High-waisted pants are making waves in the fashion world. They are chic, trendy, and versatile but can be a styling challenge, particularly for those with curvier figures and unique body proportions. In my Unstoppable Style training program for personal stylists, this question recently came up: "How can I make high-rise pants look good on my curvy hourglass figure?"

This is a great question because high-waisted garments tend to emphasize curves and can highlight the tummy/ rise area, which is not always desirable for everyone. For individuals with an hourglass figure, a shorter waist, and a longer rise, the key lies in strategic styling and choosing the right pieces. Let's delve into the art of wearing high-waisted pants beautifully for curvy figures.

Understanding the Hourglass Figure with a Short Waist and Long Rise
Before diving into specific styling tips, it’s essential to understand the body type we are working with. An hourglass figure is characterized by a well-defined waist, with the bust and hips approximately equal in measurement. When combined with a shorter waist and a longer rise, this body type can present unique challenges in achieving a balanced look with high-waisted pants.

The Short Waist
A short waist means there is a shorter distance between the ribcage and the hips. High-waisted pants naturally sit above the natural waistline, which can make this area appear even shorter and may lead to discomfort or an awkward fit.

The Long Rise
A longer rise refers to the distance from the waist to the crotch. High-waisted pants can often accentuate this feature, making it challenging to find a comfortable and flattering fit. The key to styling here is to optically balance the torso and the rise.

Styling Tips for High-Waisted Pants
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1. Optically Lengthen the Short Waist
To make the waist appear longer, the goal is to create the illusion of more space between the bust and the hips. Here’s how:

✔️Use a Blouson Top
Wearing a blouson top, which drapes loosely over the waist, can help elongate the torso. The longer the blouson, the better it will be at creating this effect. This style allows the fabric to gently cover the high waistline of the pants, offering a more proportionate look.

✔️Choose Garments with a Dropped Waist
Garments designed with a dropped waist seam will visually lower the waistline. This feature can be built into tops or dresses and works particularly well when paired with high-waisted pants, as it creates a balanced look.

✔️Add a Short Jacket
A short jacket ending just below the waist can provide a neat visual break. It helps to avoid drawing too much attention to the shortness of the waist and adds a structured layer that complements high-waisted pants.

✔️Bypass the Waist with Longer Jackets or Tunics
Longer jackets or tunics that fall past the waist can also help to de-emphasize the natural waistline. These pieces bypass the short waist entirely, creating a sleek, elongated silhouette.

2. Optically Shorten the Long Rise
To address the issue of a longer rise, focus on creating a balanced look that doesn’t overly accentuate the distance from the waist to the crotch.

✔️Choose Pants with a Dropped Yoke
Pants with a dropped yoke feature a seam that sits lower on the hips. This design element breaks up the long rise and can make the crotch area appear shorter, contributing to a more proportional look.

✔️Wear an Overblouse
An overblouse that extends over the waistband of high-waisted pants can effectively shorten the rise. It acts as a cover that visually reduces the distance from the waist to the crotch, offering a balanced appearance.

✔️Use Contoured, Diagonal, or Elastic Belts
Belts can be your best friend when it comes to styling high-waisted pants. A contoured or diagonal belt can create a flattering line that distracts from a long rise. Elastic belts, on the other hand, add flexibility and comfort while providing a visual break in the rise area.

✔️Try Diagonally Dropped Waistbands or Belts
​Waistbands or belts that dip down diagonally can also work wonders. They draw the eye in a slanted direction, which helps to break up the long vertical line of the rise, making it appear shorter.

When working with high-waisted pants on a curvy hourglass figure with a short waist and long rise, it’s all about creating visual balance. Here’s a quick summary of the key strategies:

✔️Lengthen the Waist: Use blouson tops, dropped waist garments, short jackets, and longer layers.
✔️Shorten the Rise: Opt for pants with dropped yokes, wear overblouses, and use belts strategically.

Additional Styling Tips
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Fabric Choice: Choose fabrics with some stretch to accommodate and flatter curves without adding bulk.
Colour and Pattern: Darker colours and vertical patterns can help elongate the body, making high-waisted styles more flattering.
Footwear: Pair high-waisted pants with heels or wedges to add height and further elongate the legs.

High-waisted pants can be a fantastic addition to any wardrobe, even for those with curvy figures and unique proportions. By understanding how to balance the body’s natural features with strategic styling, anyone can rock the high-waisted look confidently.

​Remember, fashion is all about experimenting and finding what makes you feel great. Encourage your clients to try different combinations and discover what works best for them. With these tips, high-waisted pants can become a versatile and flattering staple in their style arsenal.
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​In my experience, a short waist and a long rise is most often seen of the figure of eight body shape. Get more free training on figure of eight here.