How to Wear It: High Waisted Jeans

Woman wearing high waisted jeans and floral blouse
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
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Flattering Outfit Ideas for Wearing High-Rise Denim

High waisted jeans are super trendy
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

High waisted jeans are a popular denim trend that's become a go-to style for fashion editors, celebrities and street style stars. While high-rise jeans can be surprisingly flattering to many body shapes, many women find this denim style a hard one to pull off. We're here to help, with this practical outfit guide to help you wear the new high waisted jeans trend stylishly — without adding unwanted bulk to your bottom. Take a look at these cute styling options for high waisted jeans, including tips for how make this trendy style work for your body type.

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Can You Pull Off High Waisted Jeans?

Court-High-Waisted-Jeans.jpg
High waisted jeans can do wonders for some body types. Court

High waisted jeans can flatter more than one figure type — but the truth is, not all women will look great in them. Here are some general guidelines on the body types these jeans look best on:

Hourglass shape: You may be surprised at how well this jean flatters your figure. A higher rise can eliminate muffin top problems for an hourglass shape, while holding in your tummy and showing off your small natural waist. When shopping for a high-rise jean, look for a pair with a contoured waistband that's higher in the back, to eliminate gapping at the waist.

Pear shape: High waisted jeans paired with a blousey, tucked-in top can look great on a pear-shaped body, giving you an hourglass silhouette. Choose a jean with ample stretch (1-3% elastane) for comfort, and cinch in your waist with a belt. High heels are also helpful, to visually lengthen your legs.

Slender shape: A higher rise works to call attention to your hips and rear end, making your bottom half appear more shapely.

Apple shape: You're not the best candidate for high waisted jeans, which can emphasize a tummy. The exception is jeans with built-in tummy control. We pick our favorites here.

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Casual Summer Outfit

Summer outfit in high waisted jeans and a vest
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Here's an easy, stylish summer outfit in high waisted jeans that will take you from running errands to shopping with friends. Pair high rise skinny jeans with a simple tank top or t-shirt, and your favorite sandals or loafers. Layer on a longline vest, which is not only trendy — it skims over your curves, helping to streamline your figure.

Dress up this outfit for brunch with friends or shopping in the city, by adding a skinny scarf, or a blingy statement necklace.

Get street style inspiration for dressing up basic jeans.

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Wear High Waisted Jeans With a Crop Top

Street style outfit - white jeans and off the shoulder crop top
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

High waisted jeans are the perfect fashion match for a summery crop top. The higher waistline of the pants reveal just an inch or two of skin at the middle, making this outfit wearable for all figures. What else makes this outfit work so well is the slim fit of the jeans — notice how they hug this street style star's curves without squeezing tightly enough to reveal any bumps. The off the shoulder top also adds trendy style, and draws attention to your pretty shoulders.

You can dress up this outfit for a date by adding statement earrings and platform heel shoes.

Get more ideas for what kind of shoes to wear with slim jeans.

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Bohemian Look in High-Waisted Jeans

Woman wearing high waisted jeans and floral blouse
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Are you into bohemian looks? Create an updated take on the typical boho-chic summer outfit by pairing skinny high waist jeans with a feminine printed top. Choosing a skinny fit of denim — instead of the more expected flared jeans with a boho look — makes this style feel fresh. Keep things casual by wearing minimal makeup and letting your hair's natural texture flow freely (too much grooming will play against this look).

To dress up this look for work or play, simply add fashionable finishing touches such as a brightly-colored clutch purse and notice-me ankle boots.

Get street style inspiration for creating awesome outfits this summer.

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Double Denim Outfit for Casual Days

Street style in double denim
Double denim look. Haute on Life

If you're on the curvy side, you'll like the way a higher waistband shapes your hip line in jeans. For a stylish double denim look, wear a fitted button-down chambray shirt untucked over a pair of jeans with a higher rise. Unbutton the top few buttons of the shirt and roll up the sleeves for an outfit that's subtly sexy and works to camouflage those areas you'd rather not show off. Choose a cropped jean fit if you have slim ankles, and match your jeans with shoes in a similar shade to visually lengthen legs.

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Add a Leather Jacket

Woman wearing leather jacket and high waisted white jeans
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

There's something fabulous about juxtaposing masculine-inspired separates with high waisted denim jeans that hug your curves. For a sexy, borrowed-from-the-boys style, wear your high-rise jeans with a sharp leather jacket, as pictured here.

You can make this look tougher by wearing a biker style of leather jacket, and layering it over a simple white tank top, tucked into your jeans. Or, pull your hair into a high ponytail, slick on some bold lipstick, and step into a pair of high heeled pumps, for a fashion editor vibe.