On the set of her "Heartbreaker" music video shoot, Mariah Carey was handed a pair of high waisted jeans by her stylist. The pop diva's knee-jerk response was "Why? Why are we doing a high waisted?" She took matters into her own hands and cut off the waist of the pants herself, launching a trend that comes and goes in waves. Most recently, we've once again felt the surge of the low waisted jean with the rebirth of the Y2K aesthetic.
Scroll through any cool Insta-girl's feed and you're for sure to catch a sight these modish denims. As of late, the low-rise has been given the high-fashion treatment, with young icons such as Zendaya and Bella Hadid rocking them everywhere, from the streets to the red carpet.
The fit is admittedly a bit more on the risky side, since it bears way more than just your midriff. It's definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but if you think you can rock it (and trust us, you can), then why not! They'll instantly turn your casual get-up to an effortlessly sultry ensemble that's worth all the hype.
According to the 10 effortlessly stylish looks we've rounded up below, these jeans are best worn with equally-as-trendy crop tops in colorful hues, and other kitschy accesories. Give your go-to high-waisted pair a little break, and try out its more adventurous, low-waisted sister.
10 outfits featuring low waisted jeans, as seen on influencers
1. Low Waisted Jeans + Silk Scarf Top + Handbag + Rimless Sunglasses
Cydney Parreno is an iridescent sight in this 'fit. The low rise of her pants accentuates the sultriness of her rust-colored silk top, which perfectly reflects the light from her sunset lamp. Her tinted sunnies and messy bun round out the off-duty cool girl look.
2. Low Waisted Jeans + Tank Top + Mules
No other word can describe this OOTD from Jamina Cruz other than breezy. Her teeny-tiny teal tank top, which has dainty ribbon details at the shoulder straps, matches well with her medium wash denims and classic white mules.
3. Low Waisted Jeans + Printed Tank Top + Sneakers + Handbag
If you're more of a prints kind of girl, Bianca Gan has you covered. This kitschy, sweetheart-neckline top packs enough personality for the whole outfit, that she only needs her trusty jeans, black Converse sneakers, and handbag to call it a day. To stay true to the Y2K spirit, a hair clamp holding up her ponytail is definitely an essential.
4. Low Waisted Jeans + Lace Cami Top + Heeled Slippers + Tinted Sunglasses
Take style notes from this subtly sexy and cool look from Trisha Diaz De Rivera. The way her jeans just slightly drape over her shoes, combined with the candy colors of her cami, makes this a dainty 'fit that packs a punch.
5. Low Waisted Jeans + White Tank Top + Multi-Colored Sneakers + Cap + Tote Bag
If today we have boxy tees and wide-legged jeans, the early 2000s had tank tops and baggy low-rise pants. Ashley Garcia exemplifies this with a simple grocery 'fit that has some cheerful character from her pastel colored hat and sneakers.
6. Low Waisted Jeans + Crochet Halter Top + Platform Boots + Handbag
Ashley sure loves a white top and denim combo any day. For a date-night ready 'fit, she pairs a slinky crochet top with her flared jeans and adds some height with her platform shoes. We also spot the subtle color coordination between her nude handbag and her pants' front-pockets.
7. Low Waisted Jeans + Baby Tee + Sneakers + Handbag
We're loving everything about this look, especially the bleached denims she has on. Aside from being a cool design, the vertical stripe pattern also elongates her statuesque figure. Since the pants are the star of the show, she kept the rest of the 'fit low-key with a simple black baby tee, white trainers, and a bag.
8. Low Waisted Jeans + Long Sleeve Top + Denim Vest + Sneakers
This is the outfit a 2000s chick flick main character would wear to school. Bianca's vest features a brown sherpa collar, making for some direct color coordination with her long sleeve top. Of course, like any other teeanger in those kinds of movies, she wears her high top Converse trainers to any occasion.
9. Low Waisted Jeans + Colorful Long Sleeve Top + Platform Boots + Handbag + Stacked Necklaces
There's definitely more than one statement piece in this Bianca Gan-staple look, and we're all for it. Her eye-catching long sleeve reminds us of the Harley Davidson motorgirl aesthetic, which goes right along with her Doc Marten stompers. Plus, her jeans feature a tie-up detail at the front, so they're not your regular zippered pair of pants.
10. Low Waisted Jeans + Cropped Sweater + Bomber Jacket + Sneakers + Rimless Sunglasses
It would be amiss if we rounded up low-waisted jeans looks without mentioning the queen who's seemingly taken the lead in ushering the fit back into our closets. This cropped sweater OOTD by Bella Hadid is only one example of how to rock a skimpy pair of pants for colder weather.
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