Gen Z says is a bi-monthly column that details the latest trends in the fashion and beauty sphere through the lens of Who What Wear. Gen Z Editor. Expect a download straight from the trendsetting generation of tastemakers, emerging designers and the upcoming class of shopping and styling options.
I used to think ultra-low-rise jeans belonged in the same league as velor tracksuits and grainy paparazzi photos from 2004. Sure, they’re iconic, but they’re not necessarily something I’d ever willingly wear. And then Coachella happened. The hottest women of young Hollywood were strutting across the stage and inspiring everyone with their looks. Suddenly, everywhere I look, women are pairing low-slung denim with lingerie-inspired tops, including lace-trim camis, tiny satin bralettes, and corset silhouettes that feel equal parts pop star and after-party. Somehow, it looks like 2026 instead of 2006.
The formula of “low-rise denim with a bra-inspired top” is too old The early 2000s were when pop stars made their look synonymous with nightlife dressing. Stage outfits were intentionally chaotic — visible lace, exposed midriffs, tiny camis under fur-trimmed jackets — and now, like every other great Y2K trend, the look is coming back this year thanks to the current roster of pop girlies.
Douche has mastered the oversized-jeans-and-tiny-top combo in a way that makes it feel cool instead of costumey. Addison Rae has basically dedicated herself to the “2003 off-duty It Girl” aesthetic thanks to the work of her stylist, Dara Allan. Rising Slovakian star Adela keeps bending in a barely-there latex bra top and ultra-low-rise silhouette that looks pulled straight from Britney Spears’ music video wardrobe archives.
What makes the 2026 version of this Gen Z-loved trend truly wearable is its styling. Unlike pop stars, real fashionistas on the street are keeping the casual feel alive by pairing low-rise jeans and lingerie-inspired tops with flared jeans and slingback heels with a low-key lace corset. Think delicate camisoles and baggy wide-leg jeans that sit below the navel instead of full-on Y2K-inspired platform dresses. The finishing touch — often a pair of sleek leather kitten heels or a sculptural watch — elevates this trend from something you’d wear to a themed party to something you’d see a fabulous New Yorker wearing to happy hour at Le Dive in Dimes Square as summer begins.
The best part is that this trend is actually not as scary as it sounds. You don’t need abs, a stylist, or a full pop-star wardrobe to pull it off. A lace-trim tank and a good pair of loose jeans already get you halfway. If you’ve been ignoring the comeback of low-rise denim for a while, consider this your cue to bow out. Keep scrolling for three easy ways girls are wearing the combo IRL this year.
Shop the Best “Low-Rise Jeans and Lingerie-Inspired Top” Outfits
on kaia gerber
how to style: Dark-wash low-rise jeans, a lace bra, a lace blazer, slingback heels and beautiful accessories
Frankie’s Shop
Olympia Blazer
Difference
Low Rise ’90s Loose Jeans
at tate mcray
how to style: Mid-wash low-rise jeans, black corset and gold jewelry
out from under
modern love corset
Improvement
Carry Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Movado
Curve Oval Hoop Earrings
on ruby lynn
how to style: Low-rise flared jeans, a white tank top, a peekaboo bra top, black ballet flats and simple jewelry
vuori
Energy Racerback Tank
SKIMS
Everyday Cotton Unlimited Demi Bra
Zara
TRF Low-Rise Bootcut Jeans
Movado
Museum Velura Mini
coach
Tabi Shoulder Bag 26
Tory Burch
Reva Travel Ballet
Shop Lingerie Inspired Tops
Zara
satin lace strap top
Zara
Underwired tulle lingerie style top
Susanna Monaco
bralette top
Improvement
teddy silk top
maniere de voir
Eugenie Lace Asymmetric Top
dolce and gabbana
sheer camisole top
buy low-rise jeans
Improvement
Carry Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
denim forum
Salma Super Low-Rise Straight Jean
abrand
low rise straight jeans
Difference
Low Rise ’90s Loose Jeans
Zara
TRF Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans
