High-waisted jeans might sound like something your mum used to wear with shoulder pads and door-knocker earrings, but don’t relegate them to the '80s fancy dress box just yet. They’re super flattering, thanks to their high-rise waistband that cinches inwards, and look great with all your favourite cuts of jeans (skinny, flared, cropped, straight, wide, you name it).
It all comes down to styling - and the key is in their name. High-waisted jeans are designed to showcase, all together now, the waist so it follows that you should always tuck tops in instead of letting them drape willy-nilly. A fitted tee, a cropped blouse, a ribbed knit polo neck and a button-down shirt (that isn’t too long lest you want to spend hours rearranging when you go to the loo) will all look great tucked in.
And what about shoes? It very much depends on the cut. A pair of wide-legged, high-waisted jeans that fall past the ankle will look brilliant with chunky sandals, loafers and ballet pumps. An ankle-cropped pair, meanwhile, can take heels. A block-heeled ankle boot adds some nice height, while kitten-heeled mules with an anklet will make a lovely combo for late spring. I’d recommend loafers and ballet pumps, again, with skinnies - I find trainers look too bulky - and ankle boots with straight-leg jeans.
Shop our favourite high-waisted jeans below.
Shop: The Best High-Waisted Jeans
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
These high-waisted M&S are the absolute staple to a capsule wardrobe as you can pair them with almost anything.
Calvin Kleinwww.calvinklein.co.uk
In the most classic style of denim wash Calvin Klein have created a waist-defining straight jeans you're going to immediately want to add to your basket.
Net-A-Porterwww.net-a-porter.com
In a nod to the year they're named after, these jeans are called 'The 1978'. We also love the fact they're made from regenerated and recycled cotton (and the fact they're on sale).
ARKETwww.arket.com
These high-waisted jeans from ARKET features pocket detailing, a slim fit and flared legs. The recipe for a great pair of jeans.
& Other Storieswww.stories.com
If light wash is your thing, & Other Stories have the perfect pair that'll see you through the summer.
Mint Velvetmintvelvet.com
These Mint Velvet jeans are made from the softest cotton and can be style with both trainers and heels. They also have a slight flare cut that elongates and flatters the legs.
Levi'swww.levi.com
It wouldn't a list of the best jeans without featuring trusted brand Levi's. Its Ribcage Wide Leg jeans promises to give you that leggy look of the 70s and 90s - one that's inspired by the super high-rise trend of those two decades.
Victoria Beckhamwww.victoriabeckham.com
A brand synonymous with tailoring, off-kilter prints and modern cuts, Victoria Beckham has created the most fabulous pair of high waisted jeans in four different washes: shadow wash, indigo wash, blue wash and vintage wash.
My Theresawww.mytheresa.com
Luxury brand AMI PARIS lead the way when it comes to creating timeless basics. And its jeans are no different.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
For a classic pair of high waisted jeans, head to high street brand H&M to find these wide leg jeans with an extra high waist that's sure to flatter.