Gen Z Has Finally Discovered the Pedal Pusher—Here's How to Wear Them This Summer
Capri trousers are officially back in style again. Here's 7 outfits worth recreating this summer, according to a Gen Z fashion editor.
On a recent scroll through my social media feed, I stumbled across a number of videos all debating the cool factor of one formally "dated" fashion trend—pedal pushers. With topics spanning “What are pedal pushers?” to “What shoes can you wear with pedal pushers?”, it would seem that TikTok's most fashionable Gen-Zer's had finally discovered the long forgotten trouser. After sifting through what felt like reams of misinformation, I felt it was high time (as one of Who What Wear UK’s resident Gen Z fashion editors) to cut through the noise and re-introduce the pedal pusher to a generation of shoppers who missed out on them the first time around.
Also known as capri leggings or cropped trousers, pedal pushers are the timeless three-quarter-length silhouette in every fashion person's wardrobe in summer 2026. First rising in popularity in the 1940's, the style quickly became synonymous with the era's pop culture. Think Audrey Hepburn's Princess Ann in Roman Holiday or any of Marilyn Monroe’s iconic summer looks. Typically comprised from stretchy cotton fabrications or breathable lycra, their ability to balance a sophisticated polish with pared-back ease, kickstarted fashion’s love affair with the easy style. So, by the time the ‘90s and early ‘2000s rolled around, the shape had quickly became a fixture within fashion’s mainstream. From Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green in Friends to Lauren Graham's Lorelai Gilmore in cult classic Gilmore Girls, outfits featuring pedal pushers were more popular than ever.
With 2020's fashion leaning heavily into repurposing nostalgia, it makes sense that pedal pusher outfits are all the rage right now. Yes, the beloved capri is very much "in" style again, which leads me to the last question: how to style them.
Arguably the easiest summer trouser trend to style, there's no shortage of outfit ‘inspo when it comes to pedal pushers. Elsa Hosk’s summer rotation features many a style, as does Hailey Bieber’s and BFF Kendall Jenner's. But, if celebrity styling is less your speed, you need only look to the apps to see enough capri outfit inspo to see you through the rest of summer. Scroll down to discover 7 outfits worth making not of this summer.
The 7 Pedal Pusher Outfits You Need to See in Summer 2026:
1. Shirt + Pedal Pushers + Mules
Style Notes: Thanks to the capri legging's laissez-faire ease, it makes sense that French girls love pedal pusher outfits come summer. Casual, yet sophisticated, this shape lends itself nicely to the classic styling they typically gravitate towards. Whether with a loose shirt and strappy kitten-heel mules, as Sylvie Mus (above), or pretty broderie anglaise blouse and ballet flats, the low-effort-high-reward pay off stays the same.
Shop the Look:
If its good enough fro the French girls.
This is exactly how I plan to be styling mine this summer.
I have a sneaky suspicion these are Sylvie's exact mules.
The perfect finishing touch.
The best way to keep your hair tamed on a humid day.
2. Broderie Blouse + Pedal Pushers + Mary Janes
Style Notes: White outfits in summer are almost a prerequisite, but if you’re looking for a cooler way to style the shade, a pedal pusher look might just be for you. With ‘just stepped off a yacht in the south of France’ energy, Makenna Alyse (above), adds black Mary Janes and moody square frame shades to lend this look a cooler, more fashion-forward feel. Bonus point's if you recreate with a her crisp white Chanel 22.
Shop the Look:
Find me a better summer blouse.
The stretch fabric will move with you.
The thin strap will keep your foot in place, perfect for a full day of walking.
With a rigorous authenticity process, you can guarantee that this Chanel 22 from Ebay is 100% the real deal.
If it's good enough for Victoria Beckham.
3. Tube Top + Pedal Pushers + Flip Flops
Style Notes: As aforementioned pedal pushers hey day was the ‘90s, so creating a look that channels their ‘roots’ makes a lot of sense. From the fitted leather jacket to the light grey tube top, Amaka Hamelijnck's look (above) is an ode to the era, and one I’ll personally be seeking inspiration on a cooler summer’s day.
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The '90s style leather is so back.
Shop Amaka's exact tube top.
The linen fabrication will keep you cool on summer's balmiest days.
These also come in gold, brown, off-white, red and tan.
Such a well made, yet refreshingly affordable pair of specs.
4. Vest + Pedal Pushers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Summer in London has a lot of in-between days. One minute you’re combating the scorching heat, then next you’re craving comfort whilst being blasted by your office AC. This is the time a pedal pusher and trench coat combo will come in handy. Allowing you to wrap up but still remain temperature regulated (should you need to nip out on your lunch break), Nnennae Chem's (above) polished look is one worth screenshotting for your next office day.
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The linen-blend will keep you call on summers warmest of days.
How to channel your inner Marilyn Monroe.
An easy way to add texture into your look, ruched ballet flats have quickly become one of this summer's biggest shoe trends.
This loose muscle tank comes in 6 shades.
Shop Nnennae's exact vintage Chanel bag.
5. Three-Quarter Length T-shirt + Pedal Pushers + Flip Flops
Style Notes: Pedal pusher outfits don't need to be overly fussy. Take Linda Sza’s look, for example. Adding a pop of colour with her lagoon blue three-quarter tee, and finished with a sleek black flip-flop, her look not only balances out the boxiness of a cropped trouser, but feels fresh and wholly summer 2026.
Shop her Look:
Linda's Other Normal top may be sold out, however this Ralph Lauren iteration feels just as cool.
Longer styles have an slightly more '40s feel.
These Tkee's flip flops have just landed straight into my basket.
Ever chic dresser I know owns a pair of Jimmy Fairly sunnies.
6. Blouse + Pedal Pushers + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A floral blouse is a bonafide summer staple, but one way to freshen the timeless silhouette is with a capri-style leggings. Adding a romantic finish to playful prints, Alllison Ho (above) uses berry rich tones and texture to make her pedal pusher outfit look effortlessly polished.
Shop the Look:
Dôen makes some of the best summer blouses on the market.
These come Hailey Bieber approved.
The slim fit and cushioned sole will make you feel like you're walking on clouds.
This bag has been top of my wishlist for some time.
The perfect finishing touch.
7. Strapless T-shirt + Pedal Pushers + Heels
Style Notes: A well-known fact is that capri leggings work remarkably well with heels, and the right pair instantly elongate the leg, perfect for people worried that pedal pushers could lean a tad ‘stumpy’. Draw inspo from Jeannine Roxas and style yours with a raffia tote and white headband for a fresh take on your trusty summer whites.
Shop the Look:
This tube top comes in 4 colours.
The blue bow detail is a nice touch.
Lace heels always look chic.
This Polène bag has been all over my social media feed.
Thick headbands are so back.
