Women everywhere, rejoice! It is no longer considered the height of casual fashion to allow your underwear to peep conspicuously from the top of your low-slung jeans. With the recent revival of high-waisted jeans, you can look fashionable and rest assured that you're still leaving something to the imagination.
The skeptics among us may complain that high-waisted pants are dated or unflattering (and I admit that if the fit is off or the outfit is sloppily put together, the effect can be atrocious!), but when done right, they can have an easy, sexy '70s elegance. Think of (young) Lauren Hutton, Ali MacGraw, or Katharine Ross: Clean lines, simple hair with a center part, big sunglasses, and high-waisted pants! Kate Bosworth gets it right:
Mischa Barton, with her signature sense of casual, slightly rumpled cool, also manages to pull it off (but just barely):
It's essential to stick to a few basic rules in order to pull off this style. Done poorly, these pants can indeed be extremely unbecoming. Case in point? Poor, poor Jessica Simpson.
Some tips for making the most of the high-waisted trend:
- Make sure you choose a top that's fitted, not loose or baggy, and can be tucked into your jeans. Show off that waistline! If you need more warmth, try throwing on a light shawl or poncho to avoid adding extra bulk on top.
- Choose classic pieces to accent this look; high-waisted pants are such a strong statement that you don't need to pile more trends on top.
- Accent your look with an eye-catching, modern accessory, like a red bag (see Kate Bosworth!) or a simple pendant necklace, in order to bring the style into the 21st century.
Once you've mastered the art of the high-waisted jean, try a high-waisted skirt or even a fun pair of shorts for those warm spring days. This is a style as versatile as it is eye-catching.
