Save the Shorts for Late Summer by Giving in to the Current Capri Pants Craze

The retelling of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s love story has ignited a 90s style frenzy. Calvin Klein is definitely one of the biggest beneficiaries as no label is more synonymous with the decade than the minimalist American brand. Capri pants are also getting a gigantic boost thanks to the popular FX show. Although the cropped pants are no overnight sensation. They’ve actually been surging the last couple of seasons, but this season they’re finally poised to break through and become mainstream.

There’s no universally accepted length that all capris must adhere to. Generally speaking, you can use the moniker for any pants that are longer than shorts but not quite as lengthy as typical trousers. They can sit anywhere from just above the knee all the way to three to four inches above ankles. In fact, you may occasionally see capris identified as shorts, pedal pushers or simply cropped pants. Which means you shouldn’t judge by product title alone.

The most common incarnation is a black pair of leggings or tailored pants. These are definitely the exact type that CBK favored, but there’s more to this trend story. Designers are getting creative, as they are wont to do, creating capris with statement patterns — especially polka dots — as well as notice-me colors along with slim and slightly wider denim variants. Versace supplied a rainbow of jeans up on its Spring 2026 runway. (We’re partial to the purple.) Chloe takes a vintage approach with leggings in a chocolate brown. Ganni’s peachy pair boasts organza accents, while Isabel Marant’s floral-print capris are smocked for a touch of texture. If you’re a fan of dark denim, even in spring and summer, check out Jacquemus’ The De-Nîmes Denim Capri Pants.

Some of the top sets are actually from lower-cost retailers. Much like Chloe, both Zara and Mango deliver brown creations as a neutral alternative to the standard-issue shade. The somewhat dusty beige hue of & Other Stories’ offering allows for endless styling possibilities. Mango realizes that warm weather isn’t the same without white denim. Paloma Wool’s Aneu polka dot capri leggings are already hanging in Hailey Bieber’s closet. Then there’s the ruffle detail that give Anthropologie’s black capris a significant edge.

Here are the chicest capri pants to sport up until summer arrives. You can also keep them in rotation through early fall. Depending on where you reside, you may be able to wear them closer to winter.