4 Ways to Style Capri Pants

This spring, women’s capris have emerged as one of the most popular styles of the women’s fashion world. They’ve come in and out of trend circles over the years, but ultimately most people agree that these bottoms are simply too comfortable and versatile to ignore! There are dozens of great ways to style them, too, making them a suitable alternative to jeans and leggings when you want to shake up your look come warmer weather. Capri pants offer more substantial coverage than women’s shorts but aren’t quite as laid-back. Despite that, they’re still appropriate for beach and pool environments, yet also fit in equally well elsewhere, like dinner dates and errand runs. It all depends on how you style them! Here are four fun ways to wear your capris.

Take Your Cue from Audrey

Almost no one in the public eye is more synonymous with cropped pants than Audrey Hepburn. The actress wore them masterfully by capitalizing on their sleek, tailored silhouette and pairing them with practical tops and accessories. One of the most enduring looks that continues to inspire even today was her boat-neck top coupled with fitted capris and ballet flats. If you’re all about executing classic styles, that’s easily one of the most reliable outfits you can wear – and it’s appropriate for everything from Sunday brunch with friends to an afternoon at the park with the kids. Audrey also wore check-print cropped pants with a sleeveless women’s white blouse and pointy-toe ballet flats. That’s easily another great way to pull off capri pants during springtime, especially as it gets closer to summer and temperatures start to rise. Lighter colors will keep you cool as it heats up out there.

Dress Up in Denim Capris

If it’s a little too warm outside for your usual straight leg jeans, forgo those in favor of a pair of denim capri pants. You can’t go wrong with this style, largely because it’s much more versatile than you might realize. The key is all in how you style the pants. Denim can easily be dressed up with just a few strategic elements that transform the material from basic to brilliant. One way to bring the look to life is to pair your denim capris with a structured blazer. Slip a jewel-toned tank top underneath, tuck it into your capris, and finish with a pair of strappy heels. You can add a statement necklace to jazz it up a bit, or even a lightweight silk scarf in a bold color if you want to try something different. It’s fresh, effortless, and great for everything from warm-weather dates to shopping expeditions with friends.

Add a Few Layered Tops

Layers are key to staying comfortable when the spring weather forecast seems unpredictable. Maybe the air is warm but there’s a chance of some light rain later in the day, or maybe it’s windy but the sun is beating down on you at the same time. Dressing for spring can be tricky for sure but having a pair of capri pants in your collection will help you handle anything with ease. When the weather plays tricks on you, the trick is to pile on the layers! Try a long T-shirt that falls over your hips with a cardigan on top. Add a scarf if you need a little extra warmth. Or try a long boyfriend cardigan that falls below your hips with a shorter top to create a balanced look. Finish with ballet flats or chunky canvas sneakers for an easy look appropriate for errand runs.

Go the Casually Dressy Route

The beauty of capri pants is that they’re inherently casual, but still offer a more polished approach to everyday style than yoga pants and sweatpants. That makes them particularly appealing if you want to take your style to a look that’s laid back, yet still pulled together. To style a casually dressy look, begin with a pair of capri pants in a neutral color that you can build around, like black, gray, or navy. Then select your tops. A light sweater is such a great choice for springtime wear – it’s substantial enough to keep you comfortable on a semi-cool day, but won’t weigh you down like a jacket or a coat. Pair this with slip-on sneakers for a low-key look. You can also dress up those casual bottoms with a boat-neck blouse or a Breton stripe shirt that recalls the chic simplicity of nonchalant Parisian style. A pair of ballet flats or minimal ankle-strap sandals complete this easy look beautifully.

A Warm-Weather Essential