How to Style Jeans

Most of us have a pair of jeans or two in our collection. They are a casual wardrobe staple that can be dressed up for elegance or down for comfort, and with so many different types of jeans to choose from, there is a denim design for every occasion. 

As well as different types of jeans, like straight leg, skinny, and bootcut, one of the key elements to any pair of jeans is the rise. For jeans, the rise is the distance from the top of the waistband to the crotch seam – it determines how high the jeans sit on your torso. While some prefer a low waist to showcase their midriff, others value the flattering comfort of a high waist. With so many options, it is important to know how best to style your jeans and make the most of your denim.

Join Ariat as we explore how to style high waisted, regular rise, and low-rise jeans.

How to Style High-Rise Jeans

With an elevated waistline, often sitting around the belly button, high waist jeans are often thought of as the most flattering style for a wide range of body types. As well as suiting all different body types, a high-rise waistline works perfectly with different styles of denim. This makes it a versatile jean rise, as it looks natural and flattering with bootcut jeans, flares, wide leg jeans, or skinny jeans alike.

High waisted jeans also have the added benefit of that vintage look. Traditional jean styles typically have a high waist, so grabbing your favourite pair of high-rise jeans is a great start when you’re building vintage-inspired looks. For a feminine vintage look, pair high-waisted straight leg jeans with a blouse or cardigan.

A popular way to style high waisted women’s jeans is accentuating the waist. With a flattering, slim fit around the waist, high-rise jeans are well-suited to showing off your figure. For a modern look, a cropped tee, or tucked in shirt, pairs perfectly with high-waisted jeans and creates an effortlessly casual look. Remember to balance your outfit – if you have a slimmer leg jean, like skinny jeans or slim fit jeans, a stylish look could be heavier on top. Alternatively, a cropped tee or camisole balances wide leg jeans.

How to Style Mid Rise Jeans

Also known as regular rise jeans, mid-rise jeans sit at your natural waist. For most people, this is just below the belly button, but comfortably above the hips. A great way to style regular rise jeans is to lean into the simple look and elevate it. Opt for a pair of straight leg jeans in a medium blue wash, and pair with a graphic tee for a casual everyday outfit, or smarten the look with a blouse, corset top, or a men’s dress shirt.

Another great way to style mid-rise jeans is to make a statement with the leg. For some, mid-rise jeans are a symbol of casual comfort. But why not add some flair? Mid-rise flare jeans bring an elevated aesthetic to an everyday look, while cropped or longline jackets pair seamlessly with the regular waistline. This allows for a huge array of outfit choices, and for year-round styling regardless of whether you’re donning a light denim jacket or a full-length wool coat.

How to Style Low Rise Jeans

For some, styling low-rise jeans can be a little more challenging because of the fit. If you’re asking yourself “how can I make my low-rise jeans look better?”, we have some simple tips for you. Just like any other style of denim, low rise jeans can be styled in all manner of ways. Finding the most flattering option that suits your style can be tricky. Finding the right pair of low-rise jeans, and knowing how to style them, is the key to ensuring you look your best.

If you like to show off your midriff, low-rise jeans can be well paired with a cropped t-shirt or camisole to make the most of the low waistline. We recommend going for low-rise skinny jeans or slim leg jeans if you like to show off your figure – the low waistline, paired with a tapered slim fit turns any casual outfit into a statement style. With a going-out top and a pair of heels, low-rise jeans are also the basis for an elegant ‘night out’ look.

Why not pair your favourite flared low rise jeans with a smart shirt for a fun, yet dressed up, evening look? For both men and women, low rise jeans work well with an oversized shirt, hoodie, or jumper for the ultimate casual style. Jeans are best known for understated style, and we think a comfortable oversized top paired with wide leg, flared, or straight leg jeans is an everyday style that suits all genders, body types, and personal styles.