I’ll confess, when I first noticed capri pants creeping back onto my social media feed as the latest fashion comeback, I wasn’t convinced. Had we really come full circle? But perhaps the problem was never the capri itself. After all, simply wearing the trend doesn’t make an outfit chic. But somewhere between the runway and the wardrobes of fashion’s coolest girls, I began to see the once-divisive silhouette in a different light: it wasn’t the capri itself that looked chic, but the way it was being worn. 

The reputation of capri pants may be firmly rooted in the era of Juicy tracksuits and Von Dutch caps, but they have never really belonged to one aesthetic. Before capris became shorthand for Y2K nostalgia, they were the uniform of mid-century cool, embraced by some of the era’s most iconic women. Audrey Hepburn made them synonymous with understated elegance, Marilyn Monroe gave them a more playful, sensual edge, Brigitte Bardot brought a uniquely French nonchalance, and Grace Kelly proved their place in the most polished wardrobes. Suddenly, showing a little ankle felt like the height of sophistication. 

If the runways are anything to go by, the capri’s second act looks much more sophisticated. From Versace and Ralph Lauren to Isabel Marant, designers have now given the once-skinny silhouette a modern makeover, reworking it in denim, tailoring and fluid fabrics. The results are capris that feel less like a Y2K throwback and more like an elevated wardrobe staple. 

This capri comeback is anything but one-note. From Saint Laurent’s tailored wool trousers to Ossou’s russet stretch denim, the capri sheds its reputation as a one-silhouette wonder. Faithful the Brand and Peachy Den bring us a playful spin with polka dots and gingham, while Motel Rocks keeps things clean and streamlined with classic, sophisticated styles. For those who prefer their wardrobe with a bit more drama, Rabanne gives us texture with ruched detailing and draped panels, and Ganni gets crafty with crochet detailing for a tactile finish. On the other hand, Scarlet & Sam makes a case for the capri as the ultimate off-duty staple with a wide-leg jersey pair for those days when comfort wins out.

Consider this your sign to give the controversial trouser a second chance. Call it a revival, a reinvention, or simply a really good excuse to show some ankle – the capri is back, and whatever your definition of chic, there is a pair for everyone.