Fashion Clothing If Low-Rise Makes You Cringe, You'll Really Hate Thong Jeans It was only a matter of time. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on March 16, 2021 @ 05:25PM Pin Share Tweet Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Getty Images, Courtesy/InStyle Despite our pretty consistent push for comfort over everything, the top fashion trends seem to be anything but. Perhaps it was all those sweatsuits and oversized items that we consistently wore in 2020; we eventually grew tired of loungewear, and couldn't help but crave sexy, skin-baring styles instead. Yet, while we have no real issues with pully tops and upside-down bikinis, there is one trend we're admittedly still debating: thong jeans. These controversial bottoms sneakily crept up on us with the return of '00s butt-fashion, and while they tend to be high-waisted (a plus!), they do include a small, strappy cut out right at the hip, creating a thong-like look. Apologies in Advance, But Holes Are the New Polka-Dots At first, it felt a bit too nostalgic, reminding us of a strange time in fashion history, when terrycloth and belly chains were also wardrobe staples. But considering we've already begun layering dresses over pants... why not try one this, too? We're always down to try fun denim styles, and this extra detail will only make outfits more interesting. Take a look at some thong jeans — as well as thong pants and thongs skirts — outfits ahead. Should you feel convinced, we've also rounded up some options for you to shop. Outer Banks' Madison Bailey, a Gen Z-er, Says It's OK to Wear Skinny Jeans Start Somewhat Simple Available at Ssense A cousin to the low-rise jean, these cutout styles are suddenly everywhere. Thankfully, they're typically wide-leg, high-waisted, and basic blue, with this skin-baring detail being the main feature that sets them apart, so you'll find they're easy to style. Stick to the Basics Available at Asos Since these bottoms are so statement-making, don't overthink your outfit. Provide a bit of balance by sticking with something simple on top and you can't go wrong. Dress 'Em Up Even though these bottoms are pretty darn sexy, it's easy to make them feel more elevated. Style them with structured pieces, like a white button-down, or go the preppy route with a matching twin set. Shop Similar: NA-KD Organic Cut Out Denim ($60) Swap Out Your Pants Available at Iamgia If the weather is too hot or you're simply looking for an equally playful alternative, go for a thong skirt instead. Some other must-try moves when it comes to this trend? Pairing denim with denim, or styling your bottoms with a cutout top. Get Comfortable Available at Fashionnova If you can't quit comfy clothes, not to worry: Denim isn't your only option. There are also cotton pants and leggings that include similar strappy details, so you can channel your inner Maddy Perez from Euphoria and skip any stiff material. Combine Two Trends Available at Ssense We've already welcomed work or trouser pants back into our lives, dressing them down with sweatshirts and tees. However, if you find basic structured styles to be a bit meh, cutouts have the ability to change up this look. Also, if you'd rather skip the whole skin-baring part, there's an easy solution. Simply choose a longer shirt and tuck it in, this way the material peeks through instead of your hips.