How to Wear High-Waisted Jeans: 9 Styling Tips to Consider

High-waist jeans, also known as high-rise jeans, have a waistband that cinches the smallest part of your natural waist, just above your belly button. The higher rise of this jean type produces an hourglass silhouette, emphasizing a nipped-in waist to create a fuller bust line and hip line.

High-rise pants offer high coverage for your midsection as compared to low-rise jeans and mid-rise jeans. High-rise, straight-leg jeans were a popular jeans style in the ‘80s and ‘90s, earning the “mom jeans” moniker in the 2000s. High-waisted jeans are available in flared, boot cut, wide leg, and skinny leg styles. Boyfriend jeans are mostly low-to-mid-rise, but some modern boyfriend styles have a higher waistline.

A high-waisted pair of jeans is a valuable capsule wardrobe essential that complements many different body shapes. The following styling tips can help you create the perfect high-waisted jeans outfit:

1. 1. Choose the right top. High-waisted jeans are meant to show off your waist, so keep that in mind when choosing a top. A tucked-in fitted bodysuit, crop top, or tucked shirt will showcase an outfit’s cinched waist. Long cardigans, blazers, and trench coats complement the high waist of high-rise jeans, balancing out the shortness of a crop top.
2. 2. Craft an edgy look. For an edgy yet classic combo, style high-waisted bootcut jeans with platform booties or leather ankle boots. Top the look 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 throw on some over-the-knee boots.
3. 3. Create a formal look. High-waisted jeans don’t need to be exclusively casual. Transition them into the workplace or a formal occasion with polished accessories. Avoid ripped or distressed high-waisted denim jeans when curating a formal or business casual outfit. For a work-appropriate outfit, tuck a button-down shirt into some high-waisted, dark wash jeans and pair them with loafers or high heels. Alternatively, style your polished high-waisted jeans with stilettos, high platform shoes, or elegant flats. Try an off-the-shoulder cropped blouse with high-waisted, dark denim pants for a date night outfit. Accessorize with a sparkling necklace or bold statement earrings.
4. 4. Get the right fit. Make sure your high-waisted jeans fit properly. The waistband should sit flush with your ribcage and that the denim doesn’t bulge too much when you sit or bend over. While some high-waisted pants have wide legs, choose a fit that’s a little slimmer on your thighs. Adjust the inseam or hem of your pants to complement your height and body shape.
5. 5. Keep it casual. High-waisted jeans are a full-coverage casual style that many people favor. A slouchy, oversized sweater tucked into a pair of mom jeans or skinny high-rise jeans with white sneakers creates a go-to casual ensemble. In warm weather, swap the sweater for a plain white T-shirt or graphic tee and sandals.
6. 6. Mind the length. High-waisted jeans come in various lengths and styles, from cropped flares to full-length straight-leg jeans. Make sure that the length you choose complements the length of your torso and legs. People with more petite frames may want to avoid cropped high-waisted jeans, which can shorten their frames.
7. 7. Pick the right shoes. High-waist jeans go well with any type 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 petite side or have a short torso, higher shoes (like high-heeled booties or stilettos) will help lengthen your body. Flats work better for those with long torsos.
8. 8. Try black monochrome. For a sleek, serious look, wear black, straight-leg high-waisted jeans with a black turtleneck and black pumps. Accessorize the outfit with a gold statement necklace or a gold-plated decorative belt for a pop of shine. If you prefer skinny jeans, tuck them into suede ankle boots or knee-high leather boots. Add a black blazer to make this ensemble work-appropriate or a moto jacket for some playful edge.
9. 9. Try a retro style. High-waisted jeans evoke images of mid-century pinups and off-duty screen sirens, making them perfect to adapt to a retro vibe. Wear a cropped vintage sweater tucked into a pair of straight-leg high-waisted jeans. For a ‘70s style outfit, knot a collared button-down blouse into some light wash, high-waisted bell-bottom jeans.

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