Low-rise jeans are a lot of things, but I wouldn't really call them elegant on their own. Since low-rise jeans and elegance are two of the season's biggest trends, it's no surprise that people are finding ways to combine the polar opposites. I set out to find successful outfit examples, and successful I was.
The key to putting together an elegant low-rise-jeans outfit isn't really groundbreaking. You simply have to pair the jeans with polished, elevated pieces that counteract their casualness. Plus, you'll find that you don't have to show your midriff if that isn't your thing. As a matter of fact, most of the outfits in this roundup don't.
Selfishly, I decided to write this story because I, too, struggle with styling low-rise jeans and was in need of some inspiration. Below, you'll find the outfits that stood out to me—all of which I plan on trying very soon—and the pieces you need to re-create them yourself. Scroll to get on the elegant low-rise-jeans outfit train along with me.
Vest + Low-Rise Jeans + Sneakers + Structured Bag
Style Tip: Pairing a vest top with low-rise jeans is an elegant no-brainer.
Tweed Jacket + Low-Rise Jeans + Pointed-Toe Flats
Style Tip: Pointed-toe flats are the chicest, easiest way to dress up low-rise jeans.
Lace Top + Low-Rise Jeans + Red Shoes
Style Tip: Create some contrast by pairing low-rise jeans with a fancy material such as lace or satin.
Cropped Jacket + White T-Shirt + Black Low-Rise Jeans + Pumps
Style Tip: Opt for black low-rise jeans for a night out or whenever you want to look a bit dressier.
Tweed Jacket + White Shirt + Low-Rise Jeans + Top-Handle Bag + Slingbacks
Style Tip: Carry a structured top-handle bag for instant elegance.
Peplum Blazer + Low-Rise Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Tip: Pair a peplum top with low-rise jeans for a flattering contrast.
Polo Shirt + Low-Rise Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Tip: When wearing something loose with low-rise jeans, showing the waistband of the jeans will keep the outfit from looking sloppy.
-
FYI: This Shirt Trend Makes Jeans Look So Much PrettierYes, pretty.
-
The New Rules of Summer Denim: No Rips, No Fray, No FussSee the full set of rules inside.
-
The Anti–Skinny Pants Trend Cool New Yorkers Are Quick to Ditch Their Blue Jeans ForBuh-bye.
-
Every Cool New Yorker Knows These Anti-Trend Flats Look Better With Jeans Than Boots and SneakersClassic and chic.
-
I Called the Cuffed-Jeans Trend—7 Shoes Fashion People Are Wearing With the Chic Denim StyleStyle the jeans like a fashion person.
-
Stop the Search—We've Discovered the Cool Denim Trend Every Fashion Person Will Be Wearing Throughout 2025And 2026.
-
If The Row, Khaite, and Toteme Feel Too Expensive, Here Are 33 Pieces to Try InsteadBring on the luxe-looking outfits.
-
9 Top, Jeans, and Shoe Outfit Combos That Fashion People Will Be Wearing This SpringI plan to re-create these ASAP.
