What do Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber all have in common? A strong love for this season's favorite pair of trousers.

When the summertime finally becomes a reality, many look forward to the change in weather, style, and endless possibilities that can occur during the period. However, as the days continue to get warmer, said outcomes are drastically altered and limited to what they once were. One might ponder this simple question: What can be done in order to embark on new journeys without sacrificing my comfort?
The simple answer — or at least one that has become popular in the past few weeks — is cropped pants. Sure, the concept of pants during a hot summer sounds scary, right? But if you just cut off a few inches from the hem on any type of trousers, you instantly get more airflow, sun, and flexibility. 
<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/jennifer-lopez-ben-affleck-divorce-separation-rumors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jennifer Lopez</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/kendall-jenner-jacob-elordi-dating-hawaii-photos-double-date-timothee-chalamet-kylie-jenner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kendall Jenner</a>, Emily Ratajkowski, Keke Palmer, and tens of other celebrities have contributed to this return of cropped pants. Want to join in on fun but don't know where to start? L'OFFICIEL has compiled a list of the six most fashionable, yet versatile silhouettes that will make your life an easy breeze on the beachside this summer.

Lea Cardenas in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Getty Images.

Ever since they were invented by fashion designer Sonja de Lennart in 1948, capris have garnered a base of supporters that can't get enough of the style. Named after the Italian island of Capri, stars such as Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Marilyn Monroe were photographed in the pants and became signature elements of their individual style. Notably, Mary Tyler Moore's character in The Dick Van Dyke Show, Laura Petrie, was known for her close-fitting capris through the show's run. From the introduction of manpris (yes, it's exactly what you think) in the mid-2000s to the surge in patterned offerings, the capris are here to stay, so have fun with them.

Cropped trousers are the classic pair of slacks that are often associated with formal wear. Even though the garment is usually paired with a blazer to complete a suit, the cropped trouser can easily be transformed into a statement outfit. Take basketball guard for the Los Angeles Sparks, Erica Wheeler, as an example of this phenomenon. Styled by Miguel Moss, she wore WÀNGDA to the WNBA Draft Night in April and sported a pair of ash gray cropped trousers. For those seeking a polished yet comfortable look, this buzzy cropped pants trend will become your summer companion.

In the wise words of Deborah Vance from Hacks, "You know, you're not funny enough to dress like Adam Sandler." And yes, not everyone can exactly dress like the actor and comedian, and definitely doesn't possess his comedic talents. But what we can do is introduce the classic basketball short as one of the most unexpectedly stylish parts of your outfit. Whether you are flaunting a sport-themed outfit while at the gas station or even attending a high-profile event, this garment is sure to bring you comfort, breathability, and sartorial impact for generations to come.

Iris Law at the Louis Vuitton 2027 Cruise Show. Getty Images.

Popularized by Princess Diana during the 1980s, culottes are known to hang like a skirt but are in fact pants. The garment is traditionally close-fitting, ends at the knees, and has been compared to knickers with a looser fit. For the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2027 show, model Iris Law wore a black floral embroidered crop top and a pair of cream jacquard culottes. Interested in how to style culottes? Most culottes, despite their texture, color, or print, pair well with a patterned shirt, fine jewelry, and a classic, minimalistic handbag.

Just like other cropped pant trends for summer 2026, the cropped cargos are a shorter yet classic closet essential for the summer. Traditionally, cargo pants are known for their practicality, comfort, and association with outdoor activities. Yet, if one wants to elevate their hiking gear while snapping some photos perfect for an Instagram dump, look no further than cropped cargos. Camouflage, cream, and white colorways not only will be popular this season, but can easily be dressed up or down in any of the other three seasons.

Wanting a wide-legged fit that features a cropped fit for breathability? Gaucho pants are here to save the day. The name's origin comes directly from pants once worn by South American cowboys, and the pants were popular from the early to mid-1970s. Meant to be work-friendly alternatives to slacks or skirts, designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Anne Klein recognized the power of the gaucho pant and made it a popular garment for women's wear. Even though some might still associate the style as a thing of the past, gauchos can still be a powerful piece of clothing both in and out of professional settings.

Cropped Pants Are Back: See How To Style Summer 2026's Hottest Fashion Trend

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