Since the mid-'90s, low-rise and even ultra low-rise jeans have commanded denim fashion, a style which – for many women – has been a trend that didn't easily translate from the runway to the real world. Super sexy, low-rise cuts aren't always flattering or appropriate; the style can work against women with fuller figures or certain body types, and ultra low-rise at the office isn't such a good idea.
This season, the low-rise trend finds a little competition from a retro shape known as the high-waisted cut. But they're not new.
Farah Fawcett and Charlie's Angels (the originals) rocked the high-rise, wide-leg jeans in the late '70s and early '80s, and Vogue even declared low-rise styles déclassé in May 2002. Tom Ford and several other designers made a move toward high-waisted pants by showing a trouser with a higher waist, wider legs, and dropped crotch in spring of that year for their fall collections. And in 2003, contemporary fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker declared to Vogue magazine that she doesn't consider low-rise styles to be age-appropriate for a woman like herself.
Despite the earlier shift toward higher waisted styles from fashion idols, it has taken a few years for the trend to catch on in the streets and on the bottoms of women everywhere. SJP and Tom Ford will be happy to see that the public (and retailers) have finally embraced sophisticated high-waisted styles.
Premium denim brands have responded to the high-waist movement by spinning out a variety of styles, including wide-leg, flare, trouser, straight, and slightly tapered high-rise jeans.
Pros & Cons of High-Waist Denim
- High rise styles look great on most women and give the illusion of height by lengthening the leg, explained Cornelia Wiebe, owner of Calgary's Leo Boutique in a denim spread in the January/February 2008 issue of Wish magazine. Wider leg styles of high-rise denim are most universally flattering and do the best job of creating a long, lean silhouette.
- Because high-waisted jeans cinch the narrowest part of your torso, they play up curves. This makes them ideal for naturally curvy women who want to accentuate what they've got, as well as for more boyish figures who want to create the illusion of an hour-glass figure. Take this one step further by looking for high-rise styles that feature thick waistbands or belts.
- If you have wide hips, look for high-waist denim with larger rear pockets or flap pockets, and details like sailor-inspired buttons or small pockets in the front – these features will break up a wide expanse of denim that could otherwise make you look even wider through the hips and flatten your bottom.
- If you want to minimize the roundness of your bum, choose high-waist denim with minimal details on the rear.
- Once you've invested in a basic pair of indigo high-waist jeans, experiment with different washes like shades of gray (the new neutral) or black for dressy outfits, or retro cornflower blue for casual looks.
High-Rise Jeans at Work
High waisted jeans – particularly wide and trouser cuts in dark washes – are a perfect fit for the office. Look polished and professionally casual by pairing a dark rinse high-rise wide leg jean with a tucked-in white shirt and a cropped jacket. Throw on a few cuff bangles and a thick belt with platform pumps and get down to business! Here's a tip: wear a shirt with a built-in bodysuit so it stays tucked in.
High-Rise Jeans at Night
Dip into the transparency fashion trend by wearing a sheer blouse over a metallic camisole tucked into dark high-waist jeans with a pair of metallic platform pumps, and party!
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