Spring has sprung, we’re slowly but surely emerging from hibernation, and starting to shed some layers while we’re at it (on the infrequent, sporadic, weather appropriate days, that is). Soon enough, we’ll all be teasing a little bit of ankle. That’s right: the capri trend is here to stay, and so many of our favorite designers co-signed the style’s return on their Spring/Summer 2026 runways—some of our favorite celebrities have also taken the trend to the streets and demonstrated ways of styling them in the real world.
The trend was arguably originally popularized in the 1950s by film icon Audrey Hepburn, but the style was first created by designer Sonja de Lennart in 1948 and presented through her ‘Capri Collection.’ Named after the Italian island, Capri was a special place to de Lennart that represented joy, freedom, and a carefree Mediterranean energy. This is exactly what the capri pant style represents today: a casual, joyous, light, and free energy that only warm weather can truly bring out of us. I, for example, picture myself frolicking throughout Hudson Valley nature in a pair of capris.
Versace’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway was all about ’80s inspirations: color-blocked ensembles, high-waisted jeans, and fitted capris that hit directly below the knee in the boldest shades of green and purple.
Isabel Marant’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection on the other hand, approached capris through a more bohemian and nomadic lens. The colors were neutral, the capris were a little longer (ankle grazing), and the silhouettes were slightly looser.
Ralph Lauren’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway made a strong case for the elevated, dressed up capri—and this look has us taking notes. While the capri can be perceived as inherently casual, they can still be elevated and smart. On Ralph Lauren’s runway, black trouser capris were paired with an oversized black button down shirt cinched by a useless belt, and woven peep-toe heels—the perfect balance between a casual boho aesthetic and business casual, arguably.
Proenza Schouler’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway had us strongly considering styling capris for a spring or summer night out. The black capris themselves were statement makers with flared ruffle hems. They were styled under a black dress (the dress over pants trend is forever!) and with contrasting statement shoes. The runway references are truly endless with Maison Margiela, Carolina Herrera, Dries Van Noten, and more also including the style in their Spring/Summer 2026 collections.
Supermodels and it girls Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have both served as inspiration on how to implement the capri trend into our everyday lives. Jenner’s take on the trend was a bit more sporty chic, paired a cropped windbreaker-style jacket and heeled thong sandals. Hadid, on the other hand, styled the trend in more of an elevated bohemian manner—with a draped lacey top, bold jewelry, and a brown leather jacket.
While the capri was originally inspired by the casual and carefree attitude of the Italian island they were named after, celebrities and runways have made cases for the style for nearly all occasions—making them a no-brainer necessity for all of our rotations this season.