5 low-rise jeans styling tips that push them beyond their Y2K legacy

Certain denim silhouettes are closely associated with a particular era. In the case of low-rise jeans, they’re intrinsically Y2K, making it difficult to visualise their potential in a contemporary fashion landscape. But there is a way to wear them without feeling like you’re cosplaying 2002. First of all: switch up the inspiration. Get your head out of the archives and shift focus to Rihanna, who has championed Agolde’s Low Slung Baggy jeans, a cut that sits on the hips with a roomy leg and twisted outer seam to create a voluminous fit (Dakota Johnson is also a fan). Lily-Rose Depp, the poster-girl of low-rise waistbands who wore a seriously low Chanel skirt for the Oscars Vanity Fair after-party, is a fan of Eb Denim’s Luca jeans, which come with a waist that skims a few inches below the navel. Or Bella Hadid, who has been reviving low-low-rise jeans with chunky accessories.

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Finding a low-rise silhouette that works for you is down to the fit. Ask yourself: how low are you willing to go? Because there are both safe options (see: more wearable and baggy) and daring options (see: airbrush skinnies that lean into Y2K territory), out there. Explore sizes outside your typical range – since proportions can vary per brand, and some only have disappointingly limited sizing – and don’t hesitate to seek alterations if, say, the rise is perfect but the leg length drags.

Another way to ensure you’re steering clear of channelling divisive Noughties denim is to pay close attention to the styling. Unless head-to-toe Y2K is what you’re aiming for, avoid wearing other style tropes from the era – most notably, crop tops. Instead, keep it simple with basics like tanks, white tees, loose-fitting shirts and knitwear. Structured jackets and trench coats are great layers for autumn. And don’t negate the importance of a shoe, since they’ll be peeping out the cuffs of your low-risers: loafers, derbys and boots are versatile options for the new season. Let the below outfit ideas convince you that low-rise jeans are worth your salt.