Even though I spent most of my life working in the fashion industry, I was never the first to jump on the latest trend band wagon. I am and was, always more cautious than a lot of my fashion friends when it comes to trends. Why? Probably because I lack confidence and would rather see how these trends work on others first. So, when the High Waist trend came back recently in both denim and dress pants, I was like.....are you kidding??? Can this possibly be the hottest trend again??
When I was young and high waisted jeans were the norm, I really don't remember ever feeling completely comfortable in them. Aside from the fact denim had no stretch back in the day and was not so comfortable to wear, I also had body issues to deal with. I have a short torso and long legs. I have narrow hips and a wide waist. I was never blessed with curves.....anywhere!! I had a boyish figure when all the super models of the day had curves!! High Waisted jeans made me very self conscious about my short and wide torso, my pet peeve! However, when you are young and svelte ( I was a size 2 dispite my body type...... ) and all your girl friends are wearing the same styles, it was much easier to go with the flow, grin and bear it.
Now, decades later.........needless to say, I'm Not a size 2 anymore!! I still have the same body issues, except now it comes with extra baggage, you know what I mean? In my mind, I would totally look like someone's frumpy mom if I started wearing those High Waisted jeans! EEEK! But what is the alternative? My mid rise jeans are now not the easiest thing to wear either. Let's say serious muffin tops?? From my thighs down I look fine, but if the boxy top silhouette ever goes out of style, I am in serious trouble! I try to watch my diet and exercise as much as I can, but nothing is making this body go back to where it was!
So I finally broke down and purchased my first pair of High Waisted jeans, with stretch. You know what? I was pleasantly surprised! It actually fit nicely and held me in where my sags and bulges once spilled over, kind of like wearing Spanx!! Not so bad!! This time around, this high waisted silhouette is actually useful in camouflaging certain body defects. I started wearing shorter boxy tops at first, ones that came to the high hip, but later, I got brave and started tucking in my shirts like I used to! This time I think it's actually working!! Yay!!
What did I learn from this? Fashion is cyclical.....trends ultimately make their way back but most of the time with a renewed, and modern vibe. (Look at the photos below with updated styling) Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. In this case, I think it's working!
Today's high waisted jeans...........
www.vogue.com www.styledumonde.com