Poll Post: The High-Waist Trend

As the summer slips away, so do all of its trends and styles-- with one exception (Or at least, the one I'm focusing on now.). It emerged this year and will continue to grace the runways through the Fall 2013 season. Ladies, I give you none other than the high-waist trend.

A vintage shot of Marilyn Monroe in high-waisted shorts.
Can it get any more 60's than this?

High-waists are so great because they look good on every figure, skinny or curvy. They can look super casual or put-together. The fit makes it virtually wardrobe malfunction-proof since it can't slip past your hips as easily as low-cuts do.

This trend is so everywhere, I'll be giving myself a nice pat on the back if I actually manage to cover it all here. There are all kinds of high-waisted bottoms: shorts, pants/jeans, and skirts. Within these, there are many different lengths, materials, and other elements. I'll take my favorite examples (one or two each for shorts, skirts, and pants), incorporate them into outfits, and discuss them below. 

Lily White Faux Leather Skater Skirt, $44, nordstrom.com

This skirt takes a few trends and combines them into one chic piece. Maroon is always great for fall, the faux leather material is totally cute, and the flared out shape, along with the skirt's high waist, makes it universally flattering. I'd pair this with earthy colors and/or other neutrals. Also, since the faux leather makes a statement, I wouldn't wear it with anything too busy. To me, this skirt screams "edgy", although you could definitely style it tons of other ways. Here's an outfit idea:

From left to right:
Forever 21 'Let's Roll' Muscle Tee, $13.80, forever21.com
Lily White Faux Leather Skater Skirt, $44, nordstrom.com
kate spade new york Small Square Stud Earrings, $38, bloomingdales.com
Madewell 'the foothill' Lace-Up Boot, $248, madewell.com

Levi's Get Lucky Cutoffs, $88, nastygal.com

These are the perfect casual shorts. Since they're not too ripped up, you could even try dressing them up slightly. (Slightly.) The high waist not only creates the perfect silhouette, but is really comfortable. You could wear them all through the summer and even in the fall and winter, with the addition of leggings or tights underneath. Since fall is upon us, I'm gonna style these with the new season in mind. (And by the way, check out Nasty Gal's vast collection of high waist shorts here. I've featured a couple shorts by them because 99%, if not all, of their shorts are high-waisted!)

Clockwise from top:
Laurel Hill Harvest Collar, $168, freepeople.com
Levi's Get Lucky Cutoffs, $88, nastygal.com
Madewell 'the barnwood' Boot, $218, madewell.com
BA&SH Low Back Sweater in Chunky Knitted Cotton, $91.13 (on sale), asos.com

Next we have a dressy pair of high-waist shorts. The high waist makes it easy to pull off a dressy look because of the look and the fit. The look of the bottoms-- in this case, shorts-- can easily be altered with different colors, textures, materials, and more. The fit gives you more confidence (no bloating to worry about!) and, like I said before, looks good on everyone and leaves almost no room for wardrobe malfunctions. I really liked these shorts because of the scalloped hemline and easy elastic waistband. It makes them super cute and comfy at once!

Nasty Gal Gilded Lily Lace Shorts, $36 (on sale), nastygal.com

Since these shorts make a statement, let's build an outfit around them.

Clockwise from left:
Equipment 'Floral colorblock signature' blouse, $258, farfetch.com
Kendra Scott Sam Necklace in Yellow, $99.97 (out of stock), kendrascott.com
Nasty Gal Gilded Lily Lace Shorts, $36 (on sale), nastygal.com
Steve Madden 'Lennix' Flat Ankle-Strap Sandal, $29.99 (on sale), stevemadden.com

Here are some shorts that would make a good go-to pair. There aren't any rips and they're just the right length, so they aren't too casual. 

STS Blue High Waist Cuff Denim Shorts, $22.80 (on sale), nordstrom.com

Here's an outfit you could pull off any time, anywhere.

Clockwise from top left:
J. Crew Collarless Popover in Indigo Oxford, $78, jcrew.com
AEO Baguette Bracelet, $14.99 (on sale), ae.com
STS Blue High Waist Cuff Denim Shorts, $22.80 (on sale), nordstrom.com
Chuck Taylor Washed Canvas Sneaker, $65, converse.com

To finish off with the shorts and skirts, let's do a midi skirt. This printed deep green style is great for fall because of the length and its muted colors. 

Maeve 'Fractured Maze' Midi Skirt, $98, anthropologie.com

Here's a styling idea:

Clockwise from top left:
Coach Classic City Bag, $278, coach.com
Maeve 'Fractured Maze' Midi Skirt, $98, anthropologie.com
BC Footwear 'Bright Idea' Suede Wedge, $85, bcfootwear.com
Hollister Bay Shore Sweater, $39.50, hollisterco.com

Now, on to the pants. I'll start with a wardrobe staple: the ink-wash skinny. With a high waist? Even better.

Citizens of Humanity Rocket High Rise Skinny in Icon, $188, bloomingdales.com

Here is one of many ways to style these jeans.

Clockwise from left:
Citizens of Humanity Rocket High Rise Skinny in Icon, $188, bloomingdales.com
Etro Angora-blend sweater, $980, net-a-porter.com
Lalique Arethuse Revelation Ring, $755, lalique.com
Miu Miu Suede Buckle Pump, $525.95, dsw.com

We'll end with a nice suiting pant. This pick is a classic. The high waist and neutral gray give you endless outfit combinations to choose from, and the cut is clean and extremely professional.

Michael Kors Agnes Wide-Leg Pant in Dusk, $447 (on sale), neimanmarcus.com

Here's a foolproof way to wear it. 

Left to right:
Michael Kors Agnes Wide-Leg Pant in Dusk, $447 (on sale), neimanmarcus.com
kate spade new york 'gramercy' Round Bracelet Watch, $225, nordstrom.com
J. Crew Factory Stretch Classic Button-Down Shirt, $44.50 (on sale), jcrewfactory.com
Prada Black Leather Point Toe Pumps, $427.50 (on sale), bluefly.com

As you can see, there's not much to say about high waists. They're comfortable, universally flattering, versatile, and come in all different shapes and styles. I hope these outfits gave you inspiration to get out and rock the trend! Like always, comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com to ask questions or share your thoughts. Before I go, though-- I know, I know, this was so late-- I'm sorry! Here's a surprise to make up for it. Enjoy(: