I Can't Go Anywhere in NYC Without Seeing This Controversial Trend
One of the many joys of working in fashion is watching the trend cycle play out. You see trends grace the runway and then get eaten alive by fashion editors and industry insiders. A few months go by and one day you walk out your front door only to be surrounded by people everywhere wearing a trend that you can recall its exact origins. It's a true feeling of accomplishment especially when the said trend was initially met with distaste from the general public.
The description above matches exactly what's going on with low-rise pants and skirts right now. I still remember when the trend first popped up on our radars. Initially, most people were outrageous stating they'd never give it a try. Fast forward to today and I'm almost always in low-rise and can't walk a block without seeing it in NYC.
As an early adopter, I smile every time I see someone in low-rise pants. The confidence that comes with pulling off something so daring says everything I need to know about a person. We should definitely be friends. If you're struggling with styling low-rise jeans, look no further than the seven looks below you should certainly copy.
Baggy white cargo pants are the first type of low-rise pants that we need to talk about. They're all over my Instagram feed right now and a must-have for any It girl. If you're new to low-rise and want to ease into it, try wearing high-waisted bikini bottoms or leggings underneath the pants as seen above.
My obsession with this pair of pants has gone on for too long. I need them in my closet.
If you're wondering what I meant when I said that I see low-rises everywhere in NYC, this photo is a glimpse into the world through my eyes. On nights out in New York, you'll see many groups of girls walking the streets looking just like this. You have to love their confidence.
The more Y2K, the better. I am loving the patches on these low-rise pants since they add a lot of 2000s flare. Since this is a more trendy piece, why not go all out with a statement?
I already made all of my friends buy a skirt like this.
Oh, look, it's me! I was honestly very nervous to wear this set that showed so much skin. Once I got over that, I had never felt more confident in an outfit like this. That's the power of low-rise.
I can just see myself wearing these to the beach.
This is another great look to try if you're feeling wary about stepping into low-rise. Wearing a longer shirt with your jeans is a great way to wear the trend without showing too much skin. The cardigan is the perfect added touch, and I'm loving it.
The first time I saw this skirt, I immediately slacked it to my coworkers. It's so good.
You know you've fully embraced the low-rise trend when you're wearing a crop top right along with it. It's giving Britney Spears. I'm so here for it.
Colorblocking at its finest. Wearing something low-rise doesn't have to come at a discomfort to you. This look is perfect for a cozy night out.
Up Next: If You Hate All the Early 2000s Trends Right Now, Enjoy These 9 Modern Ones
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of experience in the fashion industry to the editorial team. Since joining Who What Wear in 2021, Sierra has made her mark by expertly blending luxury and accessible fashion content. Whether she's decoding the latest runway presentations or crafting a perfectly curated shopping list, Sierra's keen eye and relatable approach have solidified her as a trusted voice in the fashion space. She's also reported on major industry events like Paris Fashion Week and lent her expertise to red carpet coverage, ensuring her audience gets an insider's view of the most glamorous moments in style. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. Her ability to translate editorial expertise into viral social media content sets her apart, seamlessly bringing her articles and personality to life for a new generation of readers and followers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra brings a unique perspective to the fashion industry that is informed by her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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