Capri Trousers Are Back on the Rise This Season

published 19 March 2024

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:

Mango

Capri Leggings

Style with kitten heels or wear with colourful flats.

Maeve

Maeve Gingham High-Rise Capri Pants

The gingham print adds a retro flare.

Marks & Spencer

Cotton Blend Slim Fit Cropped Trousers

These also come in white, beige and navy.

Nicholas

Imogen Pedal Pusher

Wear with heeled mules and an off-the-shoulder top for a vintage-inspired silhouette.

Bershka

Capri Trousers

The clasp closure adds an elevated touch.

Monki

Stretchy Capri Trousers

With a 5% elastane composition, these soft trousers will feel comfortable all day.

Alo Yoga

High Waist Iconic '90s Capri

An easy way to add a splash of colour.

Monki

Ultra Cropped Trousers

Jump on board the leopard print trend.

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Having worked in the fashion industry since her time at university—where she obtained a BA in Journalism from University of the Arts London, Natalie's experience spans journalistic and styling roles. In the early stages of her career Natalie predominately worked on editorial shoots for fashion publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK, before moving into journalism roles.

On completion of her degree she interned in the editorial team at British Vogue and later went on to freelance for the publication. Here, she developed her interest in reporting on the latest fashion news and trends. Inspired by the dynamic nature of the industry, Natalie went on to write for other lifestyle and fashion brands and publications before taking on the role as News Writer for Who What Wear.

With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Focusing on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion, Natalie reports on a daily basis, ensuring that she remains ahead of the trends. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.