High-Waisted Jeans Are the Backbone of My Wardrobe—11 New Ways to Wear Them

When it comes to jeans, I'm unquestionably loyal to a high-waisted cut. In my mind, they're the universally flattering style, cinching in the waist and skimming over the hips into your leg silhouette of choice. Plus, the styling options are endless, not only in the variety of leg style (from this season's trending wide-leg to the ever popular straight cut), but also with what to wear with them. And in considering the endless options ahead of a new season, who better to look to then some of my favourite influencers?

As we move into the cold months, high-waisted jeans become the key base for a mix of layered looks. Starting with a tucked-in white t-shirt or button-down, you can add a luxe cashmere jumper, or just throw over a trench or floor-sweeping wool coat. Then there are the shoes—thanks to the leg-lengthening look of high-waisted jeans, these styles work perfectly with the season's trending flat footwear, loafers and ballet pumps. But if you need a little lift—or want to take your favourite jeans from day to night—a pair of heeled boots or kitten heels will do the trick. 

Whether you're coveting a vintage-looked style of wide-leg jeans or a versatile black pair, there are plenty of high-waisted jean outfits to create this season. These are just a few of the looks I'm planning on recreating. 

1. TRENCH COAT + WHITE T-SHIRT

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1696944523700-main

(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style Notes: The square-toe loafers are such an excellent finishing touch for this understated look. 

Shop the Look:

2. BLACK LAYERS + SUEDE BOOTS

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1696945941205-main

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: Anouk proves that the brown and black combination is undeniably chic.

Shop the Look:

3. DOUBLE DENIM

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1696947496080-main

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: Yes, you really can do a double denim look this season. Just follow Jessica's lead and break up the blue with pops of white. 

Shop the Look:

4. DOUBLE JUMPERS

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1696948507100-main

(Image credit: @livvperez)

Style Notes: Black and grey are the failsafe cold weather colour combination. And what's better than one jumper when the temperature drops? Two, of course.

Shop the Look:

5. BROWN LAYERS

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1696950070766-main

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Brown is one of the key trending colours this season, and Lucy proves that it works particularly well as part of a high-waisted jeans outfit.

Shop the Look:

6. LACE SHIRT

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1696975307792-main

(Image credit: @harrietstewart)

Style Notes: As Harriet proves, high-waisted jeans are so versatile and can easily be styled for a cool evening look.

Shop the Look:

7. SHIRT + JUMPER

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1697038052121-main

(Image credit: @modedamour)

Style Notes: Crisp, clean and understatedly chic—a minimalist's dream look.

Shop the Look:

8. LEATHER TRENCH + TURTLENECK + CONVERSE

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1697039102735-main

(Image credit: @cassklatzkow)

Style Notes: A leather trench is an easy way to make the simplest outfit look that bit more fashion-forward. 

Shop the Look:

9. STRIPES + WHITE DENIM

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1697803833670-main

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: White jeans look particularly sophisticated when layered with striped knitwear in the cold months. 

Shop the Look:

10. BLAZER + T-SHIRT + LOAFERS

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1697042972106-main

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: I'm obsessed with Brittany's colour-blocked loafers, which bring a playful touch to her otherwise understated look.

Shop the Look:

11. BODYSUIT + HEELS

high-waisted-jeans-outfits-309947-1697803987856-main

(Image credit: @giasinatra)

Style Notes: Gia expertly styles her jeans up for a night out by pairing them with a bodysuit and heels. 

Shop the Look:

Next up: Trust Me, These 4 Types of Shoes Always Look Amazing With Baggy Jeans

Opening image: @symphonyofsilk

Explore More:
Freelance Fashion Editor

Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.