Reese Witherspoon’s Cropped Pants Are the Summer-Friendly Alternative We’re Wearing Instead of Jeans

Reese Witherspoon understands the importance of dressing comfortably on vacation. 

The actress and filmmaker recently shared an Instagram carousel documenting her summer travels thus far, and in one shot, she posed with a city bike wearing a pair of casual, cropped flare pants and a cobalt blue sweatshirt with sneakers — the perfect outfit for biking around and sight-seeing.

The soft pants likely gave Witherspoon the flexibility she needed to bop around, and the flared hem, plus a biking breeze, had to be great for sweat-minimizing airflow. And unlike shorts, the pants were long enough to keep her legs protected from the sun — a win-win in our books. 

For those reasons, cropped pants are the underrated bottom of summer. That explains why both Katie Holmes and Jennifer Lawrence were seen wearing their own versions of the trend last June. They’re essentially like an updated version of capri pants, and a welcome addition to summer dressing for those of us who dread dragging out the stiff jeans or denim shorts. 

Cropped Pants Inspired by Reese Witherspoon

• Liverpool Los Angeles Stella Kick Flare Ponte Crop Pants, $89; nordstrom.com
• Lululemon Smooth Fit Pull-On High-Rise Cropped Pant, $89 (orig. $148); shop.lululemon.com
• Grace Karin Cropped Paper Bag Waist Pants, $33.29 (orig. $36.99); amazon.com
• Spanx The Perfect Kick Flare Pant, $148; spanx.com
• Yogipace Cropped Yoga Dress Pants, $34.99–$36.99; amazon.com
• Abercrombie & Fitch Low Rise Boot Trouser, $80 at checkout (orig. $100); abercrombie.com
• Afitne Bootcut Yoga Pants, $27.99; amazon.com
• Grapent Capri Dress Pants, $31.99; amazon.com

Liverpool Los Angeles Stella Kick Flare Ponte Crop Pants

This pair of pants is most similar to Witherspoon’s — they have a cropped 25-inch inseam that frees the ankles and lets a pair of statement shoes, like her chunky trainers, shine. The pull-on style makes them so easy to throw on in a hurry, and they’re made of a nylon-spandex blend which puts them super close on the pants spectrum to pajamas. The cherry on top? They have pockets!

Lululemon Smooth Fit Pull-On High-Rise Cropped Pant 

Lululemon leggings are usually a popular customer pick, so it should come as no surprise that this pair of cropped pants is high on our list. They’re similar to Witherspoon’s look-wise, but they’re designed with sweat-wicking fabric, making them even more summer-appropriate. If you’re a high-waisted devotee, you’ll love these as well because their high waist has a smoothing, slightly compressive waistband.

They’re available in versatile black, as well as other office-friendly neutrals including taupe, brown, navy, and cream. And right now, you can get a pair for $59 off.

Grace Karin Cropped Paper Bag Waist Pants

If you prefer making a fashion statement but are interested in the length and style of Witherspoon’s pants, these cropped pants could be the perfect fit. The paper bag waist has a tie belt that adds a bit of sweetness and fun to any look, and there are functional pockets. More than 11,800 five-star ratings are enough to convince us to pick up one of every color. One shopper said they have “quickly become a staple in [their] wardrobe.”

Reese Witherspoon and her fellow celebs are onto something with this summer dressing hack. You can join them and get ahead of the craze by shopping more cropped pants styles below. 

Spanx The Perfect Kick Flare Pant

Yogipace Cropped Yoga Dress Pants

Abercrombie & Fitch Low Rise Boot Trouser

Afitne Bootcut Yoga Pants

Grapent Capri Dress Pants