How to Style Capri Pants, According to Fashion Experts

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When I saw capris trending again, on the likes of L.A. cool girls Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber, my first thought was Kelly Kapowski and Jessie Spano roaming the halls of Bayside High. (Yes, I’m a “Saved by the Bell” kind of millennial.) But then I got a simple black pair and started incorporating them into my 2026 wardrobe to surprising delight. It turns out, we don’t need to be afraid of this particular cyclical trend, and fashion experts agree.

“The greatest thing about fashion is that trends always come back,” says Jaz Gandhi, a Los Angeles-based fashion stylist, and one-half of styling duo Jaz + Sarah. “Don’t be afraid to embrace pieces that you wore 10 to 15 years ago. That’s the beauty of fashion.” Fellow L.A.-based celebrity stylist Austin Niesner agrees: “When styled correctly, they feel effortless and pair easily with a variety of interchangeable pieces to keep your style fresh.”

Niesner also points out that capris are a great warm-weather alternative to shorts — a tiny piece of clothing I’ve always had trouble feeling comfortable in. I’m sold! But styling them is another story.

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Gandhi assures me that capris can look chic and decidedly not 2003-like with the right proportions. It’s not about hiding your body, but rather creating a balanced silhouette.

“We always say, you never want to show too much on both ends of your body,” she says. “If you opt for a short skirt look with a tank, pair it with a great blazer, bomber or leather jacket. If you opt for your go-to jeans, pair [them] with a sexy shirt and blouse.” The same can be said for capris, which is why you’ll see them paired with roomier blouses, track jackets or layered textures, like on the model above.

“When all else fails, follow the Rule of Thirds,” Niesner adds. “For example, a baby tee or cropped top will make up one-third of your body, while capris will take up two-thirds. On the other hand, wearing a slightly oversized collared shirt or blazer will take up two-thirds, and the capris will take up one-third. Use this rule to ensure your outfit looks elongated and well-balanced.”

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For everyday errands, brunch with friends or casual drinks, stylist and content creator Andrea Lublin likes to “pair knee-length capris with a loose-fitting, effortless button-down and feminine ballet flats, giving off girl-next-door energy,” she says.

And — just as with almost anything — you can’t go wrong with a plain white tee. “It’s such a classic, chic and modern touch to any look,” Gandhi adds. “To elevate the look, pair it with a great kitten heel, heeled sandal or ballet flat to give it that modern touch.”

Of course, you can also have some fun with colors, textures and modern prints. “The great thing about capris is that they let you have fun with the rest of the outfit,” Niesner says. “Try a polka-dot top for pattern, a bright halter top for color or a cropped nylon jacket to accentuate proportions.”

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But if you do want to dress them up, even for an office-casual work setting, Niesner says to pair the capris with your usual work-ready attire, thinking about the entire shape. “Capris with an hourglass blazer for a more modern fit, or a dress shirt underneath an oversized blazer, are both great options,” he says. “While many wear white oversized dress shirts with capris, an all-black dress shirt will make you stand out from the crowd while still looking professional.”

And be careful with the shoes if you want to keep capris work-appropriate. “Loafers, ballet flats or Mary-Janes would be the best shoe for your everyday office look,” Gandhi says.

Heading out for the night after work? That’s easy, too. Gandhi loves adding an “open-toe heeled sandal or mule” and Lublin favors a “silk cami and an oversized blazer over the shoulders” for an evening-ready look.