Low-Rise Pants Have Entered the Chat: 12 Looks I Don't Completely Hate

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610467982855-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of No. 21; Courtesy of Dion Lee; Courtesy of Fendi)

Ready or not, low-rise pants are officially coming back. They've been looming in the distance for a while now with various celebs flaunting them from time to time, but I can confirm that 2021 is the year that the midriff-baring trousers are legitimately happening. (Cue the controversy.) Okay, before you try and cancel me for ushering in the next low-rise era, let me at least present the chic looks that I think you might just come around to.

On the S/S 2021 runways, designers presented a fresh take on the polarizing trend. At Dion Lee, low-slung trousers were part of a stunning three-piece suit while at Miu Miu, they were layered atop high-waisted briefs. Of course, celebs like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski have been pioneering the low-rise look with their memorable street style ensembles and honestly, the sheer number of creative ways to style them has me convinced that maybe—just maybe—I could come around to the idea.

Whether you've been seeing them bubble up too or are simply curious to see the looks I don't completely hate, keep reading for my favorite low-rise pant outfits from the runways, celebs, and Instagram.

On the S/S 2021 Runways

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126085885-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)

At Fendi, suit trousers were reinterpreted in a baggy, low-slung silhouette that reads as surprisingly polished.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126084772-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Dion Lee)

Dion Lee's lace-up waist pants are already on their way to becoming spring's next It item. Styled with a corset top and blazer, this is such a fresh take on a three-piece suit.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126085197-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

The pant layering at Miu Miu coupled with the model's heeled flip-flops screams early 2000s.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126085464-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of No. 21)

Midriffs were another big trend we spotted on the S/S 21 runways. Here, the barely there look is offset by an oversize flannel shirt.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126086225-image

(Image credit: Courtesy of Sportmax)

Clearly, relaxed suiting is set to be a major silhouette this spring and Sportmax offered another combination with low-rise trousers that's actually quite chic.

On Celebs

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126207431-image

(Image credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock)

EmRata was way ahead of everyone else when she stepped out in this low-rise suiting look all the way back in 2019.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126207743-image

(Image credit: Gotham/GC Images/Getty Images)

Bella Hadid is no stranger to the low-rise phenomenon, but of all her outfits, this casual-cool look feels the most approachable (and re-creatable).

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126207978-image

(Image credit: The Image Direct)

This simple tank-and-trousers outfit lives in my head rent-free and may or may not be the inspiration behind this whole story.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126209125-image

(Image credit: @dualipa)

What did I say about these Dion Lee pants becoming a popular item? If anyone can pull them off flawlessly, it's Dua Lipa.

On the 'Gram

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126208899-image

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Ultra-polished pinstripes are a fresh take on the low-rise look.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126208294-image

(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Belly chains, another throwback trend, were basically made for low rises.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610126208477-image

(Image credit: @sincerelytommy_)

If low-rises scare you, try one in a roomy wide-leg shape like these, which are much more wearable.

low-rise-pant-outfits-291005-1610464911088-image

(Image credit: @miaou)

You really can't go wrong with a matching set.

Next: Sorry to the Jeans in My Closet—These 6 Pant Trends Might Replace You

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.