Are high waisted jeans right for my body? A lot of people ask me this question, or think that this look is the LAST thing that would flatter them. There are several things I have learned since beginning my career as a wardrobe consultant, and what kinds of bodies look great in this recycled trend is one of them. Here are a few body traits that can be flattered by the 70’s pant silhouette:

1. Long torso: the higher the waist of the pants, the higher your waist will appear be, and this cut will give your body proportion.
2. Short legs: These kinds of pants will make your legs look super long, especially if the hem is long, and you wear some heels or wedges.
3. Wide shoulders: The high waist draws the eye to the waist, not your shoulders, and the wide leg balances out the shoulders, and again, gives proportion to your frame. Note: I have wide shoulders, and have a thing for this top, despite it’s embellished shoulders. Not the best cut for my frame, so that’s why I chose the wide-legged jeans. Distraction!
4. Low love handles: Hello, these pants cover your butt crack and then some. Nothing’s gonna hang out, or catch a chill!
5. Tummies: I think a main misconception about higher-waisted items is that people with a little yummy can’t wear them. The right fitting pant or skirt will hold you in and draw the eye up to the waist. Usually a structured high-waisted pencil skirt is a great place to start if you’re still afraid of this kind of cut.

Yes, high-waisted pants are kind of scary. I always try looking first at ones made from some dark material, and am wary of pleats and too much embellishment, which can act as hip-magnifiers. The Gap is coming out with a few high-rise styles which are a little higher in the waist, but don’t go up to the belly button like mine do here. High-rise trousers are a good way to get your feet wet before diving into this trend! See how I brought it back to the nautical theme I’ve got going on here?

Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jeans: swapped, logs: BC, Socks: UO

May 4, 2011