When high-waistlines first started reappearing in stores a few seasons ago, like a majority of people, I just sort of laughed them off as a fleeting fancy that the fashion industry was trying-out on us. I, like so many others, never thought for a minute that high waistlines would come back into style again.
Fast-forward a couple of fashion seasons, and it appears that the industry’s love affair with the higher waistline was not just a passing fancy after all, and high waistlines are here to stay. At least for now.
Really, when you think about it, I suppose we should be rejoicing; high waistlines are infinitely more comfortable than their low-slung predecessors, and are the perfect pairing if you want to achieve that seventies look that’s all the rage right now.
However, I tend to think like many of us who were alive and well and in our element in the über-low waistband nineties; it is just a little too easy to accidentally wander into “mom jeans” territory when you choose a high waistband.
Shorts in particular pose a real conundrum. On one hand, a higher waistband on a pair of shorts helps to keep them from riding-up and makes your legs look a mile long.
The drawback? High-waisted shorts are actually a little trickier to style than their full-pantlegged counterpart, and can easily look dated if you miss a step with your styling. That’s where this little piece of sartorial research science comes in.
I’m hoping that my efforts in scouring every corner of the internet, my personal archives, and a whole lot of fashion magazines have armed this quick-fix style guide with enough tips to ease you into your own high-waisted shorts journey as we enter the new (and here’s hoping warmer) season.
Pay Attention to Style & Fit
Source via weheartit.com
There’s no other way to say it – as it turns out, we’ve been missing a trick by not taking advantage of the benefits of high-waisted shorts.
They cover your midsection hiding any unwanted bulges, cinch the midriff into a feminine shape (without a corset, thanks very much), and provide shape and a hint of vintage glam to bodies lacking curves (like mine). Long story short, high-waisted shorts are The Business.
However, not all high-waisted shorts are created equal; there are a lot of variations within the genre, so it’s important to do a little research and find out what styles look best on your particular body type.
“High-waisted” is a rather general term, so you really have to try things on to know where you stand. While one company’s version of the look night mean you feel that the garment is practically up to your neck, another’s might be a much more moderate cut, and works for your body. Sadly, this is one item where trying it on is going to be essential – sad news for those of us who love to internet shop.
While some types of clothing look great when you wear it oversized, high-waisted shorts do not fall into this category. To look modern and intentional, they have to fit impeccably. Too big, and you will look like you’re drowning. Too small, and you are in danger of showing all sorts of unfortunate anatomical features underlying.
If you are petite, a pair of high-waisted shorts that gently graze the tops of the thighs can add inches to your height. However, it’s best to avoid shorts that have too much volume in the design, as this can easily overwhelm a small frame.
Those who are a bit curvier (especially in the thighs) should choose a pair of shorts that have a bit of flare to them, and are in a soft fabric that drapes well. The high waist emphasizes the smallest part of your body, balancing the silhouette, and your legs will look miles long.
Tall and slender women can get away with just about any shorts style, and look great in structured, fitted high-waisted shorts with a retro flair. However, if you are long-waisted, be wary of waistlines that are extremely high, or you will risk making your upper body appear stumpy. However, this can sometimes be balanced-out by wearing a higher neckline with your high waisted shorts.
Keep it Casual
While shorts in this day and age are no longer the sole provenance of dressed-down weekends and beach days, in the summer season (or any time you are inspired to wear a pair of shorts that does not require a blazer or a pair of opaque tights), high-waisted shorts are at their most versatile as a casual look.
One of the best ways to ensure that your high-wasited shorts keep a casual, effortless vibe is by pairing them with something with a bit of volume on top.
Despite the fact that high-waisted shorts actually provide more overall coverage than their low-slung predecessors, the fit around the waist can be quite body-conscious, so it is best to balance the look with a soft, flowing, voluminous top.
Choose a lightweight, oversized t-shirt or sweater, and tuck the front of the top into the waistband; this gives the look a bit of effortless drape while still providing a bit of waistline definition.
If you are the type who prefers to mix it up a bit more, instead of pairing your high-waisted shorts with a sweater or tee, try pairing it with that ultimate wardrobe staple – an oversized button-down shirt.
For best effect, make sure that you choose a shirt that is made of a lovely (if not downright luxurious) material and has a lovely drape to it. Wear it tucked-in to your shorts, but blouse it a bit and roll-up the sleeves; this gives you an classic yet effortless appeal.
If you’re the more adventurous type, you can opt for a cropped top – just make sure you choose one that has a bit of volume and looks modern; a body-conscious cropped top paired with high-waisted shorts may make you look like you are heading to an 80s revival party.
If you have a smaller bust, choose a top that has a boxy cut, perhaps even with a high-low hemline (higher in the front, lower in the back). The high waistband of the shorts paired with the flowing volume of the cropped top will leave just enough skin showing to look intriguing, while still leaving enough to the imagination to be chic.
Larger-busted women may prefer to rock a more retro look by pairing a fitted (not tight) button-down shirt with their high-waisted shorts, tying a knot at the waistline to show just the smallest bit of midriff.
If you really must wear a body-conscious top with your high-waisted shorts, try pairing a more structured bustier style top with your shorts, and adding a lightweight kimono or cardigan layered over the top. This look is essentially taking advantage of both of the aforementioned looks; you’re working the bare midriff, yet still using a lot of flowing fabric volume to keep the look balanced.
Master Your Shoe Game
Picking the right shoes to wear with your high-waisted shorts look is critical.
If you are going to a summer music festival or the beach and are looking to wear a flat shoe, opt for a simple pair of flat, strappy sandals in a neutral or burnished metallic shade.
The simplicity of a flat sandal keeps everything on the light side, and won’t compete for attention with the flow of your top, visually cut off the legs at an unflattering angle, or make you look too try-hard with a pair of overly-complicated shoes.
If you want something a little sportier, try a pair of canvas sneakers with your shorts. While this is definitely the most dressed-down shoe you can pair with your look, often it may provide a great contrast with a floaty, feminine blouse, and inject your look with a bit of youth and edge.
For those who simply don’t feel like themselves unless they are in a pair of heels, there are plenty of great options as well.
One of the best things about a pair of high-waisted shorts is that it makes your legs look about fifteen miles long. Take advantage of this with a pair of nude-colored (whatever “nude” is for you) wedge heels.
There really is no look that begs to be paired with a wedge platform like the high-waisted shorts look. The seventies vibe of the high-waisted short and flowing blouse is perfectly balanced by a heavier shoe like a wedge, and gives the look a cool-girl, bohemian vibe.
If you’re feeling like rocking a slightly edgier look, try pairing your high-waisted shorts with a pair of ankle booties, combat boots, or if you’re really looking to amp-up the drama, a pair of over the knee boots.
Ankle boots are delightfully bohemian and feminine, and look great either in a natural shade worn with bare legs, or in black with a pair of opaque (or contrasting) hosiery.
Try pairing them with a flowing peasant blouse or kimono, and you have the perfect mix of feminine and edge. If you’re feeling a little bit rock and roll, channel your inner 90s child and try pairing a pair of high-waisted denim cut-off shorts with a flannel shirt and a pair of combat boots.
For colder climates, pair your shorts with a chunky sweater and some over the knee boots. One word of caution however; if you’re opting for tall boots with your high waisted shorts, choose a pair that is either flat, or has a slight wedge. A stiletto-heeled boot with a pair of shorts is probably a bit too “Pretty Woman” for the real world, and while “hooker with the heart of gold” is a great theme for a movie, it’s something you definitely want to avoid in your sartorial life.
While you may still be a bit unsure of this new crop of high-waisted shorts, these simple style tips can help you ease them seamlessly into your wardrobe.