On a fashion high

Look who’s making a comeback…the high waist is back and how!

May 22, 2015 08:50 pm | Updated 08:50 pm IST

The phoenix is a surprisingly accurate, albeit unusual metaphor when it comes to explaining the rise of the high waist. It made its debut during the war-plagued 40s. In the recent past, its popularity took a beating. But it has risen yet again from the ashes and soared into the wardrobe of stylistas. “Retro styles always have a way of coming back into fashion,” says designer Sangeetha Patel. “It’s the renewal of a famous retro design,” believes designer Sonam Dubal and adds, “It’s picking up because it complements figures, accentuates curves and makes people look taller.”

According to Vaishnavi Reddy, who started Mooi Boutique, “People love it because it can work both as an Indian and western outfit; you can wear a high-waist bottom and team it with a dupatta or with a tucked-in top and heels.”

The constant evolution of the high waist throughout the ages has lead to a fusion of style today. “Skirts that were in vogue in previous decades are making a comeback now, like maxi skirts, circle skirts and skater skirts,” believes Sheerene Mohammed, a law student. “What stands out in the case of high-waist fashion today is that it’s able to take iconic elements from the past and fuse them together, bringing a new and modern tone to the look.” How you carry off the look depends on your personality. It shouldn’t look like you are dressed for a retro costume party. Mixing the old and new is something that’s worked well for Mina Varte, an undergraduate student who started wearing her mom’s old high-waisted pants to college. “I love how retro they look and it’s an interesting contrast to the crop tops I pair them with,” she adds.

Life in the time of social networking has its demands, like looking good no matter where you are — at a bar, holiday or boardroom meeting at work. That’s where high-waisted skirts and pants stroll in to save the day; they work on nearly every occasion. If you still have your high waisted jeans in your wardrobe, its time to bring them out. “Not only do they have a great flow to them, but they’re also extremely practical and looks smart,” adds Sangeetha.

“At work, it’s best if you wear a formal top tucked in with a black, knee-length pencil skirt,” says Sumitra Vaarde, an architect. Saniya Junaid, who works with an export house, says, “High-waisted bottoms also go well with biker and denim jackets. I love throwing on a pair of flip-flops if I’m wearing a skirt.”

Women with wider waists may wince at the prospect of wearing anything high-waisted, but Vaishnavi is confident that it’s a look for everyone. “Women with heavy hips shouldn’t worry, because it’s a look that focuses on accentuating the waist and making it look slimmer. But it’s important that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing,” she adds.

Ultimately, pulling off the high waist look comes down to the little things, believes Sangeetha, who says, “The right fit is critical. For example, if you’re petite, wearing something that’s baggy is not the way to go.” she says, “Your eye has to be your best and most critical judge.” What you team up your bottom wear with is also important. A long, ill-fitting top can destroy the whole look. It does nothing to show off your figure, and that’s the entire point of high-waist apparel,” says Mina.

The swimwear scene, too, has been influenced by this fashion. No wonder, hip-high bikini bottoms are all the rage. They even do their part to conceal those love handles. Since shorts are a summer favourite, high-waisted hot shorts with frayed edges, teamed with fluorescent-hued tops or bralets can add an element of oomph.

As for the future of high-waist fashion, Vaishnavi Reddy is positive. “It’s new, it’s young, and with people willing to experiment, I definitely see it staying in vogue for a while.”

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