Fashion: BLACKPINK’s Jennie Reinvents the Low-Rise Trend: Y2K Fashion’s Cool Comeback

What is the Low-Rise Fashion Resurgence Trend?

The low-rise silhouette — a defining element of late-1990s and early-2000s fashion — is back as a major force, embraced by Gen Z, designers, and celebrities. BLACKPINK’s Jennie is one of the key style icons popularizing this trend for a new generation.

• Low-rise bottoms sit at the hips rather than the waist, creating a distinctive silhouette. This styling emphasizes the natural waistline and adds a touch of daring. It brings back a look that was once a symbol of youthful rebellion.

• The trend was once polarizing but has been reintroduced with modern updates. Today’s versions range from oversized pants to tailored skirts. This versatility makes them more accessible to different body types and style preferences.

• Y2K fashion has shifted from a fleeting revival to a mainstream movement. Jennie’s influence helps normalize the look and keeps it at the forefront of fashion culture. She bridges runway trends and everyday wearability.

Why It Is Trending: Y2K Nostalgia Meets Celebrity Influence

• Gen Z is obsessed with reviving late-’90s and early-’00s style staples. Low-rise fashion has become a badge of cool, pairing nostalgia with self-expression. This makes it appealing to both fashion enthusiasts and casual wearers.

• BLACKPINK’s Jennie is one of the world’s most-watched fashion figures. Her styling choices quickly go viral and set global trends. Her adoption of low-rise pieces gives the look instant cultural credibility.

• Social media amplifies every outfit Jennie posts, turning her wardrobe into a digital mood board. Fans emulate her style, driving demand for similar items. This accelerates the trend cycle.

• Designers are responding by including low-rise silhouettes in their collections. This top-down and bottom-up adoption solidifies the trend’s staying power. It becomes both aspirational and accessible.

Overview: Jennie as the Face of Modern Low-Rise Style

Jennie’s effortless mix of low-rise bottoms with cropped tops and statement accessories makes the look feel elevated rather than outdated. Her ability to balance femininity, boldness, and casual confidence shows why she is a global fashion trendsetter.

Detailed Findings: Elements of Jennie’s Low-Rise Styling

• Variety of Silhouettes: From oversized, baggy pants to sleek mini skirts. This demonstrates the range of ways to interpret the look. It also shows that low-rise fashion can be casual or sophisticated.

• Cropped Pairings: Often styled with crop tops to showcase the waistline. This creates a proportion that feels chic and balanced. It highlights the core of Y2K styling.

• Waistline Focus: The low-rise cut emphasizes the hips and torso. This creates a bold, elongating effect. It also channels retro glamour.

• Approachability: Jennie suggests tucking a fitted top into the waistband as a more modest alternative. This makes the look accessible for those hesitant to bare their midriff. It keeps the aesthetic but adapts it to comfort levels.

• Confidence Factor: Low-rise pieces are styled to convey boldness and individuality. Jennie’s confidence is part of what makes the look resonate. She transforms the silhouette into an empowering statement.

Key Success Factors of the Trend: Why Low-Rise Works Again

• Celebrity Endorsement: Fashion influencers like Jennie make the trend aspirational. Their credibility helps overcome hesitation from skeptics. This creates a cultural ripple effect.

• Versatility: The look can be styled casually or dressed up. This flexibility makes it suitable for many settings. It keeps the trend relevant across occasions.

• Nostalgia: Y2K aesthetics tap into millennials’ and Gen Z’s love of retro style. The look feels familiar but fresh. Nostalgia makes it emotionally resonant.

• Social Media Power: Outfit posts and fan recreations keep the trend circulating. This turns low-rise styling into a content-friendly fashion choice. The visual appeal drives engagement online.

Key Takeaway: Low-Rise is Cool Again — Thanks to Jennie

Jennie has reframed the low-rise silhouette as a confident, playful, and fashionable choice rather than just a relic of the early 2000s. Her influence ensures the style remains aspirational yet approachable.

Core Trend: Celebrity-Led Fashion Revivals

Star-driven adoption is fueling the resurgence of Y2K trends like low-rise silhouettes. Fans replicate what they see, making these styles global movements overnight.

Description of the Trend: The New Y2K Cool

Low-rise bottoms, once divisive, are now symbols of playful self-expression and confidence. Celebrities like Jennie are reintroducing them in ways that feel elevated and wearable.

Key Characteristics of the Core Trend: Chic, Confident, and Customizable

• Waistline Focus: Emphasis on hip and midriff exposure. This creates a striking silhouette that stands out.

• Mix-and-Match Styling: Works with casual or statement tops. This allows for endless outfit experimentation.

• Confidence-Driven: Wearing low-rise pieces conveys boldness. It’s about projecting self-assurance.

• Adaptability: Can be styled modestly or provocatively. This makes it inclusive for different preferences.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend: Y2K Is Here to Stay

• Luxury and fast-fashion brands are launching more low-rise designs. This signals strong demand across price points. It ensures wide availability.

• Social media platforms amplify style inspiration globally. Jennie’s outfits trend within hours of posting. This accelerates fashion adoption cycles.

• The resurgence of other Y2K staples (butterfly clips, mini bags) supports a full revival. Low-rise silhouettes fit naturally into this movement. This keeps the aesthetic cohesive.

• Gen Z and millennials are nostalgic for early-2000s pop culture. They use fashion as a way to celebrate and reinterpret that era. This keeps the look emotionally relevant.

What Is Consumer Motivation: Why Fans Love Low-Rise

• To emulate Jennie’s effortlessly cool style. Fans look to her as a fashion role model. This drives desire for similar outfits.

• To express individuality and confidence. Low-rise fashion feels bold and slightly rebellious. It becomes a form of self-expression.

• To participate in a wider cultural trend. Wearing low-rise connects consumers to the Y2K fashion revival. This creates a sense of belonging.

• To showcase body positivity. Many embrace the silhouette as a way to celebrate their natural shape. This adds empowerment to the look.

What Is Motivation Beyond the Trend: Self-Expression Through Style

• Fashion lovers want to reimagine nostalgic looks for today. This keeps retro trends fresh. It allows creativity in personal styling.

• Consumers enjoy participating in celebrity-led fashion moments. It makes them feel culturally plugged in. This enhances engagement with brands.

• The look offers a playful alternative to athleisure and high-waist dominance. This injects variety into wardrobes. It satisfies the craving for change.

Descriptions of Consumers: The Y2K Fashion Enthusiast

• Consumer Summary: Young, trend-driven individuals who follow celebrity style cues and love experimenting with nostalgic looks. They are fashion-forward and socially engaged.

• Who are they? Mostly Gen Z and young millennials who shop fast-fashion and designer pieces alike. They consume fashion content daily.

• Age: 16–34, highly active on TikTok and Instagram. This group is leading fashion discourse online.

• Gender: Predominantly female but inclusive of anyone exploring style. The trend has unisex interpretations as well.

• Income: Ranges from students to young professionals, with a mix of budget-conscious and premium shoppers. They are willing to splurge on key pieces.

• Lifestyle: Urban, social, and digitally savvy. They document and share their outfits as part of their identity.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior: From Runway to Everyday

• Consumers are mixing high and low fashion to replicate Jennie’s looks. This democratizes access to trends.

• There’s an increase in demand for tailored and fitted low-rise options. This pushes brands to expand their offerings.

• Shoppers are experimenting with bolder styling choices. This leads to more confident, expressive dressing.

• The popularity of low-rise silhouettes is influencing adjacent categories like denim, activewear, and skirts. This is reshaping the fashion landscape.

Implications Across the Ecosystem: Celebrity Power Shapes Retail

• Consumers: Get styling inspiration and permission to try bolder trends. They feel part of a larger movement.

• Brands: See increased demand for Y2K silhouettes and must respond quickly. They have an opportunity to collaborate with influencers.

• Retailers: Benefit from rising sales of trendy denim, skirts, and crop tops. Capsule collections can capture more sales.

• Media: Gains engagement by covering celebrity-driven fashion moments. This keeps Y2K fashion in the cultural spotlight.

Strategic Forecast: Low-Rise Will Evolve, Not Fade

• Expect new fabric innovations to make low-rise more comfortable. This will expand its appeal.

• Designers will offer modest variations to attract hesitant consumers. This will widen the market further.

• Celebrity and influencer collaborations will push the look into mainstream retail. This ensures trend longevity.

• Expect adjacent trends (belly chains, Y2K accessories) to grow alongside low-rise. This will create a complete aesthetic ecosystem.

Areas of Innovation: Where Low-Rise Goes Next

• Inclusive Sizing: Expanding low-rise to fit all body types. This will broaden adoption.

• Sustainable Fabrics: Eco-friendly denim and textiles for conscious shoppers. This aligns with fashion’s green push.

• Tech-Enhanced Fit: AI-driven sizing to get the perfect low-rise fit online. This reduces returns and frustration.

• Mix-and-Match Capsule Collections: Curated outfits with low-rise as a base. This makes styling easier for consumers.

• Gender-Neutral Options: More unisex low-rise pieces for diverse audiences. This reflects evolving fashion norms.

Summary of Trends

• Core Consumer Trend – Confident Silhouette Play: Shoppers are embracing styles that highlight and celebrate the waistline. This signals a shift away from purely oversized fits.

• Core Social Trend – Celebrity-Led Revival: Jennie’s influence is driving the trend’s virality and global adoption. Fans trust her fashion cues.

• Core Strategy – Nostalgia with a Modern Edge: Designers are updating early-2000s styles to feel current and wearable. This bridges past and present.

• Core Industry Trend – Retail Acceleration of Y2K Looks: Brands are rushing to meet demand with refreshed low-rise designs. This creates faster style cycles.

• Core Consumer Motivation – Boldness + Belonging: Wearing low-rise lets consumers feel daring while being part of a collective trend. This satisfies personal and social desires.

Final Thought: Jennie’s Fashion Power Keeps Low-Rise Relevant

BLACKPINK’s Jennie has turned the once-controversial low-rise silhouette into a confident, aspirational look for 2025. Her ability to blend nostalgia, modern styling, and global influence ensures this Y2K staple will stay a central figure in fashion for seasons to come.

Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/trends/20250927/blackpinks-jennie-shows-how-to-wear-the-low-rise-trend-like-a-fashion-icon