High-waist pants, much like embellished slippers, have officially established themselves as a must-have for working girls and street-style stars alike. A spinoff of the trend — paper bag waists — made an appearance last year, but quickly fell off fashion’s radar. Now, the cinched-in silhouette is back with a vengeance, with statement-making styles popping up in Instababe-approved shops such as Zara, Mango, and Topshop — a sign that these suckers likely aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Intrigued by these trend-right trousers? This week’s Style Resolutions shows you how to pull them off in flawless fashion.
The Buy: A high-waisted pair of perfectly roomy paper bag pants that can transition from desk to dinner.
How to Wear Paper Bag Trousers for Work
Model Winnie Harlow is giving us boss-lady realness with a pair of paper-bag high-waisted pants that turn the volume way up on your basic boardroom attire.
Say sayonara to snoozy black pants and culottes — these pretty-in-pink trousers are the breath of fresh air your nine-to-five routine has been waiting for. Trade out a traditional button-down in favor of a sophisticated silk blouse, then slip into a pair of printed pumps to inject a pop of panache into your on-the-job getup. Sculptural accessories, such as geometric baubles and a structured bucket bag, weave in a note of architectural edge. As the winter weather begins to wane, stash your trusty puffer in the closet and toss on a denim trench before heading out the door.
Zara High Waist Trousers ($50) + H&M Silk Blouse ($80), Marc Fisher LTD Zala Pump ($160), & Other Stories Denim Trench ($125), Madewell Flatform Statement Earrings ($34), & Other Stories Leather Bucket Bag ($235), Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet in Magenta No. 33 ($34)
How to Wear Paper Bag Trousers for a Night Out
JLo turned up the heat in a totally unexpected way with the help of leather trousers, for a fierce look that is ready to take on happy hour and GNO like it ain’t no thing. (Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)
For an upcoming GNO or date night with bae, look to these sass-packed vinyl pants to turn up the heat. While the high waist offers extra coverage, it also provides the perfect opportunity to flash a little shoulder a la a flirty ruffle-trimmed top. Mismatched earrings, quicksilver stilettos, and a metallic envelope clutch ground the getup in after-dark territory. The only thing missing? A swipe of red lipstick and a sleek ‘do.
Topshop Cracked Vinyl Peg Trousers ($100) + Uterqüe Gem D’Orsay Shoes ($132), Rebecca Minkoff “Leo” Envelope Clutch ($95), Steve Madden Satire Strappy Sandal ($90), Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Isabella ($32), stila Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($22), H&M Short Coat ($80)
How to Wear Paper Bag Trousers for the Weekend
Leave it to Sienna Miller to master the art of trend-right clothes on the go. Her cinched-waist bottoms play well from casual brunch to outdoor cocktails.
Keep things feeling low-key by teaming them up with an oversized embroidered sweatshirt and low-riding globe shoes with major It-girl appeal. The accessories? Go flashy for a jolt of personality. Our picks: bright throwback shades, pearl-studded hoops, and a patch-adorned crossbody bag. Weekend shenanigans never looked so good.
Mango Elastic Waist Trousers ($60) + Zara Embroidered Flower Sweater ($50), Mango Soft Leather Ballerina ($100), Urban Outfitters Slim Butterfly Sunglasses ($16), & Other Stories Patched Mini Leather Bag ($135), J.Crew Leather Tassel ($15), BaubleBar Ariela Drops ($28), Ciaté London Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London Nail Collection in Napa Valley ($24)
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