high waisted how-to

In this post, I’m addressing an issue that has bombarded my e-mail inbox: high waisted shorts, pants and skirts. It’s a problem we all have: what do you wear them with? Do you tuck the shirt in? Can you wear a fancier blouse? How high should you go? All of these questions will be answered.

Part one: Celebrity inspiration: How they do and do not work.

Mischa Barton

Her problem? The shirt she paired them with, and the fit of the jeans. Fit is everything, and these jeans do not fit Mischa. She’s getting a bit of a camel toe, and overall, the cut is emphasizing her hips, making them look bigger than they actually are. The vintage shirt, is a 70’s throw back, and paired with a 70’s style jean, the overall look is a bit too vintage. Anther shirt could have done wonders.

Fergie

A great pair of purple jeans, paired simply with a plain black shirt. The problem? The belt loops. They sit at the height of a normal pair of jeans, so they visually shorten her.

Jessica Simpson

Take note from Jessica’s wrongs: never ever go light wash with a high wasted pant. Light wash is hardly flattering. Gasp! The rouching on the pockets! Notice how they make you zoom in on her hips? Never a good thing.

Peaches Geldof

Know your body. If you have a bit of a pouch, a higher waist can emphasize this area. Tip: go for a thinner top. Otherwise, when tucking in the shirt, a bit of substance will be added to your stomach. Overall, I love Peaches creativity.

Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, Chloe Sevigny (L-R)

Nicole Richie: Although I’m not a fan of the longer pockets (MOM JEANS!!), this look really works for her.

Sienna Miller: Now this is why I love sienna. She can make it work. Noitce how the shorts make her legs look like they go on forever? And yet her top half is still left with a good preportion? This is do to the strings on the shirt, the necklaces, and the v-necked shirt.

Chloe Sevigny: Pairing her shorts with boots? They visually shorten her.

Part Two: Runway looks

Diesel S/S 2008

Rule: Go V-neck. It’s always flattering, and the cut of the shirt will elongate your upper body.

You can wear a fancier shirt! Just make sure you pull down your shirt enough so that you do not create a bump.

Don’t go with a belly top. You will be left with a patch of skin (usually), and when is that ever flattering?

Grey Ant S/S 2008

KNOW YOUR BODY! (can I say that enough?) Try on lots of styles to see what looks good on you. Look for different pocket styles, looser vs. slimmer fits, where they hit you (i.e below belly button, at belly button, above belly button), and remember to always get a second opinion. Ask someone other than the store clerk (remember, a sale means money to them).

Once you’ve found your pants/shorts/skirt, play with it. Try untucking/tucking the shirt in, and stick to what flatters. Do they look better with a loosly tucked in shirt? A non tucked in shirt?

L.A.M.B S/S 2008

Confused? Try the look with a belt! Check to see whether your pick works with a thicker or a skinner belt (as of right now, skinny belt's are hot).

Have fun! After you think about proportions and cut and everything else, don’t forget to wear your style. Like plaid? Go plaid.

You can look classic. This is perhaps one of my favourite looks (along with Sienna's). Also note, just because highwaisted pants might not look good on you, doesn’t mean to give up on the look. Try shorts! Or a skirt! The possiblities are endless, and at there will be a look for you.

Again, don’t go for a shorter cutted shirt. It will visually shorten you.

Part Three: The Summary

1. Go for a newer styled shirt. Vintage will make you seem like you stepped out of a time capsule.
2. Find what works for you. Try on different styles.
3. Pay attention to proportion. Look to make sure you have not visually shortened yourself. Pay attention to where your untucked shirt hits you (never ever above the line of the pant).
4. Go for a darker wash. Light wash? Too unflattering and way too retro.
5. Try adding a belt.
6. Wear a v-necked shirt!
7. Don’t forget your own personal style.

photo credits:

style.com

nymag.com

community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt

mischances.com

my.opera.com/mystyle/blog

fashionising.com

stylebakery.com