High-waisted pants have a bit of a bad reputation. So many women avoid them because of their associations with ‘mum jeans’ and their propensity to produce the dreaded ‘camel toe’ (I hate that term so much!). However, high-waisted pants can be incredibly flattering, and suit a wide range of body types and fashion styles.

 

 

High-waisted pants are the antithesis of hipster jeans, which means that they’re the perfect way to avoid that awful ‘muffin top’ look. High-waisted pants tend to sit on the narrowest part of your waist, so they create the illusion of a slender, shapely waistline. They’re an excellent choice for women with athletic, noodle-like figures, because they can nip you in at the waist and create a waistline on even the most straight-up-and-down torso. Boom! Instant hourglass figure. They’re wonderful for showing off your bottom, and if you choose a stretchy fabric, these miracle pants will shape your behind magically. High-waisted pants also look wonderful on women with ample hips, particularly if you choose a pair with a flare in the legs. The flare will balance out your hips and make you look curvy and spectacular. High-waisted pants are also a great choice for short ladies, as they give the illusion of legs that go on forever.

 

 

High-waisted pants come with a couple of rules. Firstly, when choosing a pair, make sure that they fit you perfectly. The waistband should sit snugly against your middle. You shouldn’t feel as though the pants are chopping you in half, but you don’t want the waistline to bag and sag either. A snug, tailored fit is the most flattering. You should also make sure that the crotch isn’t too tight, to avoid any, um, inappropriate definition in that area.

 

 

The second rule of high-waisted pants is that they look fiercest when you tuck your top into them. To get the most out of your high-waisted beauties, tuck yourself in and marvel at your gorgeous waistline.

 

 

Finally, I personally think that high-waisted pants are most flattering when the legs have a bit of a flare. Tight, skinny-cut jeans that fasten at your ribcage scream, “Cast of Neighbours in the 80’s” and should probably be avoided. Choose a pair that have a flare or billow in the legs, to balance out your hips and create an amazing silhouette. You might also want to read this article I wrote on how to wear wide-legged jeans for more inspiration.

 

 

High-waisted pants can look fantastic with a wide range of styles. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.

 

 

Team a pair of dark wash denim flares with a cute band tee shirt. Pile on the bangles and rings and slip your feet into a pair of killer heels. Leave your hair tousled and throw on a pair of aviator sunglasses for a look that’s pure rock chic.

 

 

High-waisted jeans were incredibly popular in the 70’s. To grab a chunk of flower-child style, pair a light-wash jean with a billowy peasant blouse and a wide-brimmed hat. A pair of chunky platforms will make your legs look long and lean. Grab a bunch of rings and beads to complete your look. Janis Joplin would approve.