And Now, the Controversial Trend Already Taking Over for Spring
The S/S 22 runways made one thing clear: Y2K fashion is back. For spring, brands ushered in so many takes on 2000s style that it cannot be ignored, and it is already continuing into the incoming A/W 22 collections, so I know it's not a fleeting trend. This time around, though, brands have reimagined the OG pieces 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 2022. Now, we're seeing styles with wider, 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 coolest ways to wear the low-rise-pants trend.
Low-Rise Chinos
One of the most talked-about shows of the S/S 22 collections, Miu Miu made a strong case for low-rise silhouettes. 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 a directional yet easy look.
Shop:
Low-Rise Jeans
No brand is leaning more heavily into the Y2K reboot than Blumarine, so it comes as no surprise that there were many pairs of low-rise pants 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.
Shop:
Low-Rise Trousers
Tailoring gets a makeover each season. This time around, designers including Stella McCartney have 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-cut low-rise pants.
Shop:
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 cargos. Pair them with a classic sweater to offset the slouchy style.
Shop:
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 2022.
If you're not sure how to style bold color, tonal looks always work.
Shop:
You don't have to go tonal—these will look just as good with a beige jumper.
Next up: the spring fashion trends we love.
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.
-
I’ve Studied Rochelle Humes' Wardrobe—Her 4 Jeans and Shoe Pairings Are So Easy to Copy
Time to shake things up a bit.
By Natalie Munro
-
I’m Done With Uncomfortable Denim—15 Paris Of Stretch Jeans I'm Considering For My Capsule Wardrobe
Comfy, well-fitting and classic.
By Bébhinn Campbell
-
10 Cute and Easy Outfits to Wear With Sandals
Save for a sunny day.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Sienna Miller Went to a House Party and Wore the Coolest Jeans-and-Shoe Combo
Chic as always.
By Natalie Munro
-
Behold, 23 Basket Bags That Are Anti-Trend, Polished and Perfect for Summer
From designer styles to high-street hits.
By Yusra Siddiqui
-
Katie Holmes Wore the Denim Trend Everyone Is Trading Black Jeans for Right Now
Time to lighten up.
By Allyson Payer
-
Jennifer Lawrence Wore the Denim Trend I'd Never Choose for the Airport
She looks cool though.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm a Modest Dresser, and I'll Certainly Be Copying These 10 Summer Outfits
I'm taking notes.
By Yusra Siddiqui