For some, especially after the baggy jeans era, leaning into a pant that’s not only fitted, but also three-quarters length, can be absolutely intimidating. Still, all your favorite cool girls are wearing capri pants and it feels like an easy trend to hop on…as long as you can figure out the right shoe combo. So, whether you’re already on the train or just giving the popular style a go, I’m here to make it even easier for you with a bunch of easy to remember footwear + capri combos that are sure to look perfect.
Notably, capri pants are a relic of the early 2000s, where they were originally a nod to the “pedal pushers” of the 1950s. In the last few years, they’ve made their way back onto the scene via designers and early style adopters. And there are many ways to make them feel modern—instead of feeling like your mom dressed you for a middle school field trip to the zoo. (Trust me, I’ve experimented, and am now a capri pants convert!)
Footwear is the way to elevate any look, and playing around with the shape, height, and color of your shoe will help you make your capri pants outfit vastly more interesting. For the example combinations that will get your style journey started, come right this way:
Kitten Heels
Here we have what I’d like to call Ol’ Reliable. When in doubt, a kitten heel is the perfect shoe for capri pants. Specifically, an open-toed sandal kitten heel really is a way to achieve that effortless “cool girl” aesthetic with a more cropped pant look.
Ballet Flats
Now, if you’re a bit weary of a heel, and want to find something better suited for all-day wear, the ballet flat is for you. I will advise that it can sometimes feel stylistically juvenile (silhouette wise), so a little subversion is the trick to elevate the moment. The Tabi ballet flat or even leaning fully into a ballerina ankle-wrapped flat can make the look feel purposefully on the nose.
Platform Sandals
If you’re wanting to get as Biblically accurate to the Y2K fashion era as possible, then platform sandals are the way to go. This footwear option is what I refer to as Lizzie McGuire core. It’s the best way to add some flare to your capri pants look while giving you some extra height (without the pain of a traditional heel).
Strappy Heels
There’s nothing like going back in time, sartorially, at least. And, if you must revisit the past, then you might as well commit to the bit fully. I suggest leaning into a very 2010s strappy heel with your next capri pant outfit. Tyla did it perfectly, tapping in with the Valentino Garavani Rockstud shoes. And if these aren’t in your budget, any strappy, old-school heel will give off the same vibes as well.
Cowboy Boots
Some might be nervous to pair cowboy boots with capri pants, but I’m here to calm your fears. Proportions are tricky, and giving up leg length isn’t always ideal, but with the right pair of boots and the precise just-below-the-knee capri length, a Western boot is a fun way to style your outfit, especially in the winter months.
Mules
Another option for the girls who prioritize comfort is mules. Not only are they footwear you can wear all day, but they fit perfectly with the capri pant silhouette. These are also an ideal option if you’re looking to wear your capris in professional settings, too.
Lace-Up Boots
Similar to the strappy heel, wearing an intricate boot with your capri pants is a way to push the boundaries into certified Fashion Girl territory. These lace-up boots are the perfect fit because they offer an added edgy element to an outfit that might otherwise feel a bit simplistic. Whether they’re laced or tied, a good, form-fitting boot will do the trick.
Aiyana Ishmael is the style editor at Cosmopolitan magazine. In her work, Aiyana focuses on the culture of fashion and how it intertwines and shapes the zeitgeist. She is an award-winning journalist from Miami, Florida, and a graduate of the historically Black university, Florida A&M. She is a 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30: Media honoree, and her debut romance novella PASSING GAME is set to release March of 2027 (831 Stories/Simon & Schuster).
