High-Waist Pants and Shorts: Spring / Summer 2009
High-Waists on the Runway
Shown: Louis Vuitton, D&G, Lanvin, Nanette Lepore
As you can see, high-waist styles on the runway ranged from wide-leg to skinny. Sailor pants and shorts were also frequent. High-waist shorts ranged from pleated skin-tight. So, pretty much anything goes, allowing you to find a style that best fits your body type.
High-Waists on Celebrities
Shown: Mary-Kate, Fergie
When this style first became popular in S/S 2007, many celebrities wore high-waisted denim to mixed reviews. For most, they looked much thicker in the butt and waist than usual (see photos of Mischa Barton). Because of this, many fashion bloggers and celebrity gossip columnists discounted the trend, saying high-waist denim only worked if you were rail thin and sometimes not even then. This season, the style is more like Mary-Kate’s and Fergie’s. High-waist trousers and high-waist skinny pants are more flattering cuts than the bulky wide-leg high-waisted pants of 2007.
High-Waisted Pants and Body Types
On most body-types, high-waist pants actually fit better than low-rise jeans. Can you say ‘no more muffin-top’? The trick is to find pants that hit at your natural waist and hug your hips. From there, they can continue hugging for a skinny pant style or drop straight down for a wide leg style.
As with all types of clothing, you have to find the right cut for you. Saying that high-waist pants are great for a set group of body-types is a huge generalization. It really depends on the pants and how comfortable you feel when you wear them.
That said, here’s my body-type generalization. Consider it a starting point for finding the right pair for you. High-waist pants are generally great for those with hourglass, apple and straight body types. They can be problematic for those who are a bit heavier on bottom since they accentuate that part of your body. However, JLo did pull off the look quite well a few seasons ago.
How To Wear High-Waisted Pants and Shorts
If you’re wearing high-waisted pants or shorts, don’t cover up the style! Wear a fitted top, tucked in if necessary. Ruffled tops look great with this style. If you must wear a layer, wear an open cardigan or blazer.
Pair high-waisted pants and shorts with heels. High-waist styles elongate the appearance of the legs. Wearing flats counters this.
High-Waist Bottoms by Type
High-Waist Trousers
Shown: MaxStudio High-Waist Trousers ($118), Charlotte Russe High Waist Trousers ($32.99), Victoria’s Secret High Waist Pant ($29.99)
High-Waist Shorts
Shown: Victoria’s Secret High-Waist Shorts ($24.99), Forever 21 High Waist Shorts ($24.00), Urban Outfitters High-Waisted Short ($17.99)
What are your thoughts? Is the high-waisted trend so 2007? Or, are you inspired to try it this season?
![[Post to Twitter]](http://www.ssasychic.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter-micro3.png){kind=icon}
![[Post to Yahoo Buzz]](http://www.ssasychic.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-buzz-micro3.png){kind=icon}
![[Post to Digg]](http://www.ssasychic.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-digg-micro3.png){kind=icon}
![[Post to StumbleUpon]](http://www.ssasychic.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-su-micro3.png){kind=icon}
Related Posts
Subscribe to ssasychic
Loading ...
June 5th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Now that’s a trend I would never wear. I really hate it and I’ve seen only 1-2 outfits that look good with high-wasted pants. Plus only very skinny girls can wear these type of bottoms as the high waste make your butt look enormous!
June 5th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
i love high waist skirts!! not so for pants and shorts. if you have the right body type it looks amazing, but how many woman are built like a bean pole?
June 5th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Ha! Not digging the trend, huh? Did you check out that JLo pic? What did you think of that? I agree…high-waist skirts are fab. Maybe the pants and shorts take a certain type of cut and a certain body type.
June 15th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
[...] The cinched waist was a big trend in general, but the main way it was achieved was with high-waisted bottoms. Simple lines help achieve this look and create a very feminine silhouette. Shown: Malan Breton For more on the High-Waist Trend, read this post. [...]
June 18th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I’d be curious to know which demographics like high or low rise. My guess is that 30+ women appreciate the higher rise, because us ladies get our hip-flare later in life and it seams as though our thinest area creeps upwards towards our rib-cage as we age. When I was in my 20’s I also prefered a little lower waist, but not as low as the styles have been of late. I’ve never had a flat butt even when I was a child. I, for one, am looking forward to this…I haven’t bought hardly any pants/skirts/shorts in over 10 years! The one’s I have, need to have belt loops or draw-string otherwise I can stick a full fist in my waistband.
June 19th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Great question, Paige! Age may make all the difference. With my ‘hip flare’, I’m really digging the attention that’s being put on the natural waist…it’s such a great look to accentuate your hourglass shape. High-waist styles are great for this! Thanks for the perspective.
June 21st, 2009 at 8:32 pm
[...] About: High-Waist Trend A couple of weeks ago, I posted an article about the high-waist trend. The comments have been really interesting. myvogue and rochalle agree that most girls can’t [...]
July 21st, 2009 at 7:06 pm
[...] If you dig the trend, check out the Gray Morgan Pant at chickdowntown.com! And for more information on the trend that’s sweeping the fashion scene, check out this article. [...]
November 12th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Finally pants that fit! I also hadn’t bought pants in years because the low-cut, stretchy ones are so flappy at the waist. I finally broke down and bought a couple pairs because my legs were getting too cold in skirts, but I have to cinch them up with a belt, and I get bunches all around the top. I am so glad someone out there is making higher waists again. I hope these last on the market, and that they continue to be made without elastic.
December 13th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
At least these women don’t have muffintops. Low rise jeans were the worst evention ever…bring back high waisted everything!