We're not out of the Y2K woods just yet. In fact, the decade's influence isn't waning—it's just shifting gears to items that are new to us in the 2020s. One such item is capri pants, a divisive piece that's about to have a huge comeback if the spring 2024 runways have anything to say about it (which they do). Spotted at major brands such as Ferragamo and 3.1 Phillip Lim and indie labels like Mirror Palais and Sandy Liang, its impact is inevitable.
I find capris an intriguing item because they're almost so traditionally "ugly" that they're cool in a nostalgic kind of way and I've already been test-driving the look. Per the runways, I'm styling a pair of simple black capri leggings with kitten heels and a statement top but since adding an affordable pair from Urban Outfitters to my closet, I've since been inspired to style them in many more creative ways.
Controversial? Yes. Stylish? Absolutely. Ahead, see how I'm styling my capri pants because the '00s trend is absolutely heading back into style for spring 2024.
On the S/S 24 runway:
How I'm styling them:
Wearing: Nicholas Karis Scarf Tank Top ($325); UO crop leggings; Senso mules; Bottega Veneta Banana Hobo Intrecciato Bag ($211)
During NYFW this September, I wore my crop pants with a pair of '90s mules and a printed scarf top. I loved the retro feel they give off when styled this like and the fashion world certainly agreed—I saw capri pants all over the spring 2024 runways this season.
Wearing: Dissh Sienna Knit Top ($70); UO crop leggings; Oak + Fort Ballet Flats ($46); Neous bag
Since capris are already such a tricky piece to style, I wanted their just-below-the-knee hem to take center stage. Here, I styled them with a simple high-neck tank from Dissh and a pair of Mary-Jane flats.
Wearing: Vintage leather jacket; UO crop leggings; SPRWMN shirt; Manolo Blahnik Leather Slingback Pumps ($140)
I'm a huge fan of vintage style, so I pulled this secondhand leather blazer and these Manolo Blahnik slingbacks from my closet and loved the way they complemented the retro feel of the capris. The key here is wearing point-toe heels that make my legs look longer because the pants themselves visually do the opposite.
Wearing: J.Crew Lady Jacket; UO crop leggings; Steve Madden Ballet Pumps
Another way to visually elongate your legs when wearing capris is to pair them with something cropped and structured on top, like this J.Crew jacket that hits high on my waist.
Wearing: Marlies Grace Grace Silk Dress ($490); UO crop leggings; Manolo Blahnik pumps; Mansur Gavriel Pleated Mini Cloud Clutch ($745)
This styling idea isn't for the faint of heart, but the payoff is well worth the risk, if you ask me. I leaned all the way into the early aughts vibes and styled my capri pants underneath a mini dress for an experimental take.
Wearing: Pixie Market leather trench; UO crop leggings; vintage mules; Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
Of course, you really can't go wrong with a chic coat thrown on top. I layered on a leather trench coat with heeled mules and a vintage Louis Vuitton Speedy bag and I think this might be the chicest and most repeatable styling idea I've tried yet.
