And Now, the Controversial Trend Already Taking Over for Spring
Recent runways have made one thing clear: Y2K fashion is back. For spring, brands ushered in so many takes on 2000s style that it cannot be ignored. What's more, it is already continuing into the upcoming collections, so I know it's not a fleeting trend. This time around, however, brands have reimagined original trends with modern twists that make them more wearable, in my opinion. Just look at the updated takes on low-rise pants, one of the most controversial trends of the season.
While the trend might conjure images of Paris Hilton in tight jeans with a two-inch rise, low-rise pants have been rethought in 2023. Now, we're seeing styles with wider and slouchier silhouettes, long inseams, and rises that sit underneath the waist. The updated proportions feel much more approachable, and there are so many cool outfits to adopt from the runways and fashion set if you're looking for some styling inspiration. Ahead, you'll find the best ways to wear the low-rise pants trend.
Low-Rise Chinos
Miu Miu made a strong case for low-rise silhouettes in one of the most talked-about shows of the spring/summer 2022 collections. While its miniskirts are already going viral, my attention is on the brand's low-rise khaki pants finished with the perfect amount of slouch.
Low-rise chinos look so fresh and don't require a midriff-baring look. Just add a crew-neck sweater, a belt, and pointed heels for an easy and directional look.
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Madewell has an especially excellent set of low-rise pants on the market, so I'd suggest ordering some styles there.
Low-Rise Jeans
No brand is leaning more heavily into the Y2K reboot than Blumarine, so it comes as no surprise that many pairs of low-rise pants were spotted in the brand's spring collection.
Style low-rise jeans with a hoodie, a tailored blazer, and heels for an updated take on a classic outfit formula.
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Low-Rise Trousers
Tailoring gets a makeover each season. This time around, designers like Bevza embraced trousers that sit low on the hips with a relaxed shape.
A nipped-in bustier top provides the right proportions to ground a pair of wide low-rise pants.
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Low-Rise Cargo Pants
Utilitarian fashion is another category on the rise. The low-rise cargos spotted at brands such as Coperni tap into Y2K styles popularized during the era. Just think about the Maharishi pants that became a cult buy after Jennifer Aniston was snapped wearing them in the aughts.
You can also try out a denim version of cargo pants. Pair them with a classic sweater to offset the slouchy style.
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Colorful Low-Rise Pants
You didn't think I'd leave out bold shades, did you? Designers also combined low-rise pants with vibrant hues—arguably one of the other major trends for spring.
If you're not sure how to style bold color, tonal looks always work.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next up: 13 Anti-Trend Bags That Are the Moment
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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