The Paper Bag Waist – Styling Tips

The paper bag waist is everywhere this season.  Not only pants, but skirts and shorts.  Guess the designers thought it would be a great thing to tweak and bring back again.  Do you remember them  from the 80s?  When doing my research on the style, this Simplicity pattern popped up and I just couldn’t resist.  Bring back memories?

The true definition of the paper bag waist according to The Business of Fashion is in the link below.

https://www.businessoffashion.com/education/fashion-az/paper-bag-waistbands

I truly don’t remember wearing this waistline style back in the 80s.  My body type was quite different back then and honestly the part of the U.S. that I grew up in was not the fashion capital of the country.  So the reason why is unknown to me now and forever.  That being said, let’s talk about how I would style this waistline.

If you haven’t tried the style, I would challenge you to do so.  You don’t have to come out of the dressing room if you don’t like the look.  For my petite body type, I was afraid that it would be a little much.  The try on surprised me.  I knew that to carry the look, a fitted top would be best for me.  If you don’t feel comfortable with that style on your upper body, try tossing a jean jacket or other short casual jacket on and see if that works for you.

The pants that I am wearing from Boden are linen so they truly are cool and comfortable with this looser fit in the waistline.  My choice of t-shirt was for the neckline.  I wanted it to draw attention up to my shoulders and face.  And these shoes, I can’t thank the Stuart Weitzman sales gal enough for recommending them during the recent sale.

Happy weekend!