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

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Miu Miu)

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.

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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.

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Low-Rise Jeans

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Blumarine)

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.

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(Image credit: @chrisellelim)

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

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Stella McCartney)

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.

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @palomija)

A nipped-in bustier top provides the right proportions to ground a pair of wide-cut low-rise pants.

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Low-Rise Cargo Pants

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of Coperni)

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.

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

You can also try out a denim version of cargos. Pair them with a classic sweater to offset the slouchy style.

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Colorful Low-Rise Pants

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On the runway:
(Image credit: Courtesy of MSGM)

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.

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On the fashion set:
(Image credit: Getty Images/Christian Vierig)

If you're not sure how to style bold color, tonal looks always work.

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Next up: the spring fashion trends we love.

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Associate Director, Special Projects

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.