5 The low-rise returns – and it’s all grown up
IS THERE A MORE divisive trend than low-rise trousers? Well, perhaps. But in the sphere of sartorial hangovers from the noughties, low-slung jeans have taken pole position in the race for the ‘Should we really bring that back?’ trends. The notion of trousers with waistbands hitting just below the hip bone will remind most of us of an era of It girls (hiya, Paris), wearing denim that revealed more than they concealed. That’s hot? Maybe not.
But let’s stay open-minded; sometimes, all it takes to convince us otherwise is one fashion original with a knack for looking insouciantly cool in pieces that most of us would never conceive of. Enter Sienna Miller. Admittedly, few can pull off the actor’s unapologetically offbeat style, but even then she gives us pointers on how to get it right – pelvis-flashing pants included. Having recently stepped out in New York wearing a herringbone blazer, grey T-shirt, cool-girl adidas Samba trainers and, drumroll, ever so slightly dropped-waist tailored trousers, Miller has become the unexpected beacon of hope for the resurgence of this Y2K trend, proving that it can look chic and be worn if you’re over 21.
The takeaway is this: steer clear of jeans. Instead, opt for tailored trousers to dial up the casual styling. A simple way to achieve the look is by sizing up, so that the pants sit on the hip rather than the waist. That way, you can get them taken in once you’ve had your fun. Turn your head to COS and its wide-leg tailored trousers (£79) in beige or black, which are flying off the shelves. If you’re looking to invest in a slightly pricier pair, try Frankie Shop’s Gelso pants (£165) or Totême’s pleated style (£340). For those who want to splash, upscale styles like The Row’s Bufus wool pants for a staggering £1,040 will do the trick, too.
Pair chosen, getting the styling right is crucial. The good news? It’s all about the plain-speaking elegance of keeping it simple. Stick to a white T-shirt, cashmere jumpers, blazers and a pair of kitten heels to avoid looking like you’ve watched too many reruns of The Simple Life. And what do you know? That’s hot. Thanks, Sienna.