How to Style Low-Rise Jeans When You’re Over 30, According to a Stylist

Be honest: Is this the first time you’ve needed to know how to style low-rise jeans? Millennials reading this are shaking their heads no.

As you may have heard, the hip-baring silhouette has crept back into the zeitgeist much to the chagrin of the over-30 crowd still recovering from their memories of teenage trend experiments. And I’ll admit I was firmly in that camp…until recently. Once I got past the Y2K flashbacks, I realized how chic low-rise jeans can be.

Don’t just take my word for it. As of late, celebrities of all ages have made a convincing case for low-rise jeans. Take Zendaya, who recently harked back to the early ’00s in a pair of low-rise jeans. Paired with a midriff-revealing white tank top and red velvet shoes, the pants read surprisingly sleek. Fellow It girl Dua Lipa has also put her stamp on the low-rise comeback when the singer stepped out wearing a washed-out style that she paired with an open button-down shirt and silk scarf. The takeaway? You can elevate your low-rise jeans lies through thoughtful, trend-forward styling.

Inspiration can be drawn from the street style pack too. Lately fashion insiders have delivered a masterclass in styling low-rise jeans in ways that are far more sophisticated and mature than the early aughts outfits we remember, pairing them with everything from leather jackets to sporty jerseys.

“Don’t write off a trend before trying it,” says Amaia Anderson, a stylist with Watson Style Group. “The key is finding the right rise and silhouette for your body. Fashion should feel fun, and low-rise jeans aren’t one size fits all; there’s a version that can work for almost everyone. Once you understand what flatters your proportions and style them with confidence, they can become a surprisingly wearable staple.”

Ahead are several different ways stylish women are wearing their low-rise jeans right now.

1.Pair baggy jeans with tailored pieces

A long, oversized vest or blazer will balance out the relaxed fit of the jeans without taking away the entire point of wearing low-rise pants. “A chic way to make low-rise jeans feel elevated is by balancing them with polished, tailored pieces,” says Anderson. “Pair them with a blouse that just grazes the waistband rather than exposing too much skin, or tuck in a fitted camisole and layer on an oversized blazer.”

From there, your choice of shoe depends on your personal style—ballet flats for a classic approach, thong sandals if you like an effortless feel, or ankle boots for a sophisticated polish. “I would finish the look by adding a sleek wedge or pointed-toe heel, a cute handbag, and throw on some jewelry,” says Anderson. “The goal is to make the denim feel intentional and refined rather than nostalgic.”

2. Actually embrace the nostalgia of low-rise denim

If you’re embracing the trend, you can play into the nostalgia factor of hip-huggers without feeling like you’re wearing a costume. One way to do so is to go for a pair of low-rise cargo jeans, embellished denim, or a washed-out style. They all give off serious Destiny’s Child vibes and make for such a fun way to partake in the trend. After all, you loved this jeans look once upon a time. Why not have a moment of nostalgic joy? If your personal style skews bold, marry them with an equally statement-making top. But consider this your warning: This outfit won’t go unnoticed.

3. Elevate with brown accents

To keep a low-rise waistline from feeling like its plucked from the Y2K era, add sleek accessories in rich shades of brown—which has fully replaced black as the favored neutral this season—for a look that is more current and elevated. A more fitted silhouette like bootcut or straight-leg jeans will also signal that this is a polished and grown-up approach.

4.Follow the model off-duty formula

Ever wanted to master the model off-duty style? The street style stars above demonstrate a no-fail formula: a pair of low-rise jeans in a light wash with a black or white tee. As you can see, layers (a buttoned-up cardigan under a leather jacket, for example) only amplify the It girl effect. The key here is to avoid overdoing it with accessories—a simple belt and loafers will do. This outfit idea works best when it feels unfussy.

5. Match your slouchy jeans with a current trend

You don’t need to be a sports enthusiast to join in on the athletic fashion trend. As seen here, all it takes is a polo, raglan, rugby shirt, or jersey to channel the look (but bonus points for repping your local team). They’re just as comfortable and relaxed as a basic white tee, but significantly more interesting. Add a chic watch and a sleek bag to give this modern outfit a subtle dose of refinement.

6. Add “granny style” polish

If your style is best described as ladylike, don’t overlook a granny-inspired outfit formula. A bouclé jacket or striped cardigan offers the perfect counterpoint to low-slung wide-leg jeans. You can even dial up the sophistication with a pearl-adorned handbag and black pumps.

When it comes to buying low-rise jeans, Anderson recommends focusing on the overall silhouette, not just the rise. “Instead of very straight, skinny jeans that feel overly trend driven, look for styles with shape like a cropped barrel leg or a relaxed wide-leg jean,” she says. “These silhouettes create balance and naturally draw the eye through the entire outfit rather than focusing on the midsection.”