Love the high-waisted shorts trend but don’t know how to wear it yet? These easy style tips will simplify it all for you.
As somebody with giant hips, I love the fact that high-waisted shorts have finally come back once again. Low-riding jeans a la Tara Reid, and even ones that hit right at the middle zone, have always resulted in my pulling them up over and over again (yes, even when I wear a perfectly-fitting belt), so putting on a pair of high-waisted jeans or shorts really does make my life so much simpler, style-wise.
While high-waisted bottoms actually started coming back into style a couple years ago, I am a firm believer that they should never, ever leave again. Yes, overalls and rompers and pants that aren’t actually pants have blown up in 2022, but so has the biggest trend of the past year: crop tops. And what goes better with crop tops than something high-waisted? Nothing, unless you’re really hoping to snag that oh-so-90s, I’m-totally-wearing-a-belly-button-ring-with-a-dolphin-on-it look. So, while crop tops may be the summer’s leading scorer, the high-waisted bottom piece is bringing in all the assists. Let’s take a look at the best ways to wear them, shall we?
1. Try on a bunch of them.
Even though it may seem like all high-waisted shorts are created equal, this is not the case at all. Your body is different than your friend’s body, which is different than the body of somebody you see walking down the street. None of you will wear the same styles in the same way, so trying out a bunch of brands will help you find the best style and cut for you. Hate how one looks on you? Try another!
2. Make sure they fit.
Nothing is worse than having that uncomfortable squeezing feeling around your waist from wearing bottoms that are too tight. (Personally, it kind of makes me feel like vomming.) Don’t practice size vanity; just get the shorts that fit and allow you to breathe properly. That will look infinitely better than anything overly tight, I promise.
3. Pair them with a crop top.
Like I said earlier: crop tops and high-waisted shorts go together like kittens and Internet GIFs.
4. Find the right wash.
Some people love that bleached-out, super shredded look; others want deep, dark navy shorts; others still like simple blue denim ones. Maybe you even like neon ones! It all depends on what you plan on wearing them for.
For a night out in the summer, either super-light or very dark shorts makes sense; same with evening dates. For events, try wearing a darker blue, black or even deep green pair with a fancy blouse. If you’re headed to the park, put on something brighter or lighter for a casual look.
5. When you find the perfect pair, buy two.
Last year, I went to a Theory sample sale here in NYC. While being a size 10/12 has occasionally made me self-conscious in this city, I have to say that being over a size 4/6 is pretty effing amazing when it comes to sample sales. I always find stuff in my size, and nobody is fighting over it (which does happen quite a bit at sample sales). While at this particular sale, I found a pair of high-waisted navy blue shorts that I fell head over heels for. I knew there was never going to be a chance I could obtain them for the ultra-low sample sale pricing again, so I bought two. And guess what? After I wore one pair out last year, I still had one left in perfect condition for whenever I wanted to look more polished.
My point is this: We all have items we wear to death. Until they’re faded, torn, stained, and generally worn out, we wear them and wear them and ignore like half our closets in favor of them. So, why not just stock up on our faves instead?
6. There’s no size limit to wearing high-waisted stuff.
Just as with crop tops and bikinis, there is no size limit to wearing a trend. Easy as that.
7. Pair it with your bathing suit top.
Going to a music festival or having a day at the beach? Instead of your typical coverup, wear a pair of high-waisted shorts for a vintage pinup girl look. Just make sure to wear tons of sunscreen!
8. Transform into a pinup girl.
Speaking of getting a cute vintage look, you can style your shorts or pants in a way that looks very 1950s/1960s. Tie a short-sleeve white button-down at the waist, curl your hair into some pretty vintage waves or victory rolls, put on the perfect red lipstick and a cute pair of kitten heels. Tada!
9. Add a belt.
If you’re feeling a little self-conscious about your overall outfit, add a cute belt right around your waist to define it even more and bring the elements all together.
10. Don’t go too wild with the rest of your look.
High-waisted items are a big statement piece in and of themselves, so there’s no need to also add a super low-cut American Apparel leotard, a pair of platforms, a statement necklace, a feather boa…you get the point. Whether it’s for a high-waisted skirt, shorts, or pants, just going simple works great.
11. Wear a pair of heels.
While I typically do not wear high heels, there are few things that make me feel quite as ready to go out and get down, like a pair of high-waisted shorts and boots with heels. They elongate your legs and add a certain amount of polish, though I do not recommend wearing them in a pool.
12. Wear some tights.
Is it cold outside, or are you perhaps just feeling a little extra self-conscious of your legs today? Put on a pair of tights under your shorts! You can go bright for a fun look, wool for a colder evening, or neutral and patterned for work.
13. Wear a short-sleeve tops
Vacation tops are a great way to get that summer vacation vibe without having to go on a vacation. They are perfect for those days when you want to feel like you’re on vacation but can’t leave the office.
There are many ways to style a vacation top, but I find that the easiest way is just with some jeans or leggings and a pair of sandals. You can also pair it with some shorts and some cute heels if you want to dress it up more.
14. Exfoliate.
Exfoliation isn’t just for your face! Whether you shave your legs or not, doing a nice sugar scrub on your legs once or twice a week can let them look smooth, silky, and ready to be bare this summer.