The fashion pack has spoken: it’s time to embrace the power of the crop, as we figure out what to wear with capri leggings.
According to basically every celebrity (yes, even Hailey Bieber) and IT girl that popped up on my Instagram feed, these nostalgic bottoms are shaping up to be the cool-girl staple of summer 2026. Unlike loose Bermuda shorts as their structured counterparts, capri trousers can feel just as casual as they do elevated. Add to it the comfort of stretchy legging materials, and you've got yourself the ultimate comfy-meets-chic look that will quickly become your go-to – office, dates, casual walks and even evening events included.
I'm ready to make it official: you won't see me out of capri leggings all through September.
At their core, capris are a lesson in versatility. As evident in some of our favourite summer-friendly looks, they can pair with almost every top and accessory in your wardrobe, basic tees to oversized blazers, casual trainers to strappy heels. They can even be incorporated into more formal dress codes, when paired with a shirt or a structured top, or worn for a wild night of dancing with a crop top.
While the options are endless, there's still a method to the madness of what to wear with capri leggings – below are six of our favourite street style outfits and shoppable pieces that will help you pull off the looks IRL.
For a shopping trip
It’s fun to embrace the kitschy feel of capri leggings, but they can also go totally relaxed. Style them with a matching black top and all-black accessories for a chic, polished look. Break up the monochromatic pieces with a light-coloured leather jacket over your shoulder for some added texture (and a handy extra layer, in case the temperature shifts).
For a dinner party
Mixing seasons is the ultimate test in dressing. If you’re dressing your leggings for nighttime, style them with a peplum blouse for a playful, season-agnostic look. This ensemble, with its elevated heels and nice belt, works perfectly for a dinner party and fancy restaurant alike.
One of the greatest sartorial lessons of the post-pandemic era is that an office dress code can often be far more relaxed than you think. But it's still key to introduce pieces that act as reminders of the surrounding. A white linen shirt is exactly that. With a pair of cropped capri leggings, some statement jewellery and a pair of evergreen Tabi flats, the outfit feels smart and polished enough for the office.
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For date night
Feeling adventurous? A minimalist blazer top pairs shockingly well with cropped leggings, especially when you add fancy mules and a nice evening bag. In an unexpected shade of red, it's just just right for a meal with your lover – high levels of romance guaranteed.
Hot take: capri leggings can feel just as sexy as microshorts. All you need is a scoopneck top, a retro chain belt, and a pair of strappy sandals à la Carrie Bradshaw. Further elevate the look with matching gold jewellery – it's the perfect way to get into the mood for a night on the town.
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For drinks with the girls
Although most people go for the all-black look when it comes to sleek ensembles, polka-dot capris are not to be slept on. They give your outfit a whimsical, delightfully maximalist vibe—and going all-in on the pattern will make you look like a genuine fashion insider. Wear a blazer in inverted shades to the leggings, as well as some contrasting shoes, and maximum impact is guaranteed.
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A version of this article originally appeared on Glamour US.
