Why Celebs Are Wearing Their Pants Unbuttoned on Purpose

Published on 9/19/2023 at 2:31 PM

While you could give up pants altogether, the latest celebrity street-style trend provides an option for those who are on the fence. Undone pants are a happy medium, making for a look that's flirty, effortless, and even a bit disheveled. Simply unbutton and unzip your fly, and fold over the waistband of your slacks to your liking, perhaps even to reveal a hint of hip cleavage. And while the trend certainly isn't relegated to jeans or even pants, 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 fall 2020 season (see: Jacquemus), it actually harks back to Y2K fashion, when celebrities favored the low-rise silhouette. Stars like Aaliyah spearheaded the look, stepping out in baggy, unzippered jeans baring just a glimpse of their logo-bearing undergarments. The trend began to materialize again in September 2022, reports The New York Times, 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 with satin trousers that splayed open atop sheer tights. He styled the undone pants with bras for a look that said, "I'm not quite finished getting ready, but the heck with it — let's go out." Today's celebrities are embracing the trend as well with Kim Kardashian styling undone jeans with a string bikini; Rihanna leaving her baggy jeans unbuttoned; and more.

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

Kim Kardashian Wearing Undone Jeans

Kardashian sported the look on vacation, 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 stepped out in New York City while pregnant with her second child, 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, posing in baggy, undone denim with a white sports bra and round '90s sunglasses.

Addison Rae Wearing Undone Jeans

Shot by Amber Asaly, 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. The star introduced yet another smart accessory trick to draw attention to unbuttoned jeans: a low-rise belly chain. With a tan-colored vest worn as a top and sunglasses perched on her head, she appeared every bit on-trend.

Winnie Harlow Wearing Undone Jeans

Harlow left her distressed denim undone to pose for a series of shots, opting for a simple V-cut tank, silver jewelry, and Puma's retro Palermo sneaker.

Jennie Wearing Undone Jeans

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

Becky G Wearing Undone Pants

Becky G performed during the "Mi Casa, Tu Casa" tour in NYC rocking an all-pink outfit that consisted of old school zip-off cargos with exaggerated pockets, left undone over a sparkling rhinestone bikini set. The look was finished with white sneakers, a casual touch, diamond tennis necklace, and sheer-sleeved bolero layered over her shoulders.

Paloma Elsesser Wearing Undone Jeans

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