- Chanel has officially brought drop-waist skirts to the forefront during its Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 show.
- Originally gaining popularity in the 1920s, the low-riding style is making its modern return.
Matthieu Blazy is proving that the magic of Chanel lies in balancing the house’s past with its future. On March 9, the creative director presented 78 looks at his Fall/Winter 2026 show in Paris. After his buzzy start–from his knockout debut show to runways staged in the New York City subway–fashion fans are bound to want more. With a starry front row (hi, Jennie, Margot, and Teyana!), all eyes were on what might send the internet into a frenzy this time. And what struck a cord for me? Drop-waist styles.
Honoring Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, Blazy fed us with a workwear-inspired lineup of ready-to-wear looks that revived standout codes like foot-hugging heels, matching sets, and most importantly: drop waists. As an iteration of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance” pulsed through the Grand Palais, models emerged in variations of the low-slung silhouette, often accentuated by a belt. From long tank dresses to knee-length skirts, the question became: how low can one go? They go low–but Blazy goes lower. The style may have peaked during the flapper era, but this revival feels entirely new.
To further cement the trend’s staying power, fashion houses like Zimmermann, Mugler, and Dior also got on board this season. From knee-length dresses and skirts to longer tops that mimicked the drop-waist effect, the through line was impossible to miss.
Taking a step back to those who came before us, the silhouette first gained traction in the 1920s, when women began rejecting restrictive clothing of earlier decades. Lower waistlines allowed for more freedom–women could dance, move, and socialize with ease. It’s no surprise, then, that the style became synonymous with flappers and the era’s newfound sense of independence. A century later, the appeal still stands.
So how do we style it today? Take a cue from Chanel’s latest runway and lean into drop-waist dresses and skirts already hanging in your closet–or create the illusion by layering a longer top over something flowy. Vamp pumps, ballet flats, and statement bags all complement the low-slung style, striking the perfect balance between polished and playful.
Now that fashion month has wrapped and the spring style forecast is taking shape, one thing feels certain: dressing like a Chanel girl has never looked better.