Low Rise Jeans are Coming Back (and i don’t know what to think)

For too long it seems, our belly buttons have relied on the high waisted jeans; that protective outer layer of denim, hiked to sit comfortably around (if not above) our natural waistlines, shielding from the cold and unforgiving outside world. But no longer – according to The Cut (as well as popular celebrity style), the low rise jean trend has already begun (or re-started) and will last well into 2020.

Ahhh the low rise jean – think early 2000s Britney Spears, baby Rhianna and Destiny’s Child. Although some people are fans of the look, I honestly would feel anxiety for the wearer – like they accidentally bought the wrong size of jeans which at any moment might reveal a lot more than just stomach. They sort of remind me of the wanna-be gangsters who ride down my street on skateboards, with their jeans sitting somewhere between their hips and their knees. Even still, I know that I certainly have a pair or two in my attic, past on to me by older cousins and promptly buried in the bottom drawer.

• 

• 

• 

In recent years however, celebrities are bringing the trend back in their everyday, streetwear style. I’m sure we’ve all seen Bella Hadid’s low rise jean comeback, along with celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss. They ditched the bedazzled belts – thank god – keeping their looks very simple with sneakers and neutrals. The low rise jeans have also featured in a variety of designer’s S/S 19 shows, including Tom Ford and Linder.

• 

• 

• 

So like the optimist I am, I decided to root through some old clothing bags and dig out that pair of low waisted jeans I had hidden away. Hoping that perhaps I had simply not given them the chance they deserved, I decided to style them in a few different streetwear inspired outfits that I might wear (I’m not sure if the actual Alice would wear these on a day to day, however the celebrity me would definitely try a few of these looks out).

Look 1: Badass Biker

• 

• 

• 

• 

For this look, I tucked the bottoms of my jeans into the straps of my favourite Dr. Martens sandals, and paired them with a black puffer vest and a simple black bag. This vest isn’t actually cropped in real life, so I just folded the bottom up into itself, and it ended up staying in place really well. I’m a big fan of this look; I think it’d be perfect for that transition season between winter and spring or maybe for fall, as there is warmth in the vest and jeans, but still enough skin showing to keep things interesting.

Look 2: Versace Sundae

• 

• 

• 

• 

The top for this look is actually a silk scarf featuring a Versace inspired print, for which I followed Neens’s tutorial on YouTube to turn it into a top (the scarf itself is unlabelled and I thrifted it – which means its probably not Versace, but its also not not Versace ;)). The look is a 2-in-1, because you can either leave the bottom tucked out, or fold it in to create a tube top. I paired it with a vintage Dior bag with a golden clasp to tie in with the golds in the scarf. This look is pretty chill and very 70’s hippie inspired, making it perfect for a summer picnic or music festival.

Look 3: Tuck and Tie

• 

• 

• 

• 

For this look, I tucked and folded up the bottom of the jeans to create a more casual, baggy look. I paired them with a simple pinstripe top, which I buttoned up asymmetrically and tied at the bottom to create a more interesting silhouette. Although it may not be the most practical look (fashion is not always meant to be practical!), I love the professional yet casual vibe due to the collared shirt. I can imagine wearing this out to coffee, or for a chill business meeting (where I’m the boss!).

Which look would you wear?

I suppose, like any other trend (biker shorts hellooooo), I’ll will learn to love the low waisted jeans with time. But for now at least, I’d rather my belly button remain completely covered, thank you very much. Let me know you’re thoughts in the comments below!

xx, alice