Sorry, Skinny Jeans—French Women Have Confirmed This Trouser Trend Is Much More Elegant
Capri pants have been on my mind for a while, but I’d been hesitant to commit, unsure how to style them. They’re not a silhouette I'm especially used to, so I took it upon myself to gather up some outfit inspiration to help ease me in. Naturally, I looked to the Instagram feeds of stylish French women—who else?
Making the trending trousers feel surprisingly timeless, French women have an effortless elegance that I'm keen to emulate. Thus, I've made note of the specific styles of tops, shoes and accessories they're pairing with their capri pants to make them look their chicest right now.
Keen to finally embrace the trend, and tap into a silhouette that feels particularly relevant right now—sorry skinny jeans, but I fear your time has been and gone—read on to discover some French-girl styling inspiration below.
1. Oversized Shirt + Capri Pants + Closed-Toe Shoes
Style Notes: Trust the French to make capri pants—long considered tricky to style—look completely effortless and cool. By playing with layers in a fuss-free way, the combination of a simple tank top and oversized shirt brings a casually chic energy to the look, making capris feel surprisingly easy to wear. Slip on a closed-toe shoe for comfort and—if you choose one with a heel—a little extra height to craft an easy outfit you can keep coming back to.
Shop the Look:
This comes in sizes XS—4XL.
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend Shirt
I always come back to With Nothing Underneath for their elegant collection of shirts.
Free People
Bette Super Slim Capris
Capri pants are a warm-weather staple you can come back to year after year.
H&M
Square-Toe Leather Mules
I really can't see these staying in stock for long.
2. Black Vest Top + White Capri Pants + Peep-Toe Mules
Style Notes: On summer’s most sweltering days—when you’d really rather be wearing nothing at all—I find that keeping things as minimal as possible is the best way to feel put-together while contending with the heat. French women seem to agree and know that capri pants can be key to this mission. For a comfortable yet chic ensemble, pair them with a simple vest top and slip into some low-heeled mules.
Shop the Look:
Every great wardrobe starts with a classic black (or white) tank top.
These also come in black and taupe.
Mango
Block-Heel Sandals With Strap
These comfortable mules are perfect for daily styling.
3. Capri Pants + Boxy Blazer + Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: We’re at that sweet spot in the season where it’s warm enough for strappy sandals, but there’s still just enough of a breeze to justify a light layer. My favourite way to dress for this perfect balance is by pairing a boxy blazer with sandals. The contrast between the structured outerwear and the laid-back footwear—especially when styled with capri pants—adds a sense of ease that brings fresh energy to the polished blazer.
Shop the Look:
COS
The Single-Breasted Wool Blazer
This boxy blazer is perfect for these slightly cooler, late summer days.
Free People
Meg Seamless Crop
These also come in eight other shades.
Reformation
Gusta Knit Cropped Pant
The capri pants trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.
Marks & Spencer
Strappy Stiletto Heel Square Toe Sandals
I really can't see these elegant sandals staying in stock for long.
4. Light Knit + Capri Pants + Loafers
Style Notes: As we move toward the close of summer, I’m starting to think about the first steps I’ll take to adapt my wardrobe to the slightly cooler weather. I’ll be keeping my capris in rotation, styling them with lightweight knits and puddle-ready loafers as soon as the temperature begins to dip, à la the French.
