Looking for a closet staple that can effortlessly take you from the office to happy hour, but that isn't too stuffy or too casual? Capri pants are the answer to your styling dilemma—and celebrities have cracked the code on wearing this controversial style in 2026.

This iconic piece of Y2K fashion has made a huge comeback recently. While we might have first seen it pop up on designer runways in the spring, it has officially reached its peak during the summer. The trend has been spotted on celebrities' street style photos like Khloe Kardashian, Keke Palmer, Jennifer Lopez, Tessa Thompson, and Camila Mendes. 

This polarizing item has its fans and haters. We leave it to you to decide for yourself how you feel about this style. Regardless, it seems like it's not going anywhere any time soon.

We first saw the capri pant trend make a major comeback early in 2026, during the spring. Designers like Ralph Lauren and Versace were styling them during their Spring/Summer 2026 runway shows, while celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid were wearing them while out and about as their street style outfits. Just like every trend that starts on runways in the spring, by summer, everyone is wearing them online. 

Many of us associate capri pants with Y2K fashion. Often paired with skin-tight vests and heels, stars like Christina Aguilera and Rihanna were rocking this trend on red carpets. Just like everything else from this time, most of us had this style in our closets. 

Still, the origins of capri pants date even earlier. It was created by designer Sonja de Lennart in 1948 and named after the Italian island of the same name, Capri. The design is meant to convey the playful and carefree nature of Mediterranean life. Afterwards, it was made iconic in the 1950s by Audrey Hepburn.

Capri pants have a certain air of delicate femininity. Because they often fall just under the knee, they convey a similar styling energy to pencil skirts. Yet, capri pants' fun patterns and unique details give them a more casual and playful vibe. Because of this, they are a surprisingly versatile piece in your closet. 

Style them with blouse or a fitted top for a feminine outfit that works for everything from running errands to the office. They are also paired with a top with a relaxed, slightly oversized fit and bomber jackets for a more cool, streetwear vibe. While you could wear your choice of footwear with these bottoms, most stylists pair them with strappy heels or sandals. 

With a near-perfect rating and over 1.5K reviews, these capri pants are the top-rated option from Amazon with their four colorway options, four-way stretch fabric, and a wide elastic waist. 

Business casual meets comfort with these new Lululemon capri pants that feature a luxe-feeling stretch fabric, a slim fit, belt loops, and your choice of four neutral shades. 

Want something more relaxed? These fold-over capri pants have wide legs, soft fabric, and a low-rise fit. Plus, it comes in 16 neutral, bright, and patterned colorways. 

These capri pants have a chic detail that just screams Y2K. It features slide slits, a skinny fit, and the signature below-the-knee length.

These capri pants are a bit longer than the other styles, but with the slight flare at the bottom, slim design, gingham check print, high-rise fit, and fine knit fabric, makes it a perfect addition. 

These affordable capri leggings combine two trends that have taken over the internet lately: the capri design and polka dots. Plus, it comes in 11 patterns and solid colorways. 

Sustainably made in Mexico, these capri pants are a classic styling option with their chic black color, a mid-rise fit, and knit fabric.

Looking for a denim style? These capri pants from Free People are perfect for your summer closet. They feature a low-rise waist, slim fit, seamed paneling detail, and three jean wash colorways. 

These capri pants stand out from the rest with the sheer fabric, slimming fit, and a romantic ruffled hem that'll add a touch of femininity to any outfit. 

It's way past Memorial Day, which means we can wear these trendy capri pants in white. Gap offers just that with this style and its low-rise waist, stretch denim fabric, slit detail, and longer crop. 

Looking for more trends? Shop the courtside style outfit all celebs are obsessed with!

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