The elegant flat-shoe trend that makes low-rise jeans look 2026

Have low-rise jeans so Come back, but don’t be afraid—they’re just like their early 2000s counterparts. In fact, they’re more polished, with a relaxed silhouette, similar denim wash and higher rise than before. More importantly, when it comes to style, it’s less about exposing the midriff and more about subtle elegance. The stylish dressers who wear them may have an air of skin, but their look is balanced with sophisticated pieces like an elegant sweater, a crisp T-shirt, or a cinched-waist jacket. When it comes to footwear, the style set is eschewing sneakers and platform sandals in favor of sophisticated styles like leather loafers — case in point: Gigi Hadid’s recent outfit.

While heading to a meeting in New York City, Hadid was spotted in a low-rise jeans outfit. She styled the medium-blue-wash pair with a red fitted sweater and ruched loafers. To complete the look, she chose oversized sunglasses (specifically Jimmy Fairley’s Ella style, a favorite of Who What Wear editors), a brown suede shoulder bag, and a brown croc-embossed belt.

On Gigi Hadid: Lifner pillow loafer ($920); Quarrel leather loafers ($1250); guest in residence Sculpt Cashmere Cardigan ($695); jimmy fairley sunglasses