The look of high-waisted jeans and trousers is undeniably chic, elongating and figure-flattering, but only when worn correctly and with caution. There is a fine line between this fashion-forward vibe and the dreaded ill-fitting, belly button-waisted, mom jean look.
The mom jean characteristics seem obvious and easily-avoidable, but the dated look can be more sneaky and illusive than you think, and the next thing you know, you've made the same fashion faux pas as Jessica Simpson did in her infamous mom jeans.
First thing's first. Get to the root of the trend, and start looking at what top designers are doing with their high-waisted trouser and denim designs on the runway. This way, you can get an idea of what's right, so you can identify what's really wrong when you're looking through the racks. After you've identified what looks you like, for example the high waisted trouser jean or the high waisted flair, then try those styles out because unfortunately, highwaisted pants are not a one size fits all item.
If you're short like myself, this style is even trickier to pull off successfully in order to give you that long, lean, slimming effect. If you do have a shorter frame, one thing to avoid is high-waisted straight legs and look more toward a flared leg. This will make it trickier to determine where your legs begin and where they end. I find that my 5-foot-2 frame looks longer and more attractive with a high-waisted trouser that has a flowy, flared cotton material. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are working this look to the fullest -- notice the elongating pin stripes above!
For those of you with long torsos and narrow hips, I hate you. Just kidding ladies! But really you've pretty much got it made with this trend, you can go for the moderate to high rise and get away with it no problem.
Another scary issue with high-waisted jeans is figuring out what to wear on top. Really, the best thing to do is keep it simple. You're already making a statement with your high-waisted pants, so unless you're wearing very neutral colored trousers (like leighton Meister does so well) there's really no need to go nuts with your top. Always wear a shirt that will look flattering tucked in because there's no point in wearing this style pant unless you're going to show them off. Your top should only be un-tucked if you're feeling frisky enough to wear a cropped top, otherwise, pair them with silky blouse or a simple tank you can tuck, with a mid-length blazer or cardigan.
Patent D'Orsay Platform Pump, $14.99 from Charlotte RusseFinally, the shoes. Since the high-waisted look is generally a more formal look even for jeans, don't be afraid to throw on some platforms or pumps like this neutral pair.
Love or hate the high-waisted trend? Who has tips to share about how to wear them best?
Recommend
Comments (12)
I don't think they look good on anyone.
They look ridiculous, they're way too long and you know they'll get nasty dragging the ground..
Ick!
@Ashley Nicole Anders@facebook - just my personal opinion. I've never seen them look good on anybody, regardless of their body type.
They CAN look good, but I agree with those who have said your examples all look bad. I don't like them when they're too baggy.
I think Leighton Meister looks amazing!
I love the examples. Who could ask for more, they are runway shots. I'm short too and the straight looks like shit on me, but I want to try the flares. I love the look on the Olsen twins.
@LeaK - Me too! I love her outfit !
i think they look good on skinny people. curvy people... hahaha good luck. that includes myself. i'm a fatass.
I personally think they look nice on a slender build with a very toned butt-amber rose for example. on runway models, it flattens their butt. it looks silly on the olsen twins like they are drowning in them or kids playing dress up with oversized clothing.
@Ashley Nicole Anders@facebook - as I said, your opinion. We'll have to agree to disagree because I really don't like them at all.
these pants are hard to pull off. They only look good on certain types of figures. If you don't have a long torso, the look won't work on you because it makes it look like your boobs and waist are in the same place. If you have big, breasts, the look is hard to pull off because of the illusion that your breasts are hanging at your belly button. The pants look bad on Jessica Simpson because she was blessed with a short torso and big breasts. I used to love the pants and almost jumped on the band wagon but my breasts don't need help to look like they hang low.
Also, they tend to make your waist and hips blend together. Most people that wear them look like they have gigantic crotches. (Whoever she is, it looks like she could hide 2 toddlers in her uterus) In that picture, Leighton Meister is an example of the giant crotch phenomenon. I don't have to explain what they do to butts.
They can be cute on rare occasions but most people should avoid them. I almost used this picture as an example of them looking good, but then I looked more carefully and it is trick of photography. If her legs weren't spread and she wasn't sticking her butt out, she'd still have a giant looking crotch.
They look good on everyone. In fact i HATE low rise jeans. they make legs look short and dumpy. Plus, they always slide down, and have to be pulled up. High rise jeans are so perfect for adding a little vintage flare to a causal outfit. They look best with slightly cropped tops that end where the jeans start. There are tons of those tops around nowadays. NO ONE should be wearing low rise jeans any more. Let it die.