Why Celebs Are Wearing Their Trousers Unbuttoned on Purpose

While you could give up trousers altogether [1], the latest celebrity street-style trend provides an option for those who are on the fence. Undone trousers are a happy medium, making for a look that's flirty, effortless, and even a bit dishevelled. Simply unbutton and unzip your fly, and fold over the waistband of your bottoms to your liking, perhaps even to reveal a hint of hip cleavage [2]. And while the trend certainly isn't relegated to jeans, this styling technique is easier executed in denim, since most jeans maintain a certain structure and stiffness that help keep your bottoms in place.

While the aesthetic was first introduced on runways as early as the autumn 2020 season (see: Jacquemus [3]), it actually harks back to Y2K fashion, when celebrities favoured the low-rise silhouette. Stars like Aaliyah [4] spearheaded the look, stepping out in baggy, unzipped jeans baring just a glimpse of their logo-bearing pants [5]. The trend began to materialise again in September 2022, reports The New York Times [6], gaining steam alongside the low-rise jeans resurgence. It can also be seen as the latest modern-day iteration of boudoir fashion, where we take a styling trick usually reserved for indoor lounging and reimagine it for everyday dressing.

Most recently, Christian Siriano added a glamorous spin on his spring 2024 runway [7] with satin trousers that splayed open [8] atop sheer tights. He styled the undone bottoms with bras for a look that said, "I'm not quite finished getting ready, but the hell with it — let's go out." Today's celebrities are embracing the trend as well with Kim Kardashian [9] styling undone jeans with a string bikini; Rihanna [10] leaving her baggy jeans unbuttoned; and more.

Ahead, see how your favourite stars are taking on the undone-pants trend, from Kim Kardashian to Doja Cat.

Kim Kardashian Wearing Undone Jeans

Kardashian sported the look on holiday, using her distressed denim as a swimsuit cover-up atop a tiny black triangle bikini.

Doja Cat Wearing an Undone Skirt

Doja Cat unbuttoned her white cargo micro miniskirt, which she teamed with a graphic print belly shirt, stirrup socks, and slingbacks.

Rihanna Wearing Undone Jeans

In April 2023, Rihanna [12] stepped out in New York City while pregnant with her second child [13], rocking dark-wash denim that she left unbuttoned atop a white bodysuit. The look was finished with Timberland boots, a brown fur coat, Yankees hat, dark visor sunglasses, and layered gold chains and pendants.

Millie Bobby Brown Wearing Undone Jeans

Millie Bobby Brown showed her affinity for the low-rise jeans trend [14], posing in baggy, undone denim with a white sports bra and round '90s sunglasses.

Addison Rae Wearing Undone Jeans

Shot by Amber Asaly [15], Rae styled her baggy, undone denim with a floral halter bikini top, drop earrings, and mismatched ballet pumps. Her "lounging at home" look was accomplished with the addition of bubblegum as an accessory.

Madison Beer Wearing Undone Jeans

Beer promoted her Boohoo collaboration with a photo series lensed by Amber Asaly [16]. The star introduced yet another smart accessory trick to draw attention to unbuttoned jeans: a low-rise belly chain. With a tan-coloured vest worn as a top and sunglasses perched on her head, she appeared every bit on-trend.

Jennie Wearing Undone Jeans

Jennie rocked her Calvins undone and folded over at the waist, sporting the look over cosy black intimates with a beanie.

Paloma Elsesser Wearing Undone Jeans

The supermodel highlighted the shade of her animal print bikini with contrast-panelled denim Bermudas that she unzipped and folded over at the waist.

POPSUGAR UK