I Thought This Pant Trend Was "Dated," But J.Lo's Elegant Outfit Changed My Mind

This past spring and summer, capri pants —characterized by their above-the-knee hems—held a commanding presence in the fashion world. But the tides are shifting, and now cropped pants that gracefully skim above the ankle are making their way into street-style ensembles, signaling a fresh perspective on pant proportions. A perfect illustration of this trend is Jennifer Lopez's recent chic ensemble.

While shopping in L.A. yesterday, J.Lo opted for a sophisticated look by trading her usual wide-leg, full-length jeans for sleek, cropped, tailored black trousers. While some of my fashion-forward friends and I have previously deemed cropped pants "dated," J.Lo’s impeccable styling changed my perspective entirely. She paired the cropped trousers with a Dior sweater, lace-up ballet flats , oversize sunglasses, and a Chanel bag, creating an effortlessly elegant look.

On Jennifer Lopez: Dior D-Joy flats; Dior Tied Collar Sweater ($2050); Chanel Perfect Edge Bag ($3240)

It's no shocker that J.Lo is championing this retro pants trend, especially as fitted silhouettes rise to prominence on runways everywhere. We've observed a noticeable transition in styles, moving from oversize blazers to more cinched silhouettes and from baggy to skinny jeans . Furthermore, the cropped pant trend is a natural evolution from the pedal pushers that graced the warm-weather seasons, offering a bit more fabric to provide warmth for the fall and winter.

For those searching for the best capri pants to integrate into their wardrobes, the market offers an extensive array of styles, from budget-friendly to designer pieces. Ahead, explore some of our favorite styles available right now.

Shop our favorite cropped pants:

MANGO Buttons Straight-Fit Trousers

If I didn't know better, I'd say these $70 pants were designer.

ZARA Zw Collection Capri Pants

Style with ballet flats or kitten heels.

H&M Cropped Pants

Stock up on this insanely affordable style.

Vince Mid Rise Flannel Culottes

These also come in a gorgeous brown.

Theory Pantalon Treeca

So sleek.

THE ROW Essentials Sovino Stretch-Crepe Skinny Pants

Take these from the office to happy hour with friends.

MOTHER The Insider Flood Cropped Pants

Black leather pants are a wardrobe staple not to be without.

J.Crew Delaney Kickout Sweater Pant

Shoppers love these best-selling pants because of how soft they are.

SIMKHAI Ashlon Pants

Simkhai can do no wrong.

Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pants

You'll have these in your wardrobe for years to come.

ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Ponte Knit Kick Flare Pants

Simply timeless.

Massimo Dutti Cropped Flared Trousers

An absolute classic no matter how you style it.