The Capri Jeans Trend Is Fashion's Newest Favourite Denim Item

published 16 April 2024

As far as denim trends go, I'm typically one to play it safe. Nine times out of 10 you'll find me in classic straight-leg jeans. Predictable? Perhaps, but this timeless buy has never let me down, and with such a strong allegiance, I can tell you that it takes something special to sway me from my favourite pair.

However, charmed by the retro jeans that are saturating my social media feeds, this spring, I'm cheating on my straight-leg styles with spring-ready capri jeans. Whilst this "dated" denim trend is definitely divisive, when styled well, the playful jeans offer an entirely fresh way to shake up your style for the new season.

A new favourite amongst the influencer style set, this season, capri jeans are calling back to their '90s and Y2K roots. Frequently styled with black kitten heels and a vest top or tee, the retro trend also looks stylish when dressed up with a silk blouse or chunky knit.

Capri jeans were a wardrobe non-negotiable throughout the late '90s and early '00s, but the ultra-cropped jeans had fallen off the radar since then. Replaced by the floor-sweeping puddle jeans and ultra-baggy styles that have dominated denim lately, the capri jeans trend offers respite from all that fabric and a new way to style denim for spring.

Featuring in the Coperni and Dries Van Noten S/S 24 collections, the return of capri jeans has officially been decreed by the runways. Now seeping into the mainstream, the trend has already been styled by Gigi Hadid, who wore her capri jeans with a black vest top and pointed-toe kitten heels last summer.

To shop the emerging jeans trend that fashion people are embracing ahead of the warmer months, read on for our edit of the best capri jeans to buy now.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST CAPRI JEANS:

Mango

Capri Jeans With Decorative Stitching

Wear with kitten heels for a retro-inspired look.

Monki

Low Capri Press Pleated Jeans in Canyon Blue

These also come in black and a striped style.

BDG

Strappy Flare Capri Jeans

This vintage-style denim wash works well with brown and cream tones.

Capri Cropped Jeans

These come in sizes 6-22.

Frame

High Rise Easy Capri in Wren

There's a white colourway if you're brave.

Mango

Capri Slim-Fit Jeans

These slim-fit jeans look more expensive than they are.

BDG

Mila Capri Jeans

Style with a baby tee or throw on a chunky cardigan.

ASOS Design

Capri Jean in Mid Wash Blue

These would look great with colourful trainers or casual flip-flops in the summer.

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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.