This past spring and summer, capri pants—characterized by their above-the-knee hems—held a commanding presence in the fashion world. But the tides are shifting, and now cropped pants that gracefully skim above the ankle are making their way into street-style ensembles, signaling a fresh perspective on pant proportions. A perfect illustration of this trend is Jennifer Lopez's recent chic ensemble.
While shopping in L.A. yesterday, J.Lo opted for a sophisticated look by trading her usual wide-leg, full-length jeans for sleek, cropped, tailored black trousers. While some of my fashion-forward friends and I have previously deemed cropped pants "dated," J.Lo’s impeccable styling changed my perspective entirely. She paired the cropped trousers with a Dior sweater, lace-up ballet flats, oversize sunglasses, and a Chanel bag, creating an effortlessly elegant look.
On Jennifer Lopez: Dior D-Joy flats; Dior Tied Collar Sweater ($2050); Chanel Perfect Edge Bag ($3240)
It's no shocker that J.Lo is championing this retro pants trend, especially as fitted silhouettes rise to prominence on runways everywhere. We've observed a noticeable transition in styles, moving from oversize blazers to more cinched silhouettes and from baggy to skinny jeans. Furthermore, the cropped pant trend is a natural evolution from the pedal pushers that graced the warm-weather seasons, offering a bit more fabric to provide warmth for the fall and winter.
For those searching for the best capri pants to integrate into their wardrobes, the market offers an extensive array of styles, from budget-friendly to designer pieces. Ahead, explore some of our favorite styles available right now.
Shop our favorite cropped pants:
If I didn't know better, I'd say these $70 pants were designer.
Style with ballet flats or kitten heels.
Stock up on this insanely affordable style.
These also come in a gorgeous brown.
So sleek.
Take these from the office to happy hour with friends.
Black leather pants are a wardrobe staple not to be without.
Shoppers love these best-selling pants because of how soft they are.
Simkhai can do no wrong.
You'll have these in your wardrobe for years to come.
Simply timeless.
An absolute classic no matter how you style it.
-
7 Incredibly Chic Pant Trends to Wear Instead of Jeans This FallElevate your wardrobe this season.
-
Okay, Noted—the Most Elegant Dresser I Follow Just Traded In Her Dark-Wash Denim for This Controversial Color TrendIt looks so expensive.
-
I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—29 Pieces I'm Eyeing Ahead of Black Friday That Will Get You Envious Stares and ComplimentsThese are guaranteed to elevate your wardrobe.
-
I'll Know You're a Fashion Person If I See You Wearing Jeans Like *This* in 2025It's probably not what you're thinking.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor Living in L.A.—30 New Zara Finds I'm Wearing From Now Until the New YearSomething chic for every occasion.
-
4 Years Later, This Chic Fall 2025–Coded Outfit From Zoë Kravitz Is Still on My Mind: Here's How to Re-Create ItShe's always ahead of the fashion curve.
-
I've Worked at Who What Wear for 10+ Years—Here's My Fall 2025 Shopping List for Cool and Classic StyleI won't lead you astray.
-
From Pilates in L.A. to Meetings in Paris, Kendall Jenner Can't Stop Wearing These Classic Designer FlatsI don't blame her—they look sleek and so comfortable.
