Zendaya Is Pioneering The Low-Rise Skirt Trend

We've known for a while now that the low-rise jean trend is back, but what about low-rise skirts? Well, fashion trendsetter and ultimate hair inspo queen Zendaya is leading the charge when it comes to the return of hip-hugging pants' sister, and, we have to say, we're not hating it. In fact, we're actually kind of obsessed with the way she wore a low-rise skirt while promoting "Challengers" at Amazon MGM Studios in Los Angeles in April 2024. 

The superstar rocked an all baby pink number, including a collared crop top and matching A-line skirt connected by a thin rope, and super coquette-inspired heels. It's hardly the first time she's rocked the low-slung look, though. Zendaya has long been pedalling the return of the flirty trend Britney Spears made popular in the 2000s. In 2021, she wore a bright red low-rise skirt with a bubble and a matching bandeau top for the CFDA Fashion Awards.

But it turns out she's not the only famous face making a case for this trend's return. Dua Lipa went super-low rise for her sheer black skirt on the 2024 Met Gala, while we spotted Emily Ratajkowski rocking her own low-rise sheer black skirt, just in a more casual way, on the streets of New York City.

In addition to a low-rise skirt (obviously), the only thing you need to rock the trend is confidence. That's because this look can be a little revealing, so you need to make sure you're showing the world you know just how fabulous you look in it when you slip it on.

Another thing to remember is that low-rise skirts tend to look their best when paired with a crop top. Longer tops will hide the top of the skirt, making the low-rise cut pretty pointless. Even if you tucked in a longer top, it could throw off your body's proportions. Meanwhile, a top that finishes just below the belly button would flash a little skin between the stomach and your hip bones — and that isn't always the easiest style to pull off. So we'd definitely recommend sticking with your teenie tops for this trend. But don't be scared if that sounds a little daunting. 

While Zendaya is a fashion icon who could literally pull off a bandeau top and low-rise skirt for a trip to the grocery store, us mere mortals usually need to think a little more practically. To make this whole trend more wearable, try a crop top with a little more fabric. You could add a collar like Zendaya did, or even try a long sleeves or a high-neck if being a little more covered would make you feel more comfortable.

As you've probably guessed, the return of the low-rise skirt appears to be an offshoot of the Y2K revival we saw in summer 2023. And it hasn't quite gone away yet, so feel free to look back at some old 2000s looks for inspo when it comes to giving this look a go.

If you want a more modern twist on this throwback style, take a leaf out of Zendaya's book and try mixing two trends in one. Her inspiring all-pink look served the coquette aesthetic we've been seeing a lot of – like in our manicures with bow nails — and the sugary sweet pink made the whole outfit feel a bit more 2024 than 2004.

Another way to put a more modern spin on the Y2K staple is to look at 2024's hot color trends so you can grab a skirt in a color you know is hot right now. A low-rise daffodil yellow or soft lilac skirt will be totally trendy. Equally, most of the celebs we've spotted in low-rise looks recently have been rocking midi or maxi versions, so go longer if you want to be more on-trend. However, when you want to have a little fun, there's certainly nothing stopping you from rocking that mini low-rise skirt you know you look amazing in.