High Waisted Pants - There is surely something about this silhouette that makes it a favourite from the 1980s till now. The classic high-waist has been revamped with modern cuttings from skinnies to wide legs that make it a go-to piece from one season to another.
Not only figure-flattering but it is also a versatile piece that you can pull off for casual days to formal occasions. If there is one silhouette that you hope to try, reach for these high-waisted pants!
So what is the magic? Well, as the name depicted, the waistline is above the navel which adds definition to your waist, adding shape and giving an illusion of a slimmer waist. Plus, it is sexy as it is hip-skimming and elongates the leg (and all the petite frame ladies say yay!) and you can keep that shapewear aside because they camouflage whatever bumps and love handles too!
Whether you have an hourglass figure, petite frame or pear-shaped figure, you can totally rock on this silhouette with a snap! Read on to find out the 6 rules in wearing high-waisted pants.
#1 Tuck in your tops
The high waistline is definitely there for a reason, so show them off because you need them to define your waist. From button-down shirt, chiffon blouse, sweaters to sleeveless tops, have them tucked in and you are good to go.
Wait, is there any other alternatives besides tucking them in? Yes, I know. Tucking in the top can be a frustration at times to us girls especially when the top is not long enough or the fabric is too soft that makes it coming off whenever you have big movements. And there you go stuffing them in again with your fingers just to ensure they are in place.
Chill girls, if you do not like tucking them in or the top is just not a suitable piece, try crop tops and bodysuits! Yes, that is the reason why both of these are a match made in heaven with high-waist silhouettes.
It is pretty obvious. Look at that! Crop top and high-waisted hem meet perfectly at some point. If you do not wanna show off to much skin when wearing a crop top. Wear them with anything high-waist.
While a bodysuit keeps the top in place which you can dance all day long without a problem. Invest in a basic bodysuit and it will practically go well with classic denim to any patterned bottoms.
Another fun way to tackle the high waist without tucking in is to tie a front knot. I love how Sheridan ties the yellow striped top for an added fun and detail!
#2 Know your kind of silhouette
There are many kinds of silhouette for high-waisted pants and we know some styles are just not for us. Instead of forcing ourselves to be a part of the trend, we need to make sure we look good in them to ensure we do not fall into the fashion victim category.
Hourglass, Curvy and Pear Shape Figures
For ladies with hourglass shape, high-rise is perfect for you because it helps to draw attention to the small of your waist. While for curvy ladies, the high rise helps to hide and flatten any tummy right away. And for something extra, opt for flared hem. They help in balancing out the proportion especially for pear shape ladies with heavier hips.
For the Petite
opt for cropped high-waisted pants with slightly fluted hem or regular length skinnies. An extra tip here, make sure when you go for flared hem, the cropped length hits between your calf and your ankle.
#3 Accessorise
Belt would be the best addition to your high waisted pants. Even though the high waistline itself has given you waist definition but the belt just gives you more (well, who could resist more?!) drawing attention to it especially you wear those belts with statement buckles. But bear in mind not to overdo it.
Belts are also great in adding a pop of colour to your outfits. Well, one of the tips in matching was to match your belt with your heels, but this is not always the case.
I love how Grasie adds some fun prints to her outfits. The zebra print belt totally breaks off the usual way of styling, making her outfits even more eye-catching and stands out.
If you are leaning towards something simple and minimal, go for a skinny belt that gives off a delicate feminine feel.
#4 Throw it on with outerwear
For layering, add a cool edge with long jackets. It is all about the proportions that we are into when it comes to styling. Long jackets are extremely flattering that moves your eyes downwards, elongates your figure in every way. Avoid cropped and jackets that are shorter than the high waistline. Avoid bulky ones as well because the main intention of wearing high waist is to get you in shape and not otherwise.
Opt for a soft flowy long cardigan or kimonos to nail a laid-back off-duty style. The flowy and lightweight of the cardigan certainly adds a soft touch to the overall ensemble.
While if you wanna go for the bold, toughen up your look with a blazer. This is totally work-appropriate for smart casual days.
For an edgy touch, just throw over a moto leather jacket and bam, you look fab for any weekends right away.
#5 Heels or Flats?
Well of course, it is all about a complete and perfect ensemble, so the footwear does make a difference as well. When wearing a flared hem pants, heels are a go-to option. It helps to keep the flare flowing down perfectly when the length is long. If it is cropped, heels or flat would do fine.
As shown in the picture, with heels the length is just right. If the hem ever sweeps the floor, the overall effect would turn into a disaster. The hem would gather and bunch up and makes you look visually shorter (you certainly do not want that!). This part which I will cover in the next point on length.
Another tip here, wear pointed toe heels for an elongating look. Try them out and you will fall in love with the magic!
I know there are days where you just wanna skip the heels and go for something comfortable. Go for mules for casual style and sneakers for some sporty vibe.
#6 Length of the Hem
The length of hem you should go for, certainly associates with your height. Wear the right hem length, avoid it being too long or too short. For flared or wide leg hem pants, the ideal length would be seeing the peek of the foot.
From the picture above, Kathleen on the left has her flared pants hit right above the ground while Taylor (right) has her toes peeped out, leaving about half an inch above the ground. So keeping the pants an inch shorter prevents you from being footless and the pants being a street sweeper instead, it should complete your overall look. To nail it, wear the right height of heels or have the hem altered to match your height.
So whatever leg pants silhouette, the key is to ensure that the hem does not gather, causing a bulk at the feet while being too short at an awkward length.
These are the 6 key rules in nailing high-waisted pants. Be ready to fall in love with them if you have not tried this silhouette while others can try different types of styles and styling methods. Share with us how it works for you!
Posted by Shu Wen
Saturday 25 Aug 2018
