Here comes an announcement I never saw coming: capri pants – also known as pedal pushers – have made a return for 2024. I couldn’t believe it either, but after seeing the cropped pants all over my FYP and the runway, there’s absolutely no denying it. These retro trousers are about to explode, and if you’re excited to get back into yours, you might want some styling inspo to get you going.
I did a little poll on my Instagram and asked my followers what they thought of the trend. The results were overwhelmingly against the return of the cropped trousers, but honestly, I’m into them. Call me crazy, but I think they’re super cute and I’m genuinely excited to try the trend. As I’m aware that not everyone feels this way, I thought I’d create some outfits to show you just how wearable they really are.
Don’t roll your eyes! Capri pants have come a long way since the nineties, when they were last in style. We’re no longer wearing them under dresses, like Rihanna (above). In 2024, the look is far more polished and it’s all thanks to what you wear them with. I’m so in love with ballet flats still, but if you prefer heels, Mary-Janes work so well too.
But I won’t give it all away yet. Below, you’ll find four easy ways to wear pedal pushers…sorry, capri pants that don’t break the bank. Next, learn how to dress up without wearing heels.
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1. Waistcoat + ballet flats
If this is your first time trying the trend or you’re nervous about wearing capris again, start simple. A pair of black capris will do the job perfectly, and teamed with a longline waistcoat, it looks effortlessly chic. I’ve also found this dreamy Gucci lookalike bag from Charles & Keith and teamed the ensemble with a pair of simple ballet flats for comfort and style.
- Capri leggings, £22.99, Mango – buy now
- Monika Square Neck Longline Waistcoat, £120, Aligne at Liberty – buy now
- Cesia Metallic Accent Shoulder Bag in Cream, £79, Charles & Keith – buy now
- Buckle Flat Square Toe Ballet Pumps, £35, M&S Collection – buy now
- Sculptural Draped Earrings, £27, & Other Stories – buy now
2. Co-ord + blazer
If you’re in doubt, stick with a co-ord – and how cute is this set from ASOS? We’re not quite ready for summer fashion yet, so I’ve teamed it with an oversized blazer from COS and a pop of red with a pair of ballet flats from COS, finished off with a simple white bag from JW Pei.
- Scoop neck waistcoat in gingham print, £22, ASOS DESIGN – buy now
- Pedal pusher in gingham, £24, ASOS DESIGN – buy now
- Oversized Draped Double-Breasted Blazer, £135, COS – buy now
- Harlee Shoulder Bag in Ivory, £99, JW Pei – buy now
- Pleated Leather Mary-Jane Ballet Flat, £115, COS – buy now
3. Pretty top + barely there heels
Inspired by Ellie Delphine, this ensemble is probably one of the easiest to wear and will appeal to everyone. This simple white blouse gives a nod to the coquette aesthetic, while the accessories elevate the look instantly.
- Crease-front Capri leggings, £27.99, H&M – buy now
- Anabella Linen Top, £148, Reformation – buy now
- Kitten Heel Sandals, £32.99, Zara – buy now
- Le Coeur leather cross-body bag, £880, Alaïa at Selfridges – buy now
- Statement Interlocking Earrings, £28, Orelia – buy now
4. Leopard print + Mary-Janes
Fancy a bolder look? Opt for leopard print, which we all know is a neutral. This pair of printed capris from Topshop are looser-fitting for maximum comfort, giving a more relaxed look. I’ve teamed them with a side-tie top and heeled Mary-Janes, meaning you can wear this look anywhere from a dinner date to coffee with a friend.
- Leopard print capri, £36, Topshop – buy now
- Cintia Tank Top, £29, Weekday – buy now
- Folded Patent-Leather Clutch, £120, & Other Stories – buy now
- Heeled Ballerinas with Straps, £35.99, Zara – buy now
- Chunky Gold-Plated Chain Necklace, £47, Arket – buy now
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