Basic Definition

The High Waist Jean is a retro inspired piece that is cut high above the waistline. High waist jeans are considered the antithesis low rise jeans and a trendy choice for women who are looking for a modest look. SATC star and fashion icon, Sarah Jessica Parker may just need a pair of high waist jeans; she was quoted saying that she doesn’t consider low-rise style to be age-appropriate for a woman like herself.

edit

History

In the 1795-1820, the high waistline style became fashionable and was essentially created to take the attention away from the natural waist. The look was also created as an alternative to wearing a tight corsets.
edit

Style Advice

Your height and weight should be taken into account when buying a pair of high waist jeans.

Generally, women of shorter height and those with a heavier frame should stay away from this fit. It typically looks great for Pear shaped body types since it makes the legs appear long. The high-waisted look will sit just so on the curvy waist, yet also leave just enough room through the hip and thigh area; try wearing them with a shirt tucked in to achieve that elegant appeal.

For more ideas on how to pair your high waist jeans with a button-up shirt, check out our blog post.
edit

Works Best For

*High Waist jeans will work for the tall and slender since this fit will enhance your leg length
*If you have a hourglass figure, the high waist jean will fit nicely with your defined waist
*If you are a pear shaped, the high waist jean will complement your narrow shoulders
edit

Skepticism over High-Waisted Jeans?

While high waist jeans are a hot trend these days, knowing how to wear this fit right is key.

Take Jessica and Ciara for example:

Exhibit A: Jessica Simpson

Although we admire the singer’s fearless ability to wear these jeans (not to mention get photographed wearing them), picking the wrong jean for your shape or pairing your jeans with the wrong top can make you look like one big fashion DON’T.
Jessica Simpson stepped into some questionable high waist jeans; this unfortunately, ruined her figure proportions.

image courtesy of People StyleWatch
High waist with pleated pockets on the hips? Sorry Jess…we simply cannot allow that. The pockets only creates an unflattering focus on the hips.

Exhibit B: Ciara

Ciara manages to pull off the high waist jeans by correctly accessorizing her waistline with a skinny red belt. Ciara also picked a denim wash that compliments her figure, and shows off her curves.
edit

See Also

Flare jeans
Bootcut jeans
edit

References

1795–1820 in fashion-Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1795–1820_in_fashion

Hot Jeans Trends, http://geniusbeauty.com/fashion-and-wear/hot-jeans-trends/

Would You Wear Jessica Simpson’s High-Waisted Pants? People’s Style Watch, http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2007/04/18/jessica-simpson-1/?cp=5

image of Ciara courtesy of http://www.denimology.com/2007/03/ciara_in_high_waisted_bootcut.php#more
edit