Style // The Low Down on the High Waist

Alright ladies, it’s time to face the cold, hard truth: wearing the same low-rise denim every day is just plain boring. As we get older and are presented with more opportunities to let our style shine, not only are hip hugging jeans on the border of inappropriate, but they make it extremely difficult to showcase a style that is all your own. But, have no fear! Brands all over the country, from funky Urban Outfitters to refined Express, are here to help you solve that problem. Say hello to your new friend: the high-waisted pant.

Typically, high-waisted pants are thought of as “mom jeans” or a trend that should be left in the 70’s. But, don’t be discouraged just yet. Follow these helpful tips to find the perfect high-waisted pant for your body type, and you’ll love what you see!

Slender Figure

Take it to the extreme, because this trend was made for you! Long legs and a slim waistline allow you to rock the highest waists out there. You can pair intense high-waisted pants with a crop top and fun accessories to flaunt that amazing figure.

Celebrities like Diane Kruger have been seen taking advantage of this look. Her small frame allows for an extreme high waist and crop top, which instead of bearing midriff only shows off her tiny hips and waist section. Her contemporary hat, beach waves, and pop of color in her clutch keep her look young and fresh.

Curvy

Often times, women with curves have a hard time seeing themselves in the trends that those stick-skinny models rock on the runways, but the high-waist trend is one that easily translates from body type to body type. If you have a few more curves, try a mid-rise pant instead of the extreme high rise. This will hit you right in the center of your body, at your narrowest part. Wear your shirt tucked in, and add a belt or some detail to the waist of your pant to even further accentuate your waistline.

Kim Kardashian, one of our favorite curvy-and-proud-to-flaunt-it celebs, rocks this look perfectly. Her classic white button down allows the pants to be the statement piece of her outfit. The button detail on the pants is subtle, but adds just the right amount of impact. The placement of the buttons in the center of her waist draws attention to her tiniest part of her body, and the outward and downward slant of the buttons accentuates her feminine curves. The snug fit hugs her in all the right places, and her heeled strappy sandals help to elongate her legs.

Apple Shaped

For women with a larger upper-body (chest, face, and abdomen), it is sometimes hard to highlight any other portions of your body. Luckily, the high-waisted pant does just that! Use a patterned or colored bottom to draw attention to the other half of your figure. A tucked in shirt will add to this look. When tucking in a shirt avoid two things: tucking the shirt in too tightly will create a pull across your top making you appear larger, and pulling out too much of the shirt will add unwanted volume to your upper half.

While filming her hit show, Gossip Girl, Blake Lively perfected this look. Her pale pink, wide leg pants are the highlight of her outfit. Their feminine pleats, billowy fabric, and mocha colored printed belt all hit the mark.  Paired with a loose fitting tank top, the pants add just the right amount of volume to her lower half and give her the perfect proportions. The turquoise necklace and color-blocked oxford heels add a pop of fun to the neutral outfit.

So this spring, step out of your comfort zone, throw those low waisted jeans into the back of your closet, and make a statement with the perfect high-waisted pant!