Today's theme is HIGH-WAISTS!
Yes, I know a lot of you may be cowering in fear or conjuring up images in your mind of "Mom Jeans" and F.U.P.A.'s, but that's not with this post is gonna be about! This is about finding a flattering way to wear this style through pants, skirts, and even shorts. If you know how to wear them without looking like you just gained 15 pounds in your midsection, high-waisted styles can elongate, flatter, and give you an new, interesting way to style your clothes. So hang on in there :)
The greatest high-waisted styles can be found in your favourite movies - in this case, Atonement. Keira Knightley is perfection in this high-waisted style, as it juxtaposes the thick fabric of the skirt (for built-in structure) with the soft, airy-ness of the blouse. Also notice that the two items are similar, pale colours.
Full skirts, like the bright-blue one seen above on Rachel Bilson, are the most flattering high-waisted items because they cinch in at the smallest part and then flow out at what is usually the most unflattering part, to create the illusion of a smaller size without the constriction of a fitted skirt. This is best for warm spring and summer months, cause you can just throw it on and be done with it!
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Again, Keira and her high-waisted clothing. A reference to nautical wear, her navy sailor pants paired with the classic yachting striped shirt is refined and easy. Because the pants are baggy, they need to be paired with a fitted top for an appropriate contrast. For extra length, try simple black pumps in place of the black patent flats.
Kate Lanphear is an expert in tailored menswear mixed with loose women's wear. The grey blazer, besides being extraordinary on its own, is a complement to the black, thick-p/l/e/a/t/e/d, high-waisted pants and soft white t-shirt. The genius accessorizing is also worth noting.
Church-going style just got turned up a notch - Taylor Swift wore her crisp, white, collared shirt with an equally crisp, floral, p/l/e/a/t/e/d skirt. I'm not very religious myself, but if someone bribed me to go to their sunday services, this is a great way to show style without upsetting the stodgy parishioners.
New to this style? Stick with the basics - white, black, flats, t-shirt - and you'll be loving it in no time. Sometimes simple is better...
Ahhh Keira... again, you've captured the high-waisted style to a tee. Miss Knightley, the same height and body type as myself (the sometimes unfortunate long torso, shorter legs combo), creates the illusion of mile long legs with this fitted, black pencil skirt. Again, not wanting an all-over tight outfit, she pairs it with a looser top, tucked-in at the smallest part of the waist, for a completely thin, long, statuesque outfit. Hey, Sienna's not looking too bad either!
Again, Kate Lanphear knows what she's doing when she gets dressed in the morning - but makes it look effortless. The high-waisted black pants are not particularly form fitting, but more business suit-like, and contrasts perfectly with the basic grey tee and black Wayfarers. Also, note the shoes - heels will greatly assist in that elongation when you're first trying out this style, so you're not too wary of experimenting.
Lauren Santo-Domingo (right) wearing a crisp, off-white pencil skirt with a sheer top in a matching colour, draws attention to the outfit by leaving the HEAVY jewelry at home, and opting instead for a minimal beige clutch. Because the outfit in monotone, it extends the line and doesn't break up the pieces, which is often the reason for high-waisted clothes looking iLl-fittIng.
High-waisted shorts done right! Zooey Deschanel, besides being absolutely adorable, is also a style star in her own right. Denim shorts don't always look good on everyone, but they especially don't when they're yanked up to who-knows-where. Zooey keeps this look dressy but casual by wearing her not-so-incredibly-high black shorts with lengthening opaque black tights, black heels, and a lovely ruffled, cream-coloured blouse. This black and white outfit is anything but basic.
... and if this high-waisted styles are good enough for the queen of fashion, editor-in-chief of French Vogue Carine Roitfeld, than why shouldn't you try them out?
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