Wear High Waisted Shorts

High waisted shorts are an old trend come back from the dead. After enduring low-rise shorts for so long, you may not know what to make of their chic high-rise cousins, but learning how to wear high waisted shorts the right way can be a very rewarding fashion experience. Here are a few tricks and techniques to consider when slipping on a pair of high waisted shorts.

Steps

Picking Out the Right High-Waisted Shorts

1. Choose a waist height based on your torso length. You could pick up any pair of shorts labeled as "high waisted" in the store, but if your torso is a bit on the short side, you might want to consider a shorter waist height that can mimic the look while still flattering your body.
   • Note that the same principle applies if you are especially busty. Well-endowed women tend to have less torso exposed, so wearing shorts that cover too much of your torso can make it look unbalanced and unnaturally small.
   • For busty women and women with short torsos, consider looking for shorts that extend past your hip bones but do not quite make it all the way to the narrowest part of your waist, where standard high waisted shorts go. Mid-rise shorts may suffice just as well as high waisted shorts.
   • Of course, when all is said and done, all you can really do is try the shorts on and determine if you like the way they look. There is no written rule concerning how long a woman's torso needs to be to wear high waisted shorts, so if the best you can do is to play around with a few different lengths and choose what you like best.
2. Show a little leg, but don't get carried away. Many high waisted shorts are fairly short on the bottom, which allows you to balance out the excess material on top while making your legs look longer.
   • As a general rule, if anything other than leg is peeking out from beneath your shorts, it's time to look for a longer pair. Similarly, if you can see the interior lining of your pockets from beneath the bottom hem of your shorts, the shorts are too short.
   • Also note that high waisted shorts that show a lot of leg are better for casual styles, but if you want a classier look, you will need to go for a classier, more conservative length. If you want to dress your style up, you should go with high waisted shorts that do not violate the “fingertip rule.” In other words, when you rest your arms straight down along your sides, the shorts should not be shorter than the end of your fingertip.
3. Look at the overall fit. Not all high waisted shorts are made alike, and not every pair will fit your body like it should. Make sure the shorts flatter your stomach and bottom before you try to sport them.
   • Thankfully, most high waisted shorts mask your tummy and eliminate any “muffin top” that might show up when you wear a low-rise bottom. That said, if the zipper or top snap is bulging out or digging into your stomach, it can look just as bad.
   • The shorts you choose should also have a lot of support in the rear, especially if you tend to be a little wider around your rear, hips, and thighs. The shorts should be well fitted to prevent any saggy backsides but not so tight that you look “squeezed” into them.
   • Also experiment with both loose and fitted varieties. Fitted varieties work well on women with skinny legs, but if you feel less than confident about your thighs, shorts with looser leg cuts might be more your style. Again, however, finding the best fit for you will require you to try on different types and look in the mirror to determine which you prefer.
4. Take pattern and color into consideration. The simplest high waisted shorts are made of simple, standard denim. If you feel like being a little bolder, though, you could try a short in a different color or one with a texture or pattern on it.
   • If you want something a little classier or dressier, look for shorts in neutral colors like white, ivory, tan, brown, or black. Also limit any textures to subtle ridges or fine lace print.
   • On the other hand, if you want to be a little more daring, you can look for stronger colors and more vibrant prints. Pastel colors and classic yet bold prints—pinstripes, polka dots, florals—can be chic, while bold hues and neon colors, along with wild patterns—animal print, Hawaiian print—tend to be a little more wild.

Choosing the Right Top

1. Tuck your shirt in. This is a pivotal point of the high waisted short style. Tucking your shirt into the waistband of your high waisted shorts will show off the high waist, thereby maximizing the tummy-flattening and leg-lengthening effects.
   • When you tuck your shirt in, make sure that the fabric left out is straight and even. If you tuck your shirt in haphazardly, you can end up looking like a slob very quickly.
2. Keep it casual with tanks and t-shirts. These are your simplest options for high waisted shorts. Simple does not mean boring, though. You can still create a fashionable outfit by playing around with colors and prints.
   • For something chic, go for a standard tank top in a classic color, like black or navy blue, and pair it with a neutral high waisted short.
   • For something a little bolder, wear a bright shirt with a patterned short in coordinating or neutral colors. Alternatively, you can wear a shirt in animal print or another bold pattern with simple denim shorts.
3. Try a cropped top for a more daring look. A cropped top stops just above the narrowest part of your waist. As a result, it also stops just shy of your high waisted shorts.
   • The only skin that should show is the part between your belly button and ribcage. Since this is the narrowest part of your waist for most girls, it can be a flattering look.
   • Be especially bold with a bralette top. A bralette top is a vintage-inspired piece that is very form fitting and usually stops just above the belly button. The outline of your bra area shows through the top, making it very daring.
4. Dress up with a flirty, feminine blouse. If you're interested in wearing your shorts for a casual-dressy affair, you can pair them with a nice blouse that is just as trendy.
   • Loose fitting blouses tend to pair well with tighter high waisted shorts, while slim fitting blouses tend to work better with shorts that are looser in the legs.
   • Balance color and pattern for a well put together look. You can wear all neutrals if you want, but if the colors are neutral, consider incorporating a classic pattern like a pinstripe or a texture like lace on either the top or bottom. Keep the details to one or the other, though, and do not wear pattern or texture on both your top and bottom.
   • The other alternative is to use color. You can stick to simple patterns or all solids if you include a little color, but adding color to the top will generally look dressier if your shorts are in a neutral color.
5. Go for vintage chic with a loose button-down dress shirt. For a classy, vintage look, a button-down shirt with a retro print and a loose fit is the way to go.
   • Good retro prints include polka dots, pinstripes, and small florals.
   • Note that even though the shirt should be loose, it should also be fitted. An oversized men's shirt is not a suitable choice.

Slipping on the Right Shoes

1. Be laid back with trendy flats or flat sandals. Flat sandals work especially well for a casual summer look, but flats can be equally appropriate. These are your best options when you are wearing casual high waisted shorts with a casual top.
   • When you're pulling out your denim high waisted shorts or wildly colored/patterned shorts and wearing them with a t-shirts or tank top, now would be the time to find the right pair of flats or sandals. If your look is super-casual, go with a shoe that has very few embellishments. If your look is casual yet chic, a flat or sandal with a little more bling is perfectly appropriate.
2. Dress things up with a smart pair of classy heels. For a vintage look or classy, sophisticated look, a closed toe high heel is actually your best bet.
   • If your shorts are in a neutral color and you've paired them with a nice blouse, a good high heel in a classic style is the right choice for you.
   • While closed toe heels tend to be a little more sophisticated, you could put a vintage flair on your look by going for a peep toed shoe instead.
3. Stay casual yet chic with a wedge heel. If you need an option that is flirty and feminine without all the fuss, an open toe or closed toe wedge heel is the way to go.
   • Wedge heels are sort of like a cross between a formal high heel and a casual flat. As such, you should consider wearing them when you have planned an outfit that is stylish rather than sophisticated and well put together rather than simply thrown on.

Additional Considerations

1. Consider wearing your high waisted shorts as a swimsuit cover-up. If you want to rock your style while strolling along the beach, slip your high waisted shorts on over your bikini bottoms once you take a break from the water.
   • You should not, however, keep your high waisted shorts unzipped, even if you want to show off your cute bikini bottoms. This look tends to seem sloppy, not sexy, so it's best to simply avoid it.
2. Slip on a jacket or a cardigan. A cropped blazer or sweater works especially well with the silhouette created by the shorts, but a standard blazer, cardigan, or similar structured jacket could also work out.
   • A jacket can be especially good if it comes in at the narrowest part of your waist, right about where the top of your shorts rest. This further accentuates the skinniest part of your figure and can be very flattering.
   • Jackets and cardigans are also a quick way to dress up a look that may otherwise appear too bold, too plain, or too casual.
3. Accentuate your natural waist with a belt. A belt can be one of the best, most natural style accessories to match with high waisted shorts since both items accentuate the narrowest part of your waist.
   • Since you already have a lot of detail at the waist, go for a skinny belt instead of a super thick one. If you choose a thick belt, you risk shortening your torso a little too much and causing your figure to look unbalanced.

Tips

• As with many styles, the right accessories can dress a look up or dress it down. A simple strand of pearls can add classic flair to a vintage-inspired high waisted short ensemble, while a chunky studded bangle bracelet might work better for something a little fresher and bolder.
• Try making your own pair of high-waisted shorts. If you want to test out this look without investing in a new pair of high-waisted shorts, you can pick up an old pair of high-waisted jeans from a thrift store and cut the legs off to create your own pair of shorts.
• Be confident. This style is undeniably bold, so when you wear your high-waisted shorts, you need to hold your head high and express the sort of self-confidence this trend demands.
• Mind your make-up. Overdoing your makeup can quickly result in a look that screams "trashy" rather than "classy" or "chic," especially if your high waisted shorts are also fairly short on the bottom. Light makeup will result in a far more flattering look.
• This is a cute look that you can add accessories with. Such as suspenders, etc.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Dress Up Denim Shorts
• Wear Dress Pants
• Wear Navy Pants
• Sag Your Pants
• Wear Leggings
• Free a Penis from a Stuck Zipper
• Wear Really Low Baggy Pants Without Losing Them
• Wear Thai Fisherman Pants
• Look Great in Sweatpants
• Bleach Shorts

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