Making High Waist Pants & Shorts Work for Your Body Type

This year the high-waist trend has returned in full force. While this has been surfacing for some time it has never been more in style than this summer and spring. This is a style that is well suited to anyone and is hot on the runways with celebs and retailers alike. There are several variations of the high-waist such as wide-leg to skinny legs, sailor pants and shorts. With the high-waist anything goes and this means that you can definitely find a style to fit your body type.

While this style first regained popularity in spring and summer of 2007 the style was met by mixed reviews. Celebrities tended towards the high-waist denim versions which made them appear thicker in the buttocks region and the waist which were rather unflattering as exemplified by Mischa Barton. Due to this several fashion and celebrity gossipers bypassed the trend and considered it only possible for rail thin individuals and at time not even them. This season however the style is more forgiving as it has appeared in the trousers and skinny pants that are better suited to many body styles and that look better than the wide-leg bulky versions seen in the year 2007. These styles have been seen on both Mary Kate and Fergie with much success.

For the majority of body types high-waist pants will fit better than low-rise jeans. This means that you are able to avoid that awful muffin-top appearance. This means that you will need to locate pants that touch your natural waist and hug your hips. With these points handled you will then be able to select whether you want a skinny pant style, straight cut or even wide-leg style. Find the perfect cut for you and make sure that you get pants that are comfortable for you to wear. Use your body type as a guide to the best pants for you.

Here are some body type generalizations for you to consider. High-waist pants are ideal for those with a hourglass shape, apple or even straight body types. They can be difficult for those that are heavier on the bottom as they highlight that area of the body. That said, the look has been successfully used by JLo.

Remember when using the high-waist design to let the design show. Do not cover up. Wear a fitted top and tuck it in if necessary. Ruffled tops are perfect with high-waist pants and when wearing layers only use open blazers or cardigans. Pair them with heels as these can accentuate the appearance of the legs and make them appear long. If this is not desirable then opt for flats.

Some of the best high-waist short options include the Arden B. High Waist Tab Sailor Short which cost $38 and has six button tab sailor front and a cuffed hem. There are front slash pockets and back welt button pockets as well as the Grey Twill High Waist Short by Morphine Generation for $154. This short has fitted pleats as well as a patent leather belt which is inserted into the side seams and encircles the interior back waistline. There is also a double button and zip closure that is hidden on the right side hip area.

High-waist jeans include the J Brand “The Bardot” High Waist Skinny Jean and the Seven Jeans High Waist Bootcut with Tar Squiggle in Portugal for $178.