Pedal pushers, capri pants, hell, simply just cropped trousers — whatever you want to call them, they aren’t going anywhere. Last summer, shopping platform Lyst reported a 41% surge in searches for ‘capri pants’ and 26% for ‘pedal pushers’. And this year, their popularity hasn’t waned, with celebs such as Bella Hadid, Elizabeth Olsen and Paloma Elsesser all having been spotted sporting the trend.
However, a slim-fitting pair of trousers that cuts off just below the knee aren’t exactly the easiest of things to wear. Trainers and ankle boots, in my humble opinion, are not the most compatible with capris. Keep scrolling for the perfect footwear to pair with your clam diggers (yes, that is yet another term they are known by…)
Ankle strap heels
Ms Hadid is arguably the queen of the capri, regularly being seen wearing an array of skin-tight black pairs. For sister Gigi’s birthday party in New York last month, she teamed her all black ensemble with a pair of matching ankle strap heels. A head-to-toe monochrome look is always chic, but when showing off your legs, a shoe with any kind of ankle detail can easily add depth and interest to an outfit (with no pesky fabric getting stuck). Top marks.
Heeled flip-flops
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — shoe of the summer! A heeled flip-flop works perfectly with a cropped pair of trousers because it shows off your feet and elongates the leg, giving the perfect overall silhouette. We love this wearer’s playful puffy pair from brand Yume Yume (clock the heart shaped heel as well).
Kitten heels
Stilettos such as Bella’s isn’t exactly fit for everyday wear, so allow me to suggest the much more pavement friendly kitten heel instead. Low to the ground but with just enough height (and clack) to feel dressed up, it just makes sense with a capri pant. If you’re keeping your trousers plain, add interest with patterned or animal print shoes like this stylish wearer.
Pointed flats
While it certainly helps to wear (even a small) heel with a capri pant, they look just as good with a flat. Opt for a pointed toe shape — it’s all about creating length, baby! Especially if you’re on the shorter side.
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Block heeled mules
Mules and capris create a pin-up, retro-inspired look that also manages to feel totally current. Once again, exposing more of your feet creates the illusion of longer legs, and a block heel is a super comfortable and supportive option. Metallic shades are perfect for summer — now, where's the beach party?
Strappy sandals and socks
Controversial but…we’re so here for it. Show off colourful or patterned socks with the shorter hemline of the trousers, and expose them even further by wearing strappy or cut-out sandals. Matching the colour to your top and your handbag? Quite fab. This look is definitely not just for dads.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
