Blink and You Missed That Capri Pants Are Back

On the list of '90s and early 2000s fashion trends coming back in 2023, we fully did not expect capri pants. But — when styled correctly — capris can look surprisingly elevated. Unlike low-rise pants, whale tail skirts, and some other questionable styles of the early aughts, capri pants are comfortable, practical, and highly versatile. They can be dressed up or down, styled for the office, or paired with a button-down and flats for casual walk — just ask Jennifer Lawrence.

Despite these stellar selling points, cropped pants fizzled out of popularity roughly 20 years ago. According to Kesha Linder, this was, in large part thanks to the skinny jean's 2010s domination. So, why the sudden resurgence? Alicia Rivera says it’s just another example of the fashion’s cyclical nature. 

“We’re seeing the '90s-style capris dominate the fashion industry, with models and celebs alike opting for the sleek form-fitting cropped pant,” Rivera tells InStyle via email. “At Stitch Fix, we attribute this comeback to the rise in '90s fashion that has been revitalized through social media.” 

This sudden interest in capri pants isn’t just spiking on social media, though. Data collected by the financial technology app Afterpay shows capri sales have grown by 22 percent, with Gen X making up 52 percent and Gen Z making up 43 percent of total sales — showing that the trend is cross-generational. Search volume for capri pants has also skyrocketed on thredUp, Linder says, noting searches for “capri” on the online thrift store are up more than 70% in the past month compared to 2022. 

According to Christina Stein, however, the capri of the early aughts is not the capri of 2023. Instead, the look has more similarities to those introduced in the 1950s. 

“The [2000s] style was presented as more of a gaucho and less of a classic capri,” Stein explains. “Capris in 2023 seem to be a bit more tailored and body-hugging, similar to the styles that really hit all-time popularity with Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn in the '50s.”

How to Wear Capri Pants in 2023

When transforming a trend from yesteryear into something that’s wearable today, keep in mind there are no rules when it comes to fashion. There are so many styles of capri pants on the market, from form-fitting to breezy culottes to denim bottoms and pleather, so the best strategy for finding what works for you is to experiment. Still, if you’re in need of inspiration to help you navigate your options, Stein, Linder, and Rivera share their top three capri pant looks below. 

Old Hollywood

When in doubt, look to Audrey Heburn for inspo. “Lycra capris, with a crisp oversized button-up and a belt with ballet flats, is my nod to Old Hollywood and how I want to wear capris this summer!" says Stein.

Wide-Leg

“Experiment with silhouettes that balance out whatever you’re wearing on top," recommends Linder. "I love pairing wide-leg capris with a fitted top that can make my outfit feel put together, yet effortless.”

Balancing Silhouettes

That balancing act can go the other direction, too. “I recommend clients looking to test the waters by adding a modern twist to the classic look," says Rivera. "I love the idea of leaning into one of Stitch Fix’s top predicted trends of the year, Proportion Play, which encourages clients to embrace oversized silhouettes mixed with more fitted styles." Here's what the stylist recommends:" Try form-fitting legging capris, which can be perfectly paired with an oversized white button-down, and accessorized with a kitten heel or ballet flat to complement the look.”