High-waisted jeans have a bad—and may we say unfair—reputation. While they are comfortable (when made with a small percentage of magical elastane), the main issue people have with them is that—real talk—they make your butt look bigger. First, there's nothing wrong with that, and second, it's not entirely true. While jeans of the high-waisted variety definitely accentuate the derrière, they do so in the most tasteful of ways. Of course, though, like any tricky trend, it's all about how you wear it.
As jeans are a constant in any fashion lover's wardrobe, we scoured the best street style pictures to prove just how wearable this much-maligned denim piece is. From pairing with a simple graphic tee and trench to a more tailored approach, there are plenty of high-waisted jean ensembles that will prove this is easily the most flattering shape out there. Click through our gallery for nine incredible looks, and find out where to shop our favourite high-waisted jeans right now.
Style Notes: One of our favourites, Miroslava Duma, wears a pair of high-waisted jeans with a graphic tee and trench. Just don't forget the sunglasses to top off the look.
Style Notes: High-waisted jeans with a seam is the fashion-forward way to do this trend, not to mention it draws the eye in and flatters the legs.
Style Notes: Flared high-waisted jeans will never stop looking super chic. Just make sure you pair yours with a blouse too. A pair of heels, however short, is essential for elongating legs.
Style Notes: The pocket detailing on this pair of jeans provides a quirky take on the look—and the smart, tailored cut and pressed front crease lengthens like a dream.
Style Notes: Either in black or classic blue, both of these high-waisted looks work for us—and you can use the higher rise with skinny jeans if you're a dedicated drainpipe girl.
Style Notes: Make the most of your high-waisted jeans by tucking in a statement top.
Style Notes: Olivia Palermo wore this double-denim outfit earlier this year during Paris Fashion Week in October, and we still can't get it out of our heads. The tailored style is the way to do high-waisted jeans for the office.
Style Notes: Model Edie Campbell proves once again that she's super cool with this high-waisted look. The ensemble is simple, but it still packs a punch thanks to the bold red shirt and the oversize leather jacket—definitely one for rock chicks and fans of the '80s trend.
Style Notes: Black layers are always most flattering with mom jeans—look out for slim bodysuits to style them out most effectively.
These reclaimed-style high-waisted jeans are some of our favourites right now.
For a looser fit.
Jeans for the office.
The high-waisted and boyfriend jean rolled into one.
Isabel Marant knows what she's doing when it comes to high-waisted jeans.
That '70s style is still going strong.
These Vetements jeans still make the top of our must-have list. Want more? Here are 11 new ways to wear a denim jacket right now.