Bag It Baby! The Paper Bag Waist is Back!

Hey there,

Skirt lengths used to be a predictor of the stock market direction. (“There have been uncanny correlations, with the short skirts of the flapper era giving way to longer gowns during the Great Depression…”) But these days skirt lengths range from micro mini to maxi and everything in between and it seems stocks aren’t that different the way they seem to rise and fall just as randomly.

However, what we have seen time and time again when waistbands start creeping up to the natural part of the waist, is that the “paper bag” waist is not far behind. 

We’ve been seeing our pants and skirts take a hike up at the waist for awhile now. (Thankfully!) And it’s no surprise that one of the hottest trends in summer pants, shorts, and skirts is the “paper bag” waist. It all started this Summer and will no doubt continue into Fall and beyond. 

OK, so you might be asking, “What the heck is a “paper bag” waist? Ahh…good question. You aren’t the only one asking about this trend.

I received this question from Jessica:

Michelle:

Love the all white looks. I live in the city so this is super cool. I have been reading about the paper bag waist trend. Can you tell me how to wear this. Thanks,

Jessica

 Thanks, Jessica! I’m here to tell you all about it and how to wear it well! 

The “paper bag” waist is just how you imagine it. Think of gift wrapping a wine bottle in a burlap sack and tying it with a piece of ribbon. The ribbon cinching the burlap around the bottle is considered the “waistband” and the extra burlap at the top part of the bottle is the “paper bag” part. Got it? 

If you haven’t thought about wearing a “paper bag” bottom during this summer season, you might think again. When done right the “paper bag” can look wonderful on any Body-Type. If you don’t have much of a waist, this will help create one – Hellooo waistline! If you have one…ooh la la…this will show it off beautifully! 

A “paper bag waist” is usually created from fabric, that is bunched or pleated at the waist either by a belt, sash, or even a man’s tie, which cinches the loose fabric creating the “paper bag” look.  Or the garment is constructed with pleats or gathers that are built in. Voila!  – The “paper bag” look is already created for you, and all you have to do is pair it up with a pretty blouse or tee, and add a belt or sash as an accessory if you wish.

3 ways to get the look:

1. Take a baggy pair of jeans (Boyfriend or other loose fitting jean) that sit at your waist, hike them up a bit higher and cinch your waist with a chunky belt. 
2. Take a pair of loose pleated trousers that are a size too big, pull them up, slip a belt or tie through the belt loops, and cinch at your waist. Unbutton the top button as if you’ve just eaten a big meal and need a little breathing room, and fold it over a bit for more affect. 
3. Take a skirt, long or short, that usually sits lower on your hips, hike it up to your natural waist and cinch it, again using a belt or a long sash tie. 

This is me in my personal “paper bag” waist skirt, my favorite to wear during the summer:

2 Tips to heed: 

1. The cinching of the waist looks best when done at your natural waist. 
2. Play with pairing your cinched bottom with either a fitted Tee (Crop tops work great here too!), or a blouson top. 

That’s it for this week. Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

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Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle

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