This trend has been around for quite some time and the chances are that you’ve seen it plenty of times. But if you still don’t understand the “why” of it all, this article is here to help. The unbuttoned jeans trend is the sum combination of the Y2K aesthetic and a “I don’t really care what you think” approach to conventional dressing.
This trend encompasses leaving your jeans deliberately unbuttoned and unzipped, waistbands folded over to reveal a sliver of skin (or a peek of lingerie). From Kim Kardashian pairing hers with a bikini to Rihanna rocking them with Timberlands, the undone denim trend might have just come to stay —but is it fashion-forward or just another flash-in-the-pan microtrend?
The Origin and Trendsetters: From Aaliyah to Jacquemus
This isn’t the first time that fashion has gone “rogue” as the trend traces back to ’90s hip-hop culture, where artists like Aaliyah made baggy, low-rise jeans with unfastened belts a signature look. Fast-forward to 2020, when Jacquemus creative director, Simon Porte, sent models down the runway in high-waisted trousers left provocatively unbuttoned, rebranding the style as high fashion.
What initially began as urban styling has now been refined into what The New York Times calls “performance art for the streets”—a calculated expression of effortlessness where the undone waistband serves as a wink to both rebellion and savoir-faire.
The Celebrity Endorsement Effect
Three key narratives explain why this trend has captivated style icons:
- The Art of Calculated Nonchalance
Celebrities like Doja Cat and BLACKPINK’s Jennie have perfected the illusion of accidental glamour (that ” I just threw this on” look that actually requires meticulous styling).
- Lingerie as Outerwear 2.0
Christian Siriano’s Spring 2024 collection showcased satin trousers worn open over sheer tights, continuing high fashion’s ongoing flirtation with boudoir-inspired styling.
- Body Politics
While critics note the trend’s initial prominence among slender figures, its adoption by celebrities like Rihanna during pregnancy transformed it into a conversation about body autonomy and who gets to define what “flattering” meant.
How to Wear This Trend Fashionably
For those ready to experiment, consider these two approaches:
The Subtle Statement
- Undo just the top button
- Fold over the waistband slightly
- Pair with a structured blazer to maintain polish
The High-Low Contrast
- Style undone denim with luxe fabrics (silk camisoles, cashmere sweaters)
- Add delicate jewelry to elevate the look
The Cultural Conversation
Like all disruptive trends, this one has sparked debate. Detractors dismiss it as reality TV-inspired nonsense, while advocates celebrate its subversion of traditional dressing rules. The truth likely lies in fashion’s eternal tension between self-expression and social signaling—sometimes the most powerful statement is what you choose not to conceal.
In Summary
Perhaps, there’s something refreshing about leaving something—quite literally—undone, especially now that we’re in an era of curated perfection. So, whether you embrace the trend and give it a try yourself or keep observing from the sidelines, the popularity of the unbuttoned jeans look emphasises fashion’s ongoing fascination with controlled chaos (as seen in other trends such as deconstructed outfits).
Would you wear your jeans unbuttoned? Share your thoughts below and don’t forget to subscribe to Federal Character’s newsletter.
