Fashion

Embrace Y2K Fashion with the Capri Pants Revival

Love them or hate them, capri pants are so back this spring. 

capri pants comeback: pernille teisbaek in capri pants 2024
Pernille Teisbaek. Photo courtesy of Instagram/@pernilleteisbaek.

Just when fashionistas thought that they had seen the last of Y2K trends, the unexpected revival of capri pants has made its triumphant return. Once relegated to the depths of fashion faux pas, these cropped trousers are now reclaiming their place in the spotlight, much to the dismay of skeptics. Despite initial reluctance, it's undeniable that capris are making a bold statement in contemporary style. With a fresh twist on classic silhouettes favored by our noughties icons, this comeback signals a fusion of nostalgia and modernity that is here to stay, at least for now.

Sure, wide-leg jeans and trousers will always hold a special place in our wardrobes. They are arguably the more flattering and comfortable choice, after all. But, given how widespread they've been over the last couple of years, it's unsurprising that we're at that stage in the fashion cycle where we're yearning to return to our tight pant roots. You might still be avoiding skinny jeans, but capri pants are the next frontier. Love them or hate them, they're back for good. Don't believe us? L'OFFICIEL has compiled some of the hottest celebs and style icons who have rocked capris over the years.

capri pants: audrey hepburn in black capri pants
capri pants: grace kelly princess of monaco in black capri pants 1955
Clockwise from top left: Audrey Hepburn; Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

First things first, we have to give you the 411 on the history of Capri pants. Introduced by German designer Sonja de Lennart in the late 1940s, capri pants gained popularity for their practicality and effortlessly chic aesthetic. As you may have guessed, they first became a hot fashion commodity in Capri, Italy, hence the name. Soon, they became a staple in the closets of fashion icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco. Since then, Capri pants have undergone various reinterpretations, evolving from a casual summer staple to a red carpet-worthy statement piece, and everything in between. 

capri pants: fergie in capri pants y2k
capri pants: rihanna in capri pants y2k
capri pants: mischa barton in capri pants y2k
capri pants: beyoncé in capri pants y2k
Clockwise from top left: Fergie; Rihanna; Beyoncé; Mischa Barton. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Though their level of popularity fluctuated over the years (as most fashion trends do), capris continually resurface every now and then. More often than not, they seamlessly adapt to the of-the-moment style landscape. They were, however, most popular in the early aughts, gracing the wardrobes of fashion-forward celebs like Christina Aguilera, Fergie, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Mischa Barton, to name a few. 

capri pants comeback: julia fox in capri pants 2024
capri pants comeback: Kendall Jenner 2024
capri pants comeback: gigi hadid in denim capri pants 2023
capri pants comeback: Alexa Chung in capri pants 2023
capri pants comeback: bella hadid in capri pants 2022 with marc kalman
Clockwise from top left: Julia Fox; Kendall Jenner; Alexa Chung; Bella Hadid with Marc Kalman; Gigi Hadid. Photos courtesy of Getty Images and Instagram/@kendalljenner.

Despite their charm, many of today's fashionistas attempted to suppress the revival of capris and prevent them from making a comeback the way many other Y2K fashion trends have. Still, these efforts proved futile, as seen on the recent streetstyle ensembles sported by the likes of Julia Fox, Kendall Jenner, Alexa Chung, and Bella and Gigi Hadid.

So, whether you're a devoted advocate or a reluctant convert, it's time to embrace the resurgence of capri pants and discover how they can effortlessly elevate your style game. Can't figure out where to start? Not to worry, we've got you covered with the easiest-to-style capris.

L'OFFICIEL USA may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links.

Alo Yoga

If you're wondering which exact capri pants Kendall Jenner was wearing in her recent Instagram post, look no further. She rocked these simple capri leggings from Alo Yoga. Don't fret if heather grey isn't your style; they're also available in black and a limited-edition red. They're perfect for achieving that model-off-duty look on an errand day. 

Alo Yoga Alosoft High-Waist Iconic 90’s Capri in Athletic Heather Grey, $88, Alo Yoga

Capri pants comeback: Alo Yoga Alosoft High-Waist Iconic 90’s Capri in Athletic Heather Grey
Skims

But maybe you're looking for something that can shape your waist and simultaneously provide a little more support. Enter the Skims capri pants. They boast the same sculpting fabric we all know and love about Skims' shapewear, ensuring a sleek and streamlined silhouette that flatters every body type. Crafted with a solution-oriented approach, these capris offer targeted compression to enhance your curves while providing all-day comfort.

Skims Everyday Sculpt Mid Waist Capri in Cocoa, $62, Skims

Capri pants comeback: Skims Everyday Sculpt Mid Waist Capri in Cocoa
SER.O.YA

Then there's the capris à la Gigi Hadid. If you're ready to take a plunge into the world of Y2K fashion, there's no better way to embrace the trend than with capri jeans. With their retro-inspired silhouette, these pants from SER.O.YA, Retrofête's sister label, capture the essence of early 2000s fashion. Pair them with your favorite crop top or polo shirt and sneakers for a nostalgic look that's sure to turn heads. 

SER.O.YA Padma Capri Jean in Deep Sea, $278, Retrofête

Capri pants comeback: SER.O.YA Padma Capri Jean in Deep Sea
Levi's

If you love the idea of capri jeans but prefer a subtler approach, consider these cropped jeans from Levi's. They offer the same noughties-inspired chic aesthetic as the Retrofête capris, but with a touch of the simple, timeless jean style. And, since they're Levi's, you can trust in their quality craftsmanship and durable denim that will withstand the test of time. Plus, they're the more affordable option. 

Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Capri Women’s Jeans in Lapis Level, $59.50, Levi’s

Capri pants comeback: Levi’s 311 Shaping Skinny Capri Women’s Jeans in Lapis Level
Mango

Don't worry, we've also found a dressier option for all the capri skeptics out there. Though leggings are normally more on the casual side, these capris from Mango are a versatile piece. Whether you dress them up with a satin blouse for a girls' night out, or dress them down with a cozy sweater for a relaxed day, they suit any occasion. 

Mango Capri Leggings in Black, $50, Mango

Capri pants comeback: Mango Capri Leggings in Black
Blumarine

Can't stop thinking about Mischa Barton and Christina Aguilera's iconic cargo capris? We've found the perfect pair for you. These capri pants are the edgiest addition to any fashionista's closet. Whether you're channeling Aguilera's flair or giving them a modern twist, these pants will add a touch of cool-girl attitude to your next street style moment. 

Blumarine Gray Capri Trousers, $740 $370, SSENSE

Capri pants comeback: Blumarine Gray Capri Trousers
Paloma Wool

Swap your pleated pants for these capri trousers, courtesy of Paloma Wool. Whether paired with a crisp button-down shirt for the office or dressed up with a lace top for date night, these capri trousers are sure to become a staple in your wardrobe rotation.

Paloma Wool Cordora Crop Cotton Pants in Dark Grey, $167, Nordstrom

Capri pants comeback: Paloma Wool Cordora Crop Cotton Pants in Dark Grey

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