Low-rise jeans are a lot of things, but I wouldn’t really call them elegant—on their own, that is. Since low-rise jeans and elegance are two of the season’s biggest trends, it’s no surprise that people are finding ways to combine the polar opposites. So I set out to find some successful outfit examples, and successful I was.
The key to putting together an elegant low-rise jean outfit isn’t really groundbreaking. You simply have to pair the jeans with polished, elevated pieces that counteract their casualness. And you’ll find that you don’t have to show your midriff if that isn’t your thing. (As a matter of fact, most of the outfits in this roundup don’t.)
Selfishly, I decided to write this story because I, too, struggle a bit with styling low-rise jeans and was in need of some inspiration. Below, you’ll find the outfits that stood out to me—all of which I plan on trying very soon—and the pieces you need to recreate them yourself. Scroll to get on the elegant low-rise jean outfit train along with me.
Vest + Low-Rise Jeans + Sneakers + Structured Bag
Style Tip: Pairing a vest top with low-rise jeans is an elegant no-brainer.
Agolde
Low Slung Baggy Jeans in Libertine
Asics
Gel-Kayano 14 Sneakers
Tweed Jacket + Low-Rise Jeans + Pointed-Toe Flats
Style Tip: Pointed-toe flats are the chicest, easiest way to dress up low-rise jeans.
J.Crew
Odette Sweater Lady Jacket in Striped Bouclé
Sam Edelman
Bri Mary Jane Pointed Toe Flats
Lace Top + Low-Rise Jeans + Red Shoes
Style Tip: Create some contrast by pairing low-rise jeans with a fancy material (such as lace or satin).
AllSaints
Catalina Peplum Pintuck Lace Detail Top
ABrand
95 Super Baggy Gigi Jeans
Reformation
Melissa Mary Jane Flats
Cropped Jacket + White T-Shirt + Black Low-Rise Jeans + Pumps
Style Tip: Opt for black low-rise jeans for a night out (or whenever you want to look a bit dressier).
Aritzia
Wilfred Little Cropped Jacket
Mango
Sling Back Leather Shoes
Tweed Jacket + White Shirt + Low-Rise Jeans + Ladylike Bag + Slingbacks
Style Tip: Carry a structured top-handle bag for instant elegance.
Reformation
Trista Jacket
Levi’s
Low Loose Rigid Jeans
Tory Burch
Eleanor Satchel
Peplum Blazer + Low-Rise Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Tip: Pair a peplum top with low-rise jeans for a flattering contrast.
Loeffler Randall
Landon Soft Ballet Flats
Polo Shirt + Low-Rise Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Tip: When wearing something loose with low-rise jeans, showing the waistband of the jeans will keep the outfit from looking sloppy.
COS
Long-Sleeved Polo Shirt
Mango
Low-Rise Loose-Fit Wideleg Jeans