This post is sponsored by Gap and Collective Voice.

Like a lot of us in the early 2000s, I used to LOVE low-rise jeans…they were pretty much the only rise I wore. I remember when high-rise styles first came on the scene and I had NO intention of hopping on that bandwagon. Years later, most of my jeans are now high rise.

Will Gap’s Low-Rise Jeans Replace The High-Waist Styles I Love Now? Let’s Discuss.

So when Gap added a ton of styles to their low-rise jeans selection, I was super-intrigued. I already tried their low-rise Stride jeans and loved them…was I about to swap all my high-rise styles for the low-rise I used to love???

Turns out, no. After ordering a bunch of their jeans in different rises, I have some thoughts about what works on my body (5’4″ and pear-shaped) and what doesn’t.

** Take 40% off everything during Gap’s Friends & Family sale, plus get an extra 10% off with special code: TME10 (ends 8/15)! Full terms & conditions, here. **

jeans (28S, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

I found that a low rise works with wide-leg or flare styles but not with straight or skinnier legs. For example, I LOVE Gap’s Vintage Slim jeans — in fact, their high-rise faux leather pants are one of my favorite pairs ever. I even loved them in a mid-rise waist, so I thought the low rise would be awesome. In fact, I bought them in both black and dark indigo, thinking they’d be my new go-to for fall.

They weren’t. The lower rise cut my curves off at a weird angle and made my legs look even shorter, especially when paired with the cropped hemline. Fortunately, I had also ordered a pair of the high-rise Vintage Slim Jeans (I love that fit and wanted a pair that wasn’t faux leather) and those are definitely going to be my go-to for fall.

But First, My Thoughts On The High-Rise Vintage Slim Jeans

I love everything about these jeans. The fit, the feel of the slightly stretchy denim, the wash…LOVE. If you miss skinnies, these are for you. They have a bit more room in the leg but are super similar to the faux leather pair.

jeans (28S, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

At 11″, the rise isn’t crazy high, but it’s high enough to show off curves without cutting them off. The back waistband goes all the way over my butt so I don’t need to constantly pull them up. They smooth over the widest part of me without creating a muffin top (that was real in the low-rise version).

I love that the jeans come in three different fits (regular, petite, and tall) and three different lengths (short, regular, and long) so you really can get the ideal fit for your body type. I’m very rarely wear a petite, but the length of regular fits is almost always too long.

jeans (28S, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

Btw, I love this cardigan…and I love the way it’s styled without a bra on most of the models (green and black are my favorite). But, um…this girl needs a bra. And I like the way the neckline of the halter brami and the deep V of the cardigan look together. It’s a slightly sexier way to wear a cardigan without losing a bra altogether.

jeans (28S, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

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The Low-Rise Jeans That Do Work? 70s Flares

OK, so which of the GAP low-rise styles worked? The FLARES. The length and volume of the legs offset the lower rise of the waist without making my legs look shorter.

jeans (28R, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

I love the unique hemline, and because these flares also come in three different lengths and fits, everyone should be able to find a pair that fits without having to get them hemmed. I tried both the regular and short lengths and went with the regular because they lengthened my leg a bit more (and I pretty much always have heels or wedges on when I wear flares).

jeans (28R, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

And with a 10″ rise (unlike the low-rise Vintage Slim Jeans, which have an 8.75″ rise), they’re high enough that they don’t create a muffin top and they still cover my butt without fear of any crack showing when I bend over.

jeans (28R, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

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This Trench, Tho…

trench (xs, runs big) | jeans (28R, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

I have to shout out this Icon Trench Coat. I wish I had been able to try it on in the store because it runs REALLY big. I’m wearing an XS here and probably should have gone with either an XXS or Petite XS (I’m 5’4″)…but the style is adorable. It comes in regular, tall and petite sizes XXS-XXL and is easy to throw on over all things for fall.

trench (xs, runs big) | jeans (28R, tts) | brami (xs/s) | cardigan (s)

I love the movement and fabric that isn’t too heavy. The belt can be tied behind the back to create a bit more shape when the coat is left open like this…

trench (xs, runs big) | jeans (28R, tts)

The sleeves run long (which is why I think petite may work better on my shorter frame), but they can easily be folded or scrunched up as needed. I love the button detail and notched collar.

I’m wearing the tan here but it also comes in an olive green that’s a perfect neutral for fall–it goes with so many colors and is a fun alternative to the typical tan trench.

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XOXO,

Scotti

Photo credit: shalimar b photography

A huge thank you to Collective Voice and Gap for sponsoring this post! I loved trying all the different rises to find which worked best for me–and as always, all thoughts, opinions and product choices are my own. Shalimar, it’s always such fun working with you! And, readers, thank you SO, so much for your continued support. It does not go unnoticed and is so very much appreciated!