I was taken aback by the return of the kitten heel and caught off guard by the revival of the studded belt, but the re-emergence of capri trousers this season has been the biggest shock to my system so far. Once a mainstay in the wardrobes of '90s and '00s fashion devotees, the long-forgotten cropped trousers, also known as pedal-pushers, are back in the collections of the most stylish around. With a distinctly retro feel, the trouser style has ebbed and flowed in popularity for decades, initially cropping up across the '50s and '60s, then reappearing for a Y2K stint. Sitting at waist height, hugging the thigh and cropping just below the knee, the divisive trouser is often styled with other '90s staples, including the aforementioned kitten heels as well as ballet flats and retro trainers.
Capri trousers appeared across S/S 24 runways at 16Arlington, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Coperni and Mirror Palais. Across collections, the trousers were styled up with form-fitting tops, open-toe mules and heeled flip-flops, referencing both throwback silhouettes and new-season trends in the process. As the capri trouser has been in and out of wardrobe rotations for decades, brands have had plenty of time of perfect their offerings. From ultra-comfortable cropped leggings to structured cotton styles, there are a plethora of options to help you get the look you're after.
Nowadays, capri trousers feel freshest worn as part of a co-ord, with a relaxed button-down (I plan on re-creating Anne Laure Mais' above outfit immediately) and roomy blazers. If you like the streamlined silhouette of leggings but the polish of a more formal trouser, this might just be the piece to invest in this season.
Read on to discover our edit of the best capri trousers to shop right now.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST CAPRI TROUSERS TO BUY NOW:
Style with kitten heels or wear with colourful flats.
The gingham print adds a retro flare.
These also come in white, beige and navy.
Wear with heeled mules and an off-the-shoulder top for a vintage-inspired silhouette.
The clasp closure adds an elevated touch.
With a 5% elastane composition, these soft trousers will feel comfortable all day.
An easy way to add a splash of colour.
Jump on board the leopard print trend.
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