The Summer Trend That's Coming for Your Classic Black Leggings

When it comes to hemlines, even a few inches can make all the difference in how fresh and forward an outfit feels. We saw several examples of this over the last year, including the fashion set’s favoring of slightly longer jeans over cropped styles, as well as longer shorts taking the place of traditional cutoffs. Well, leggings are finally getting caught in the wave of change, as some of the most stylish women seem to be leaning toward capri styles over the more traditional ankle-length cuts we’ve all gotten used to over the past several years.

Oddly, despite my resistance to change when it comes to fashion, I’m into it! Perhaps it’s because a handful of our favorite fashion people have made accepting capris all too easy by posting their ready-to-copy looks to Instagram. To see the outfits I’m talking about for yourself and, of course, to shop all the best capri leggings the internet has to offer—all 24 pairs of them—just keep scrolling.

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

Style tip: Play up the sporty vibes by adding other athletic items such as tube socks and sneakers.

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(Image credit: @cassandra.cadwell)

Style tip: For a night out (or fancy night in) opt for a blazer, crop top, capris, and strappy sandals all in neutral shades.

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(Image credit: @lnaclothing)

Style tip:ribbed tank and ankle-wrap sandals are summer essentials that will complement your capris perfectly. 

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style tip: Double down on the trends and throw some chain heels into the mix.

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(Image credit: @double3xposure)

Style tip: Contrast your sleek capris with a big, puff-sleeved blouse.

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(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

Style tip: Give your favorite house dress a temporary upgrade by styling it over capris and, if you please, adding heels just for fun.

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(Image credit: @tamirajarrel)

Style tip: Pair your capris with an oversize blazer, tee, and kitten heels.

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Style tip: A matching tank and sandals in any color will always look good with black leggings.

Next: Trust me, buy this—at-home edition.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.