10 Australian fashion creatives show us how they style capris
Image via @_mollyjohnstone/Instagram
Words by Ruby Staley
A transitional piece for the ages.
Just like the return of the ballet flat, another polarising Y2K trend is back. This time, it’s the shin-grazing capri pant. High-waisted ‘pedal pushers’ were first popularised in the ’50s and ’60s (a staple in Marilyn Monroe’s off-screen wardrobe) and then revived – with a low-rise – in the early aughts, worn by celebrities from Rihanna to Christina Aguilera.
In 2024, all the cool fashion girlies are wearing capris again, in a variety of ways that differ drastically from their mid-war roots. High-waisted or low-rise, some of my favourite creators are wearing them with oversized tees, billowing button ups and laidback singlets, paired with sling-back kitten heels (Carrie Bradshaw-style) or riding boots. So many options! Still, I haven’t had the confidence to go out and invest in a pair just yet.
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Now that we’re officially in spring, what better time to experiment with a cropped capri – not quite a full pant, and far longer than a pair of shorts but with the practicality of both. Here’s how some of my favourite Australian creatives are wearing them.
Dennise, she/her, Founder of DP Vintage
I thrifted this pair of capris and I got so lucky with them because they’re straight from the 2000s. They’re high-waisted with a classic fitted silhouette and the perfect length. I have to be careful when styling them though, so they don’t look like yoga pants!
Pairing them with kitten heels just elevates the look and makes them look more chic than sporty. Whenever I’m styling unique pieces like capris, I always pay attention to the silhouettes and proportions. For this look, I’ve paired them with a fun high-neck top and a baggy knit to tie it all together.
Camelia Farhoodi, she/her, content creator
The most iconic capris in my closet are my vintage Burberry capris that I treasure so much. If I could describe my personal style, it would be ’90s minimalist-esque. Although, from time to time I love to add in a fun piece. The OG Burberry monogram print is super neutral, hence why I’ve kept this piece in my closet for so many years, always a classic and so timeless!
Capris are my favourite cut. I think they are flattering for all and also super versatile! I wear capris around the house in sandals or on a cute night out with a pair of pointed mules. I think it’s very easy to emulate that ’90s era as soon as you throw on a pair of capris, which is probably why I love them so much.
Katherine Rose, she/her, stylist
I’m wearing vintage leather capris, a Coperni hoodie, a Charles & Keith bag, Szade sunglasses and ballet flats. This outfit feels super comfy and easy but the leather texture paired with the cutouts on the hoodie elevates it. I love finding pieces that are unassuming but have something off or interesting about them.
I was initially off capris because I think the fit/length is awkward but the fact that they are a little fugly sets a challenge for me. They remind me of the popular girls in my high school or Carrie in Sex and the City. I’d wear them with a cropped bolero and a bitchy kitten heel or knee-high boots as well!
Isabella Essuman, she/her, vintage seller
Capris are a manifestation of fashion that is somewhere in between minimalism and sports/athleisure wear but for the fashion girlies. I have styled these vintage Adidas capris from the Soul Vintage store in a way that’s an ode to the greats such as Carrie Bradshaw with the use of chunky jewellery, ballet flats and curly hair!
Keely, she/her, content creator
My newest capri addition to my wardrobe, they’re from Belle the Label. As soon as I saw the frills on the bottom, I knew I needed them. They’re so perfect to dress up and down. The new era of Keelz is fun basics! I’ve paired them with a top from Annienoka and my Y/Project x Melissa mules.
Jaidyn Taylah, she/her, content creator
These are a pair of Witchery capris I thrifted for $7! Thrifting pieces I am able to wear on rotation is something I swear by and this pair is one I can’t stop wearing. Capris are such staple pieces that can be styled in unlimited ways but you can’t go wrong with keeping things neutral and classic as long as you pair it with the perfect accessories to bring the outfit to life!
Molly Shears, she/her, photographer
This pair of capris is the pair that started it all! They’re Hyein Seo and made of sportswear/hiking material. I couldn’t help but buy them as soon as I laid eyes on them. I knew they were something that I could dress up for an effortless casual/classy look, and that’s exactly what they’ve been.
I always pair my capris with either a kitten heel or mule to elongate the legs, if not a heel of sorts then I style them with a runner but always with ankle socks. I love working with the low-rise waistline of a capri… I style with mid-rise tops and find the outfit always looks put together regardless of how casual it is. Whilst the waistline is super flattering alone, I do love to pair it with an oversized belt, sitting relaxed on the hips.
Meg Charnaud, she/her, co-founder of Second Life Markets
I bought these classic Billabong capris at an op shop in the southwest because they screamed Blue Crush, Into the Blue vibes. I love a low waist and Billabong took it to the extreme in the 2000s. I have been wearing them mainly to the beach with bikinis, crop tops and singlets as a super simple summer look that’s not jeans.
Prue Raisbeck, she/her, content creator
Carrie Bradshaw is the true blueprint and reason that I love fashion the way I do. Capris are a staple in her wardrobe, therefore they must be in mine too! I picked this pair up at an op shop and styled them with an asymmetric top and a mix of gold and silver accessories.
Molly Johnstone, she/her, stylist
I spotted these capris at the Acne Studios sale and I knew that they needed to come away with me on holiday to Mexico! I loved that they were a gingham print, sheer and that I could layer them in cooler temperatures. I always keep cost per wear in mind when purchasing.
I styled them here with a white ribbed tank top, Prada sunglasses and my Givenchy Marshmallow wedges which didn’t leave my feet on this trip. A super casual but elevated look, I know these capris will be so versatile with knee-high boots and a blazer as soon as I’m back in Melbourne’s weather.
This article was originally published on October 18, 2023.
For more on the revival of capris, head here.
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