Taking the stand: The High-Waisted Jean

Let’s start by reviewing the case:

It appears the hippie headband isn’t the only trend from decades past trying to creep its way into the present. High-waisted jeans are trying to relive their groovy glory days of the 1970’s. While other fashions from this decade have made successful comebacks, it’s still unclear whether the high-waisted jean will be this lucky.

Evidence collected for this case seems to be a bit contradictory. At first glance it seems obvious…Nope, No way, No how. (Refer to exhibit A) If these ladies can’t pull it off, that’s not a good sign. But before you write the look off completely, take a look at the second round of evidence. (Refer to exhibit B)

Evidence:

Exhibit A

Keira Knightly, Scarlett Johansson, and Mischa Barton

Exhibit B

Vanessa Hudgens, Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Brook

What’s this? Amazing, they actually look pretty cute. So what is it, maybe the cut? It’s hard to pinpoint  Well, just as you’re forming your hypothesis, I’m going to throw this at ya…

Jessica, Jessica, Jessica, don’t you know if you have a big chest and a short torso, you shouldn’t draw attention to this area?  We’ll have to give her the benefit of the doubt, I mean she didn’t know that tuna isn’t chicken.

Poor thing, I actually felt bad for her after I saw this cartoon in the New York Post.

But we’re talking about the jeans here, so without further ado, let’s turn it over to our jury.

Are high-waisted jeans hot or not?

Posh Hippie: I’m surprised it took this long for the trend to take off. I thought for sure “That ’70s Show” would make jean designers reach for extra reams of denim, but it lagged years behind the God-awful trucker hats and cute two-toned T-shirts. I think the high-waisted skinny jeans are an atrocity on almost every body type, but the wide-legged ones give off an elegant “I owned a yacht in the coke-years of the ’80s” vibe that I think can be really glamorous. Remember that crazy body suit Penelope Cruz wore in “Blow”? It’s not quite the same thing, but a similar idea. High-waisted pants emphasize any pooch you might have in your lower belly, but look great on Sir Mix-A lot’s type of gal: little in the middle but got much back. Poor Jessica should have consulted Mr. T who wore all those gold chains to look BIGGER not hide any kind of bulge. Though I think everyone should really leave her alone about her weight gain, she should realize even when she was in Daisy Duke form, her short little frame probably wouldn’t be the best place for a high-waisted pant. I can hear the chorus: “But they make your legs look longer and that’s good if you’re short.” Well I am short and I prefer not to look like my pants ate my torso. I’m staying away from the high-waist pant but I think they look great on far more people than other recent jean styles. I also welcome an era where I will only see muffin tops at Starbucks and whale tales when I visit the coast.

Trendspotter: I’m going to be completely honest here – I think this trend is an atrocity. Yes, the ladies in exhibit B look good, but certainly not their best. The ratio of good to bad with this trend is not even close. Yes, I’m tired of seeing peeping thongs and muffin tops, but I don’t think this is necessarily the answer.

Jess: Like any style that comes and goes, I think the high-waisted jean look is ONLY for certain body types. You must have little to no curves and long legs.  If you don’t have those two features, high-waisted jeans make you look frumpy.  I for one can’t pull them off, but I am jealous of the girls who can (Vanessa Hudgens and JLo look so cute!!)

Lady Lex: You can tell a good fashion trend because it always makes a comeback. While, I’m all for the high-waisted jean, there has to be some sort of compromise here. The up to your neck mom jean is not very flattering (click the link, it’s so worth it!) but the semi-high jean which comes to right below the navel is doable. The ladies in exhibit B give me hope for this trend, and despite Jessica’s recent monstrosity, I still like this trend. That’s right ladies I’m ready for everyone to cover up their “coin slots.”

Daph: High-waisted jeans can be rather tricky. First of all, you need to be realistic with yourself. Is your stomach your trouble area / are you going through a fat stage? (huh hum, Jessica Simpson) If so, then this probably isn’t a style for you, as the high waist will go over your stomach, causing you to look bloated or worse, pregnant. Second thing to consider: your height. If you’re tall, then this style may be easier to rock for you. Fear not shorties, this look can be glam for you too. My 5′2 friend wore them and looked AMAZING. If you are short, heels are a MUST! NIGHTTIME ONLY! In DARK DENIM and only in a FLARE! (Who is Scarlett Johansson’s stylist? He/She should be fired.) Lastly, ladies, NO large front pockets or excessive lines, puh-lease. Unless you liked Mischa’s look?

The Verdict: Proceed with caution.

XOXO,

The gals of INPT