Well, we didn't see it coming, but pedal pushers have turned out to be one of the biggest trouser trends to come out of 2024 thus far. Just when we thought that cargo pants would be the only nostalgic throwback to get a second chance at gracing our legs, the calf-hugging capri is attempting to work its way back into our wardrobes. How do you wear pedal pushers without feeling like a teenager? We've got the answer.
After looking up runway references and scouring street style images, the consensus seems to be that we can style these trousers in much the same way we would treat skinny jeans or leggings. That is, it's all about playing with proportions.
Twenty years ago we might have been happy to throw on a baby tee or a halterneck with our pedal pushers, but the 2024 way to elevate the look is with longline tops, boxy jackets and polished accessories—think high/low luxury styling. For me, the winning formula is as simple as a boxy blazer, a white tee, pedal pushers and kitten-heel mules, but there's a dressy outfit for every style, and as a rule of thumb, if it looks good with leggings, it'll work for pedal pushers too.
So, should your interest in pedal pushers be piqued and you're wondering how to make them work for weekends, work and play, keep scrolling for five ways to wear pedal pushers this year.
1. OVERSIZED JUMPER + PEDAL-PUSHER JEANS + SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: In this chilly in-between whilst we wait for spring to blossom, we're still wearing winter knits with everything, and a chunky, slouchy knit is perfect with a pair of pedal pushers, dressed up with some glossy slingbacks. Screenshot this for your next office outfit.
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
So elegant.
The high street has caught on too.
A hot topic in the Who What Wear UK office.
Wear this suede bag as a crossbody or carry it using the top handle.
2. DENIM JACKET + WHITE TEE + LEGGINGS + MULES
Style Notes: Everyone has a denim jacket in their wardrobe, and throwing it over a simple white tee and leggings is the easy to way to style up a lazy weekend 'fit. Just add mules to take the look from loungewear to lunch date.
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
This collarless style feels so fresh.
A wardrobe staple.
It's easy to understand why Mango's archive collection made a hero of the capri.
I can't believe that these aren't three times the price.
Stylish simplicity.
3. OXFORD SHIRT + CREW-NECK JUMPER + PEDAL-PUSHER LEGGINGS + BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: When the day gets off to a cold start but warms up in the afternoon, shoulder-robe a classic navy knit over an Oxford shirt. The bigger the better, so size up your button-down for a loose fit. Swapping out chunky loafers for a pair of cute ballet flats will keep things light—the ideal option for spring.
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
I want one in every colour.
If you want a really good shirt, With Nothing Underneath is the way to go.
The split-hem is so '90s.
I'm obsessed with this colour.
The perfect finishing touch.
4. FAUX-FUR COAT + CAPRI JEANS + LOAFERS
Style Notes: Whether you call it "loud luxury" or the "mob wife" aesthetic, opulent outfits are taking over socials, and the easiest way to nod to the trend is with a fluffy faux-fur coat and a great tote bag, as seen on the streets of Milan. Extra points if you add retro gold jewellery and pointed-toe shoes. Ciao, bella.
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
How to nail "cosy chic".
Topshop's famous Joni jeans are back in a capri fit.
DeMellier bags manage to make every outfit look expensive.
You heard it here first: white shoes are the current It shoes in Paris.
Peak "loud luxury".
5. TRACK TOP + PEDAL-PUSHER LEGGINGS + TRAINERS + DUFFLE BAG
Style Notes: Just like full-length leggings, pedal pushers lend themselves well to athleisure practicality. When you want more coverage than shorts but still need room for movement, throw a pair of cropped training leggings into your gym bag. They'll look just as good on the treadmill as they will in the airport, at home, running errands… the styling possibilities are endless.
SHOP THE OUTFIT:
Such a good colour combo.
For everything from cardio to pilates.
I predict a best seller.
A gorgeous shade of blue.
Next Up: The '90s Called—This Nostalgic Trouser Trend Is Back and Could Replace Leggings