Thanks to Coachella, we’ve been bombarded with images of sequin-studded cowboy boots and washboard abs over the past two weeks. While we Londoners look on in pure jealousy, our Vitamin D-deprived skin devoid of tan and our wardrobes resigned to rain jackets, the A-listers have been putting their heads together in Palm Springs to determine the next big trend. And the verdict is in - bras and low-rise trousers.
I know what you’re thinking - please, no. For many, the thought of baring one’s stomach elicits a visceral, guttural feeling of horror. Myself included. Unless horizontally reclined on a beach in the Caribbean, I'd rather not.
However, the key is to reframe the trend through a body-positive lens. For centuries, women have been told to cover up - with torturous garments such as corsets, crinolines and heels cinching and stretching the female figure in every way imaginable.
© @kyliejennerThat, coupled with the ongoing social media onslaught of six-packs and matching pink pilates sets, has prompted women to retreat further into their own bodies. Well, according to stars such as Kylie Jenner, Olivia Rodrigo and PinkPantheress, enough is enough. It’s time to let our heavenly woman squidge shine.
Following the rise of naked dressing and the midriff revival, the bra and low-slung trouser combo was the inevitable next step. The trend reared its head on the spring/summer 2026 runway courtesy of brands such as Alexander McQueen, Christian Cowan, Area and Isabel Marant, who merged bohemian design with sexed-up rock chick glam.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeA season later, and the trend remains one to watch. For autumn/winter 2026, Roberto Cavalli paired studded leather balconettes with low-reaching croc print trousers and heavily-shouldered blazers, conjuring up vampy 80s perfection in Milan. Similarly, David Koma draped lace lingerie in hefty crystal detailing over at Blumarine, marrying twee bow motifs with Studio 54-inspired palettes.
Despite its Noughties appeal, the trend actually dates back to the late 1980s - when designers began to experiment with theatricality in the studio. Of course, we were granted iconic moments courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier and Madonna’s cone bra, which propelled the underwear-as-outerwear trend into the mainstream during the 1990s, when the movement became culturally legible.
However, it was the 2000s that truly cemented the bra-denim duo in the fashion canon, with Y2K muses such as Paris Hilton, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez adopting the styling trick for several public appearances. Diamanté options preferred.
Love it or hate it, bras and low-rise trousers are here to stay. And, if you’re still feeling a little hesitant to experiment with the look, we’ve curated the ultimate celeb style gallery for inspo below. Without further ado...
Bras and low-rise trousers - a celeb retrospective:
© Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CoaOlivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo sported some low-rise jeans and a pale pink bra alongside Maddie Ziegler and Addison Rae while posing backstage at the Coachella 2026.
© Getty ImagesDestiny's Child
An iconic Noughties style moment, Destiny's Child arrived at an MTV event in 2001 wearing matching low-rise, crystal-studded jeans with lingerie-inspired tops.
© Getty ImagesChristina Aguilera
Rewind to 2002 when Christina Aguilera reigned supreme in the Y2K fashion department. Bikini tops and low-rise jeans were a staple for the star, who never shied away from a standout style moment.
© Getty ImagesJennifer Lopez
Another major 00s muse, Jennifer Lopez opted for a red crystal-encrusted bralette and sparkling denim when stepping on stage at MTV's TRL on Superbowl Sunday in 2001.
© WireImageParis Hilton
Former Hello! Fashion cover star Paris Hilton never failed to captivate with her boundary-pushing Y2K wardrobe - as demonstrated above during the divisive Noughties.
© Getty ImagesMadonna
The ever-fearless Madonna took to the stage alongside actress Sandra Bernhard back in 1989 in low-rise denim and a halterneck bra to perform in New York. Our cone bra queen.
© GC ImagesJulia Fox
There's a recurring theme here - women who don't give a damn. The brilliant Julia Fox hit the streets of LA in 2022 sporting double denim with a lingerie-inspired twist.
