I am currently obsessed with high-waisted wide-leg denim. It is the prefect denim silhouette for the Spring and Summer because it is airy and cooler than skinny or boot-cut jeans and because it complements all of the hippie and boho-chic garments that are perfect for the warm air and sunshine of the season. Also, as an added bonus, the high waist both lengthens even the shortest of legs and creates an incredible hourglass figure by highlighting the waist and sucking in your stomach.
If you want to give it a try, here are my pointers:
1. Pick a dark wash of denim.
I prefer the darkest of the dark – the deepest navy denim that you can find. Firstly, the dark color is slimming. Also, the lack of whiskering and distressing keeps the focus on the silhouette.
2. Pair them with a platform wedge.
This type of shoe will not only continue the hippie/boho vibe, but it will also lengthen the leg even more. When the jeans are hemmed to the ground (my personal preference) they will cover the shoe and leave the illusion that your legs truly are as long as they look. Also – as an added bonus – as long as the platform to wedge ratio is reasonable, you can be comfortable in them for a long time.
3. Choose a denim with some stretch.
Chances are this silhouette is a new one for you and that the rise is much higher than you are used to. A little bit of stretch will keep the fit comfortable in the sensitive stomach area. Also, dark denim has a tendancy to be very stiff since it is in its rawest form and has not been broken in. Stretch in the denim will ensure that you can have your cake and eat it too – literally…
4. Highlight the waistline with complementary tops…or not…
If you choose to exploit all of the benefits of high-waisted wide-leg denim, choose a top that is either cropped or one that you can tuck into the jeans. This way you will showcase both the nipped waist and the long legs that the jeans supply. But, if you aren’t in the mood for such a dramatic silhouette, choose a longer top that hides the high waist. Now the jeans look like a stylish pair of trouser jeans, but still have the tummy-tucking advantages hidden beneath your top.
5. KISS = Keep it simple, Stilista!
There are some fabulous pairs out there with unique and intricate pockets. Many of them work the 70′s vibe to the fullest and have the potential to be incredible statement-makers. BUT, if you aren’t sure if this cut of denim will work for you or if you only plan to buy one pair of high-waisted wide-leg denim, then stick to the basics. Traditional patch pockets on the back and slit pockets in the front will work the best.
I own the pair in the photo. They are J Brand’s “Doll” jean in the indigo wash. They follow all of the rules that I have outlined above and I always get complements when I wear them. My legs look long even though I am 5’4″ tall, my waist looks tiny and my bum looks fab! What more could you want from a pair of jeans??
Happy Shopping! Let us know if you need a hand!
–Marisa
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