High-waisted jeans seldom fall out of style, delivering lots of covering and structure to all body shapes. Learn how to wear high-waisted jeans with this handy fashion guide.
What Are High-Waisted Jeans?
High-waist jeans, also known as high-rise jeans, feature a waistband that cinches the tiniest region of your natural waist, right above your belly button. The higher rise of this jean style generates an hourglass form, accentuating a nipped-in waist to create a larger bust line and hip line.
High-rise pants give high covering for your stomach as opposed to low-rise jeans and mid-rise jeans. High-rise, straight-leg jeans were a popular pants style in the ‘80s and ‘90s, gaining the “mom jeans” label in the 2000s. High-waisted jeans are available in flared, boot cut, wide leg, and narrow leg versions. Boyfriend jeans are typically low-to-mid-rise, however some newer boyfriend versions feature a higher waistband.
How to Wear High-Waisted Jeans
A high-waisted pair of jeans is a crucial capsule wardrobe staple that compliments many different body types. The following stylistic suggestions can help you achieve the perfect high-waisted jeans outfit:
1. Choose the correct top. High-waisted jeans are supposed to show off your waist, so keep that in mind while picking a top. A tucked-in fitting bodysuit, crop top, or tucked shirt will accentuate an outfit’s nipped waist. Long cardigans, blazers, and trench coats match the high waist of high-rise jeans, balancing out the shortness of a crop top.
2. Craft an edgy appearance. For an edgy yet traditional mix, wear high-waisted bootcut jeans with platform booties or leather ankle boots. Top the outfit with a sleeveless T-shirt or tank top, then cover your shoulders with a leather jacket. As an alternative, switch to high-waisted skinny jeans and toss on some over-the-knee boots.
3. Create a formal look. High-waisted jeans don’t need to be solely casual. Transition them into the office or a formal occasion with sophisticated accessories. Avoid torn or damaged high-waisted denim pants while constructing a professional or business casual ensemble. For a work-appropriate ensemble, slip a button-down shirt into some high-waisted, dark wash trousers and match them with loafers or high heels. Alternatively, wear your polished high-waisted jeans with stilettos, high platform heels, or exquisite flats. Try an off-the-shoulder cropped blouse with high-waisted, dark denim slacks for a date night ensemble. Accessorize with a glittering necklace or striking statement earrings.
4. Get the appropriate fit. Make sure your high-waisted jeans fit properly. The waistband should sit flush with your ribs and that the denim doesn’t bulge too much when you sit or bend over. While some high-waisted trousers have wide legs, select a fit that’s a touch smaller on your thighs. Adjust the inseam or hem of your jeans to suit your height and body type.
5. Keep it casual. High-waisted jeans are a full-coverage casual style that many people love. A slouchy, oversized sweater tucked into a pair of mom jeans or thin high-rise jeans with white sneakers provides a go-to casual combination. In hotter weather, switch the sweater with a basic white T-shirt or graphic tee and sandals.
6. Mind the length. High-waisted jeans come in numerous lengths and designs, from cropped flares to full-length straight-leg jeans. Make sure that the length you chose suits the length of your body and legs. People with more diminutive frames may wish to avoid cut high-waisted jeans, which can shorten their frames.
7. Pick the correct shoes. High-waist jeans go great with any sort of shoe, but it’s a good rule of thumb to add length to your body with your shoe choice. If you’re on the small side or have a short torso, taller shoes (like high-heeled booties or stilettos) will assist lengthen your body. Flats function well for folks with lengthy torsos.
8. Try black monochromatic. For a sleek, serious style, combine black, straight-leg high-waisted jeans with a black turtleneck and black heels. Accessorize the ensemble with a gold spectacular necklace or a gold-plated ornamental belt for a flash of brilliance. If you like thin jeans, slip them into suede ankle boots or knee-high leather boots. Add a black blazer to make this combination work-appropriate or a moto jacket for some fun edge.
9. Try a throwback style. High-waisted jeans inspire memories of mid-century pinups and off-duty film sirens, making them excellent to adapt to a vintage atmosphere. Wear a cropped vintage sweater tucked into a pair of straight-leg high-waisted jeans. For a ‘70s inspired look, tie a collared button-down shirt into some light wash, high-waisted bell-bottom trousers.
Read Also: Perfect Fit for High Waisted Jeans
Want to Learn More About Unleashing Your Inner Fashionista?
Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style master. Queer Eye’s fashion expert exposes everything he knows on developing a capsule collection, finding a distinctive style, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s crucial to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.
Kari Pettersen
High-waisted jeans seldom fall out of style, delivering lots of covering and structure to all body shapes. Learn how to wear high-waisted jeans with this handy fashion guide.
What Are High-Waisted Jeans?
High-waist jeans, also known as high-rise jeans, feature a waistband that cinches the tiniest region of your natural waist, right above your belly button. The higher rise of this jean style generates an hourglass form, accentuating a nipped-in waist to create a larger bust line and hip line.
High-rise pants give high covering for your stomach as opposed to low-rise jeans and mid-rise jeans. High-rise, straight-leg jeans were a popular pants style in the ‘80s and ‘90s, gaining the “mom jeans” label in the 2000s. High-waisted jeans are available in flared, boot cut, wide leg, and narrow leg versions. Boyfriend jeans are typically low-to-mid-rise, however some newer boyfriend versions feature a higher waistband.
How to Wear High-Waisted Jeans
A high-waisted pair of jeans is a crucial capsule wardrobe staple that compliments many different body types. The following stylistic suggestions can help you achieve the perfect high-waisted jeans outfit:
1. Choose the correct top. High-waisted jeans are supposed to show off your waist, so keep that in mind while picking a top. A tucked-in fitting bodysuit, crop top, or tucked shirt will accentuate an outfit’s nipped waist. Long cardigans, blazers, and trench coats match the high waist of high-rise jeans, balancing out the shortness of a crop top.
2. Craft an edgy appearance. For an edgy yet traditional mix, wear high-waisted bootcut jeans with platform booties or leather ankle boots. Top the outfit with a sleeveless T-shirt or tank top, then cover your shoulders with a leather jacket. As an alternative, switch to high-waisted skinny jeans and toss on some over-the-knee boots.
3. Create a formal look. High-waisted jeans don’t need to be solely casual. Transition them into the office or a formal occasion with sophisticated accessories. Avoid torn or damaged high-waisted denim pants while constructing a professional or business casual ensemble. For a work-appropriate ensemble, slip a button-down shirt into some high-waisted, dark wash trousers and match them with loafers or high heels. Alternatively, wear your polished high-waisted jeans with stilettos, high platform heels, or exquisite flats. Try an off-the-shoulder cropped blouse with high-waisted, dark denim slacks for a date night ensemble. Accessorize with a glittering necklace or striking statement earrings.
4. Get the appropriate fit. Make sure your high-waisted jeans fit properly. The waistband should sit flush with your ribs and that the denim doesn’t bulge too much when you sit or bend over. While some high-waisted trousers have wide legs, select a fit that’s a touch smaller on your thighs. Adjust the inseam or hem of your jeans to suit your height and body type.
5. Keep it casual. High-waisted jeans are a full-coverage casual style that many people love. A slouchy, oversized sweater tucked into a pair of mom jeans or thin high-rise jeans with white sneakers provides a go-to casual combination. In hotter weather, switch the sweater with a basic white T-shirt or graphic tee and sandals.
6. Mind the length. High-waisted jeans come in numerous lengths and designs, from cropped flares to full-length straight-leg jeans. Make sure that the length you chose suits the length of your body and legs. People with more diminutive frames may wish to avoid cut high-waisted jeans, which can shorten their frames.
7. Pick the correct shoes. High-waist jeans go great with any sort of shoe, but it’s a good rule of thumb to add length to your body with your shoe choice. If you’re on the small side or have a short torso, taller shoes (like high-heeled booties or stilettos) will assist lengthen your body. Flats function well for folks with lengthy torsos.
8. Try black monochromatic. For a sleek, serious style, combine black, straight-leg high-waisted jeans with a black turtleneck and black heels. Accessorize the ensemble with a gold spectacular necklace or a gold-plated ornamental belt for a flash of brilliance. If you like thin jeans, slip them into suede ankle boots or knee-high leather boots. Add a black blazer to make this combination work-appropriate or a moto jacket for some fun edge.
9. Try a throwback style. High-waisted jeans inspire memories of mid-century pinups and off-duty film sirens, making them excellent to adapt to a vintage atmosphere. Wear a cropped vintage sweater tucked into a pair of straight-leg high-waisted jeans. For a ‘70s inspired look, tie a collared button-down shirt into some light wash, high-waisted bell-bottom trousers.
Read Also: Perfect Fit for High Waisted Jeans
Want to Learn More About Unleashing Your Inner Fashionista?
Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style master. Queer Eye’s fashion expert exposes everything he knows on developing a capsule collection, finding a distinctive style, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s crucial to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.