10 Australian creatives show us how they style capris
Words by Ruby Staley
A transitional piece for the ages.
Just like the return of the ballet flat, another controversial trend is back. This time, it’s the shin-grazing capri. First popularised in the ’50s and ’60s, the capri was revived in the early 2000s as part of the Y2K wave.
Now we’re seeing capris worn in a variety of ways that differ drastically from its mid-war roots. I’ve been pining over some of my favourite creators wearing capris with oversized tees, billowing button ups and laidback singlets with sling-back kitten heels and riding boots but I haven’t had the confidence to go out and invest in a pair just yet.
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What better way to convince me to jump on the trend than to showcase the transitional nature of a capri – not quite a full pant, and far longer than a pair of shorts but with the practicality of both – as styled by some of my favourite Australian creatives.
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.
For more on the revival of capris, head here.
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