Leave Me & My Low-Rise Jeans Alone, OK?
As autumn approaches, I’ve reached a hard-fought decision: It’s time to embrace my long torso and wear low-rise jeans. Yep, I said it. If you’re keeping tabs on the latest fall jean trends, you might notice the loud absence of low-rise denim—a glaring oversight since they’re kind of hot. After all, who doesn’t love a peek-a-boo hip moment? On second thought, it’s definitely millennials. That’s why Gen Zers like Zendaya and Olivia Rodrigo are leading in the low-rise jean resurgence.
Before you get your panties in a twist, I am fully aware the trend is polarizing. Low-rise jeans are a blast to the Y2K past and sometimes not the most flattering, but let us recall the trailblazers who continue to rock low-rise jeans despite the modern-day slander tossed their way. To start, Rihanna (of course). Baby bump or not, she loves pairing crop tops with a low-rise waist to get that ’00s-inspired look. Lucy Lui hasn’t done the trend dirty since the ’90s (Charlie’s Angels was crawling with low-rise jeans); Julia Fox is so unapologetically and flawlessly releasing her midriff daily; and remember when Bella Hadid’s extremely low-rise cut-off shorts rocked everyone’s boats in the South of France in 2022? She really pushed people’s buttons with that one.
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I love a high waistline just as much as the next person, but low-rise jeans offer that double-take from passersby that I live for. I once wore a pair on a first date, and I had to keep picking his jaw up off the floor. Kidding (sort of). My fashion rule of thumb: if you’re making heads turn, you’re doing something right. Below, how to style low-rise jeans.
1. Where to Buy Low-Rise Jeans
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If you’re thinking of joining the trend, my advice is to not immediately waste your money investing in a designer brand. I thrifted my first and favorite pair of low-rise jeans from the men’s section at my local Goodwill. I wish I could name-drop the brand, but they were so worn when I bought them that the tag ceased to exist. On the other hand, if you’re here looking for long-lasting jeans from ace labels to scoop right now, I’d suggest the Low-Rise Baggy Wide-Leg Jean from the new Madewell x Molly Dickson collab. They’re made of recycled cotton and give off old-school energy with an 8 ½ inch rise. I seriously can’t stop wearing them. Other pairs on my current faves lists are the Boy Fit Jeans from GAP and the Low Rise Baggy Jean from Abercrombie & Fitch.
2. How to Style Low-Rise Jeans
Figuring out what kind of underwear to wear with low-rise jeans was one of my biggest struggles, especially when they sit so damn low, it feels like you’re about to flash someone. My tip: embracing a peek-a-boo thong that rests above the hips. It creates that hourglass V-shape and looks spicy on all body types. But if you want to skip a peeking moment altogether, low-rise hipster underwear is a perfect hidden solution. I will always speak highly of SKIMS’ Fits Everybody Hipsters and Free People’s bundles of Low-Rise Hipster Undies. As far as tops go, I’m loving the elongated torso look. I recently took a large square scarf, tied it into a strapless top, and lined the corners to fall right on top of my low-rise waistline. A tiny top like Hunter Schafer’s from the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars party is always a match made in heaven, too.
3. How to Find Low-Rise Jeans That Fit
The hardest part about shopping for the perfect pair is that as your body changes over time, they might fit looser on some days. If this is the case, don’t fret. You won’t have to walk around with sagging pants or always be itching to pull them back up. Thanks to other low-rise fashion stans like J.Lo and Beyoncé, peeking boxers above your jeans proves to be a hot, quick fix. They pack on an extra layer inside and out, creating a multi-dimensional look. I’m itching to get my hands on J. Crew’s solid color End-on-End cotton boxers. I hear they’re incredibly soft. Aerie’s Seersucker Boxers also come in the cutest colors. Low-rise jeans are supposed to sit two to three inches below the naval, but wear them how your heart desires. Remember: confidence is key.
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