Low-Rise Jeans and Pants Are Happening—Here's How to Pull Them Off

If you wore jeans in the early-to-mid 2000s, there's a very good chance that they were low-rise. But as the years went by, the rises went up (and up, and up). It's now 2020, and one of Levi's most popular styles is its Ribcage Jeans. Despite this, there seems to be a desire to let belly buttons get some air, because I've encountered more and more celebs wearing low-rise jeans as of late, and I think this is just the beginning.

Unlike the last time low-rise jeans were popular and it wasn't uncommon to see celebs wearing very tight, very low jeans with tiny crop tops, most of the low-rise jean outfits I've been seeing are infinitely more wearable. The jeans and pants are typically much looser, which adds to the effortless look, and the items paired with them are more polished and sophisticated. Still not completely convinced? I hear you. Keep scrolling to see how seven very stylish celebs styled low-rise pants and jeans and get the best tips for pulling them off, based on each look.

Tip #1: Keep It Simple

As Hailey Bieber so effortlessly showed here, a cool pair of low-rise jeans don't need all the bells and whistles. Adding a tank top (it doesn't have to be cropped) and cool heels make for a perfect mix.

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(Image credit: LALO-Vasquez-Max/BACKGRID)

On Hailey Bieber: Chanel tank; Andrea Waven shoes

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Tip #2: Play It Safe

Rihanna isn't typically one to play it safe, but by pairing low-rise trousers with a sleek blazer and heels, she proved that the polarizing trend can even be fit for the office.

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(Image credit: 247PAPS.TV/Splash News)

On Rihanna: Gareth Pugh blazer; Fendi Peekaboo Iconic Mini Bag ($3390); Balenciaga shoes; Fenty Blokt Mask Sunglasses ($480)

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Tip #3: Tuck It

It's best to show the waistband when wearing low-rise jeans (otherwise, what's the point?), so if you'd prefer to not wear a top that's cropped, follow Katie Holmes' lead and tuck it in.

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(Image credit: Splash News)

On Katie Holmes: Petar Petrov turtleneck; Khaite Kyle Relax Low Rise Jeans ($360); Bienen-Davis Charlie Leather Bag ($2995)

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Tip #4: Suit Up

Slouchy trousers are incredibly chic and on-trend, so there happen to be tons of them on the market. And they're even better when paired with a matching blazer. As you can see, EmRata showed a large portion of her torso with a low-rise suit, but any type of top will do. I'm partial to a bodysuit with this look.

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(Image credit: Say Cheese!/GC Images)

On Emily Ratajkowski: AMI Alexandre Mattiussi White Running Lucky 9 Sneakers ($250)

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Tip #5: Up the Grunge Factor

If you want to look current, it's always a good idea to look to the '90s, as ironic as it seems. Bella Hadid did just that with her recent grunge-inspired low-rise look, and she nailed it.

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(Image credit: RUSHEN/BACKGRID)

On Bella Hadid: Eytys Bronco Jacket ($1100), Lopes Vest ($210), and Titan Max Jeans ($330)

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Tip #6: Stick to the Basics

It's never a bad idea to pair any denim trend with basics, and that goes for low-rise jeans as well. Take a cue from Cindy Crawford and wear your go-to versatile items with low-rise jeans. Bonus points if they're flared too (another major denim trend right now).

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

WHO: Cindy Crawford

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Tip #7: Embrace Nostalgia

Priyanka Chopra not only wore low-rise skinny jeans, but she also paired them with an equally nostalgic early-2000s top style—and it worked. She made the outfit just modern enough by pairing the look with athletic sneakers.

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(Image credit: Backgrid)

WHO: Priyanka Chopra

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Tip #8: Dress Them Up

As Hailey Bieber showed us all, low-rise jeans are particularly successful when worn with something very chic and stylish, like her leather trench. Even though she's wearing sneakers and baggy jeans, the trench (or it could be another fancy item, like a statement top or a chunky gold necklace) provided instant polish.

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(Image credit: PapCulture/BACKGRID)

On Hailey Bieber: Balenciaga coat; Ksubi Solace Mohair Knit Stone Sweater ($250); Anderson's Croc-Effect Leather Belt ($185); Natasha Zinko Frayed Hem Straight Leg Jeans ($523); Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers ($90); Gucci Fluo Narrow Acetate Rectangular Sunglasses ($390)

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Next up, the five jean styles NYC girls are adopting.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.