes: Hips-n-butts!
Capris initially rose to popularity in the 1950s as a sort of rebellion against Rosie the Riveter-style bulky trousers and the wartime lifestyle they promoted. The GI Bill had arrived and so had the New Look — voluminous skirts, nipped waists, padded hips. Capri pants promised a sportier alternative, but still easy (read: traditional) elegance. Today, their allure lies in the same sleek, tailored lines. As ever, fashion is political.
To ensure a perfect fit, I’d say it’s wise to be prepared to tailor them at the waist, a step that keeps the silhouette clean and avoids the interruptions caused by bulky belts. The goal here is to preserve that signature slim, refined look.
#2: The Material and/or Pattern
I view the options as threefold:
1. Classic black, cigarette-style
When it comes to material, we can consider the black, cigarette-style capris to be the gold standard here. Often crafted from a double-knit ponte or crepe for sleek structure, the old-faithful cig-style holds its shape through the day, but still has some heft, so it skims over curves without clinging. Linen, too, is a great choice for warm weather, as long as it’s not blended into oblivion with synthetics like polyester, which will actually make the fabric less breathable. I don’t want swamp-ass in my capris.
From L-R (Top): Staud Santino Cropped Pants ($99.90, from $185), Faithfull Capri Cropped Linen Slim-leg Pants ($240), Aritzia Scribe Capri ($58)
From L-R (Middle): Reformation Gusta Knit Cropped Pant ($98), Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Polished Pixie Capri Pants ($20, from $44.99), Everlane The Dream Capri ($98)
From L-R (Bottom): Gap High Rise Ponte Capris ($69.95), Dôen Lula Pant ($228), Toteme Cropped Crepe Slim-leg Pants ($360)
2. Patterned, aka gingham
OK, so gingham!
I love a gingham capri for the reason that gingham doubles down on capris’ retro, midcentury charm. I also love gingham for vibe; it brings to mind visions of high-UV picnics, blueberry pie, drive-in diners — sticky American summers.
From L-R (Top): Eloquii Gingham Capri Legging ($39, from $94.95), Free People Feeling Flirty Slim Capri Pants ($98), Reformation Gusta Knit Cropped Pant ($98)
From L-R (Bottom): Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Polished Pixie Capri Pants ($20, from $44.99), Dôen Lula Crop Pant ($258), Somebodee Gina Capri Pants ($268, from $285)
3. Y2K-era denim, etc.
As the tabloids were quick to remind us in the early 2000s, denim capris — exaggeratedly low-rise, of course — were very much a thing. If you want to go head-first into 2007, go forth and get yourself a pair. I didn’t do the market work for this category because I will not go gentle into that good night.
#3: The Styling
Let me be clear: This is not a presciption! I’m just telling you what I, personally, would do! Which is this: I (again, personally) believe that we’ll want to keep the silhouette demure and avoid overwhelming the frame — think clean lines, balanced proportions, the whole nine. I like a simple, fitted top; a tank or a lightweight cardi works beautifully. Flats are good. The goal is to let the pants do the work without distraction.
Sooooooooooo what’s the consensus? Are we doing capris this summer? Let me know in the comments, etc.
xx,
Maura
A note to readers: Clotheshorse may occasionally include affiliate links if I’m recommending a product I love, but I’ll never promote anything I don’t use and/or enjoy myself!
Love the breakdown 👌🏻 I’m going for it with the Lululemon version, a la Leandra Medine, mostly because I’ll be postpartum and want leggings that don’t make me feel sloppy. I will also say Doen makes a STRONG case for styling a simple black pair, and they may have influenced this decision as well…
I think I’m 💯 on board. 🚂