No matter if you call them capri pants, culottes or pedal pushers, you’ve probably noticed the trouser style starting to sneak back into the wardrobes of many fashion fans. Spotted in street style looks throughout the most recent fashion weeks and on social media adorned by a handful of fashionable faces, the shortened trousers are getting a lot of attention. This time around, though, there are a few styling tricks to make them feel much more chic and much less like those weird white leggings our mums used to make us wear under skirts.

Named after the Italian island, capri pants became popular in the 50s and 60s and are attributed to German designer Sonja de Lennart. However, it was Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe who shot them to style stardom, making them the trouser of the moment. But why are they working their way into our wardrobes yet again? Well, the style was popular in the 2000s, so it’s likely all part of the Y2K revival.

Plus, according to Stylight, the online shopping comparison site, there was a 56% increase in searches for capri pants compared to this time last year, so it’s clear that the trouser trend is catching on fast. However, it’s how you style them that’s key to making your outfit look modern. 

If you’re tempted to try the capri pant trend but are put off by the skinny jeans-like shape, allow us to make a case for culottes. The wide-leg sister of the traditional capri trouser, culottes add volume to your outfit, making it all the more striking in terms of style.

To keep it simple and sleek, opt for a form-fitting top and allow the culottes to take centre stage – this shape can always be exaggerated with a belt. Or emphasise your silhouette even further by pairing them with an oversized blazer and big billowy blouse. If shopping for culottes, Cos (£75), Jigsaw (£95) and Toast (£125) all have some fabulous options. 

For those nervous to take on the new trend, it may help to pick a pair that look similar to something you already wear: jeans. Denim capri pants are in no short supply, as they’re essentially cropped skinny jeans – you could probably make your own if you’re deft with a pair of scissors. Plus, you can style them as you would any other pair of trusty jeans: with T-shirts, waistcoats, shirts and much more.

Mango has a great near-knee-high option (£29.99), Frame has a chic white calf-length pair (£225) and we’ve also found a light-wash look at FatFace (£46) if you prefer the lighter, brighter style. 

You may remember the rise in short suits last summer, but while thigh-high lengths may not work for strict office environments, calf-length capri pants should sail through – no HR queries necessary. Spotted at New York Fashion Week, the short-length trouser suit offers a significant style twist to your everyday two-piece. Plus, as the pedal pusher name suggests, it should make things easier if you have a more active commute.

If you’re tempted to liven up your office attire, we’ve found a striking pink capri suit trouser from Theory (£240), a mint green option from Maeve (£120) and a basic black pair from Weekday (£44) that’ll work for almost any occasion. 

Images: Getty