Be honest: Is this the first time you’ve needed to know how to style low-rise jeans? Millennials reading this are probably shaking their heads no.
As you may have heard, the hip-baring silhouette has crept back into the zeitgeist much to the chagrin of the over-30 crowd still recovering from their memories of teenage trend experiments. And I’ll admit I was firmly in that camp… until recently. Once I got past the Y2K flashbacks, I realised how chic low-rise jeans can be.
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Don’t just take my word for it. As of late, celebrities of all ages have made a convincing case for low-rise jeans. Take Gen Z darling — or, depending on who you ask, zillennial queen — Kylie Jenner, who harked back to the early 2000s in a pair of True Religion low-rise jeans last August. Paired with a midriff-revealing white tank top, the trousers read surprisingly sleek. Fellow It girl Bella Hadid has also put her stamp on the low-rise comeback. In January, the supermodel stepped out in Aspen wearing a lace-up bootcut look that she layered with a vintage lace duster and a quirky smiley-face baby tee. The takeaway here? Elevating your low-rise jeans lies in thoughtful, trend-forward styling.
Inspiration can be drawn from the street style pack too. Lately, fashion insiders have delivered a masterclass in styling low-rise jeans in ways that are far more sophisticated and mature than the early aughts outfits we remember, pairing them with everything from furry vests to sporty jerseys. Ahead are several different ways the most stylish women we know are wearing their low-rise jeans right now.
How to style low-rise jeans for 2026.
In early spring, swap your faux fur coat for a fuzzy vest – it’s the perfect layer for those days where the temperature doesn't quite hit 20 degrees. Then when summer comes, look for some boho lace or a tailored style instead. The point is, a long, voluminous vest will balance out the form-fitting jeans without taking away the entire point of wearing low-rise trousers. Finish the belly button–baring look with sneakers for an effortless feel or ankle boots for a sophisticated polish.
If you’re embracing the trend, you might as well lean all the way in, right? One way to do so is to go for a pair of embellished low-rise jeans. They give off serious Destiny’s Child vibes and make for such a fun, yet glam way to partake in the trend. After all, you loved these jeans once upon a time. Why not revisit that moment with the essence of nostalgic joy? If your personal style skews bold, marry them with an equally statement-making top such as a tartan puffer jacket. But let this your warning: this outfit won’t go unnoticed.
With a dark, slightly faded wash and a low-rise waistline, these straight-leg jeans feel plucked from the Y2K era. In fact, this whole look is inspired by the decade thanks to the addition of a halter-neck tank, a silhouette beloved by Hollywood starlets at the time. That said, the combination can easily be made to feel current and elevated: just add sleek accessories in dark neutrals such as black or brown — or both, which is the season’s trendiest colour combo.
Balmy spring weather calls for a light jacket, but that doesn’t mean defaulting to black. Instead, go the playfully sleek route with a leather style, such as this Y2K-inspired one. When a structured top is paired with low-rise baggy jeans, the outfit strikes the perfect balance between statement-making sophistication and relaxed elegance. Anchor the ensemble with black leather accents like ballet flats and a sculptural bag.
Ever wanted to master the model off-duty style? This street style star demonstrates a no-fail formula: a pair of low-rise jeans in a light wash with a jacket in darker shade and a pair of loafers that match. A buttoned-up cardigan layered underneath only amplifies the It girl effect. The key here is to avoid overdoing it with accessories. This outfit idea works best when it feels unfussy.
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You don’t need to be a sports enthusiast to join in on the athletic fashion trend. As seen here, all it takes is a football shirt or a jersey crop top to channel the look – though you do get bonus points for actually knowing who plays for the team. Styled with dark-wash low-rise denim, the outfit veers into streetwear territory. However, pearls and a leather bag give it a subtle dose of femininity and refinement.
If your style is best described as ladylike, don’t overlook this granny-inspired outfit formula. A bouclé jacket or striped cardigan offers the perfect counterpoint to low-slung wide-leg jeans. When temperatures rise, consider forgoing a top underneath. Dial up the sophistication with a pearl-adorned handbag and black pumps.
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