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If you’ve been following along, you’ll know from my 5 It Girl Summer Trends piece that I was on the waitlist for capris from Doen and Dissh. I’ve since managed to order both, plus a third pair from Kookai. All three are on their way. While I wait, I’ve started moodboarding how I’d style them, because I want to start wearing them right away.
Why Capri Pants Are Worth Committing To This Season
Capris are polarizing and I understand why. There were a few seasons where oversized and floor length was the only acceptable answer, and capris got caught in that. But they never fully left the it girl world, and some of the most referenced looks in fashion history with Audrey Hepburn being the obvious one, are built for capsule wardrobes. I’ve always loved Capri’s across every context: sports, casual, dressed up. I was genuinely sad when they fell out of favor. I’m glad they’re back, and this time the silhouette is cleaner, the references are better, and there’s a version of this pant that works as a long term piece rather than a trend buy.
One Styling Rule That will instantly improve how you wear Capri’s: Skip the Trainers
The whole point of a capri is the calf. That’s the proportion the pant is built around, and a flat trainer kills it completely. The leg line just stops. Kitten heels, heeled thong sandals, ballet flats, all of these work because they continue the line rather than interrupting it.
What Colour Capris Should You Actually Buy?
If you see capris as a piece you’ll reach for past this season, buy black or white. Single block color, the silhouette does the work.
If you want to join the trend without that level of commitment, prints and textures are genuinely fun like denim, polka dots. My honest take: polka dots are fun and on trend right now but they will cycle out as fast as bows did. Wear them because you want to, not because you think you’ll still want them in two years.
Look 1 — The Casual FIT.
White baby tee, heeled thong sandal, sunglasses, hair down. I already know I want my Capri’s in my every day rotation. The baby tee keeps it from reading retro and it’s the cut that does that, fitted without being tight, cropped just enough. The thong sandal handles the leg lengthening and the glasses add a point of interest.
Aritzia White Baby Tee, $28. Reformation Jessie Thong Sandal, $148. Otra Eyewear Maddy Sunglasses, $65.
Look 2 — The Tonal fit.
All black, ¾ sleeve top, slicked back bun, statement earrings, kitten heel flip flop. The bun is doing as much work as the clothes here. Without it this is just a black outfit. With it, there’s intention. I think a look like this makes the trend feel genuinely considered rather than nostalgic.
Reformation Santino Knit Top, $78. Sory Coco Earrings in Onyx, $450. Tkees Julie Flip Flop Heels, $160.
Look 3 — Texture Contrast.
If you want to take any outfit into the evening, sheer is always the answer. Paired with something structured on the bottom like a capri, the contrast does the work for you. I gravitate toward black but red is everywhere this season, and a red lace top over black capris is a clean way to be in both moments at once.
Reformation Adriano Lace Knit Top in Red, $118. Reformation Eugenie Top in Black, $168. Dissh Sian Black Organza Tee, $226.
Look 4 — The White Capri.
White is its own category. If you’re on the East Coast you already know — white is the base colour of summer, full stop. Where black has a more neutral lane, white opens up for colour: navy, olive, polka dot, whatever you’re feeling. This is the more playful direction and it reads that way, which is fine. Just refer back to what I said about polka dots: fun right now, treat it accordingly.
Gap White Capri Pants, $79.95. Reformation Dusk Knit Top in Green Bean, $58. Reformation Andrea Top in Polka Dot, $148.
Look 5 — Transitional Direction
Capri’s for me are a wardrobe staple and I’m already planning how style them for fall. A cropped, cinched jacket keeps the proportions clean when you start moving capris into cooler weather. This is how Dissh styled them and it’s the direction I’m loving. It doesn’t solve every autumn occasion but it’s a good starting point. Added bonus: this look also works for colder summer nights.
Dissh Jean Red Track Jacket, $260. Reformation Black and Cream Plaid Jacket, $248.
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