This past spring and summer, capri pants—characterized by their above-the-knee hems—held a commanding presence in the fashion world. But the tides are shifting, and now cropped pants that gracefully skim above the ankle are making their way into street-style ensembles, signaling a fresh perspective on pant proportions. A perfect illustration of this trend is Jennifer Lopez's recent chic ensemble.
While shopping in L.A. yesterday, J.Lo opted for a sophisticated look by trading her usual wide-leg, full-length jeans for sleek, cropped, tailored black trousers. While some of my fashion-forward friends and I have previously deemed cropped pants "dated," J.Lo’s impeccable styling changed my perspective entirely. She paired the cropped trousers with a Dior sweater, lace-up ballet flats, oversize sunglasses, and a Chanel bag, creating an effortlessly elegant look.
On Jennifer Lopez: Dior D-Joy flats; Dior Tied Collar Sweater ($2050); Chanel Perfect Edge Bag ($3240)
It's no shocker that J.Lo is championing this retro pants trend, especially as fitted silhouettes rise to prominence on runways everywhere. We've observed a noticeable transition in styles, moving from oversize blazers to more cinched silhouettes and from baggy to skinny jeans. Furthermore, the cropped pant trend is a natural evolution from the pedal pushers that graced the warm-weather seasons, offering a bit more fabric to provide warmth for the fall and winter.
For those searching for the best capri pants to integrate into their wardrobes, the market offers an extensive array of styles, from budget-friendly to designer pieces. Ahead, explore some of our favorite styles available right now.
Shop our favorite cropped pants:
If I didn't know better, I'd say these $70 pants were designer.
Style with ballet flats or kitten heels.
Stock up on this insanely affordable style.
These also come in a gorgeous brown.
So sleek.
Take these from the office to happy hour with friends.
Black leather pants are a wardrobe staple not to be without.
Shoppers love these best-selling pants because of how soft they are.
Simkhai can do no wrong.
You'll have these in your wardrobe for years to come.
Simply timeless.
An absolute classic no matter how you style it.
-
Tired of Jeans? We Are Too—Here's What We're Wearing Instead This SpringChic and comfortable.
-
It's Only March, But 2025 Already Has a New Celebrity-Approved It BagRihanna is a fan.
-
I Give It a Week Until Every Fashion Person in NYC Is Wearing This Under-$500 Designer BagIt could be even less than that, though.
-
The Elevated Alternative to Black Loafers I Keep Seeing on the Streets of ParisCloset-staple status.
-
The 1993 It Bag Every Celeb Owned Is Back—It's $158, and I'm Buying One in Every ColorFrom Gwyneth to Ashley and Mary-Kate.
-
Did Meghan Markle Really Just Share a Link to Everything in Her Closet?Well, at least her favorite pieces.
-
In Paris, Stylish Women Prefer This Timeless Trend Over Bombers *and* BlazersHere are 13 to shop.
-
6 Fall 2025 Runway Trends I Already Found at Zara, H&M, and MangoAffordability's never looked so good.
