The Many Ways to Style a Paper-Bag Waist

We know it may well be inconceivable, but there was a time when there was only one way to tuck in a shirt. We’re talking before everyone became obsessed with street style and Instagram #ootds. Now, if so inclined, you can show off your tucking prowess with the Mullet, the Half and Half, the Around the World… (OK, we actually made that last one up.)

Thankfully, for all those tuckered out by all that tucking, paper-bag waists are here to simplify things. With such exaggerated waistlines, these pants, skirts and even shorts leave no room for a lot of excess shirt fabric hanging out. But even with its easy tucking strategy, paper-bag waists can still be tricky to style. The key is to find tops that look good partially obscured and don’t fight with those gathered waists for top billing.

At least we have a steady stream of styling inspo to get us over the hurdle. From the Spring, Resort and Fall 2017 collections offering up a wide variety of unconventional techniques and toppers to fashion influencers who walk the street or make social media their virtual runway, there’s no shortage of top-notch tips to glean. Bottom line? Almost any shirt can be slid into a paper-bag waist as long as you know what you’re doing. And with almost no consensus on what exactly qualifies as a paper-bag waist, the selections are pretty extensive. (Seriously, google it and see how many different versions are out there.)

So, whether you’re a paper-bag waist newbie or someone who has almost mastered the silhouette, here are some essential styling tricks and tips. We’ve even included some shopping picks so you can easily bag a set of gathered-waist bottoms.

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Paper-Bag Waists

Paper-Bag Waists #1

Paper-bag waists got an athleisure upgrade on DKNY’s Spring 2017 catwalk. Score extra points by tucking in an unzipped hooded windbreaker to reveal a splashy sports bra. Accessorize with platform kicks and colored shades for a winning look.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #2

Draw just as much attention to your sleeves as your waist by opting for an off-the-shoulder blouse with poofy sleeves resulting in oversized cuffs. As long as your shoulders are exposed, add in some subtle statement earrings.

Image: @maria_bernad
Paper-Bag Waists #3

Don’t have any paper-bag waist bottoms and are dying to wear the trend, like now? Try out Jeanne Grey’s ingenious hack by rolling down the upper part of a jumpsuit and cinching it with a belt for a customized exaggerated waistline.

Image: @thegreylayers
Paper-Bag Waists #4

Cool it in culottes this summer by slipping on a high-waisted pair over a sleek bodysuit — no tucking required.

Image: @oliviaculpo
Paper-Bag Waists #5

Look to Elle Fanning for guidance on how to keep it simple with a plain white tee tucked into streamlined paper-bag waist pants.

Image: Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb
Paper-Bag Waists #6

For Fall 2017, 3.1 Phillip Lim offered up a slew of paper-bag-waisted options. Our fave came teamed with a hot pink oversized blazer for a fun twist on the classic suit. Work in a graphic tee for an edgy yet office-appropriate finish.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #7

Sky blue is trending and we definitely have Gigi Hadid to ~~blame~~ thank for it. The model managed to keep the focus on both the top and bottoms by letting her tucked-in blouse maintain its billowy shape.

Image: Robert Kamau/GC Images/Getty Images
Paper-Bag Waists #8

Don’t worry about pairing ruffles with paper-bag waists. The key is to relegate the ruffles to one location, like your sleeves, for a balanced ensemble.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #9

Even out a one-shouldered ruffled blouse with a frilled drawstring waist skirt. Tone things down with black brogue platforms.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #10

Hailey Baldwin didn’t sweat it when styling her paper-bag waist palazzo pants. She simply topped them off with a ribbed bandeau complete with matching detached sleeves and hoop earrings.

Image: @haileybaldwin
Paper-Bag Waists #11

One of the first celeb advocates of the trend, Sienna Miller could give classes on how to style the tricky silhouette. In this instance, the actress wisely wore a dark tucked-in top in order to call attention to her bright gathered waist pants.

Image: Neil Mockford/GC Images/Getty Images
Paper-Bag Waists #12

Crop tops are the perfect counterpart to these sort of high-waisted, look-at-me pants. Hunt down a skin-baring topper in a similar shade as your bottoms for a cohesive silhouette. Thoroughly impress onlookers by also coordinating your sunglass lenses.

Image: @double3xposure
Paper-Bag Waists #13

Consider this some advanced-level layering. Pattern mixing? Check. Skirt-over-pants look? Check. Two-tone blazer tucked into a pronounced paper-bag waist? Check-plus for effort.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #14

When your paper-bag waist pants look like they could swallow you whole a la Rosie Assoulin’s Resort 2017 collection, it’s essential to pair them with a bold yet slim-fitting tank.

Image: Courtesy
Paper-Bag Waists #15

Sports jerseys have a place off the field, especially when tucked into paper-bag waist trousers. This athleisure-meets-workwear look doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #16

Tucked-in tees and paper-bag waists are a prime pairing, but there’s still room for accessorizing. A crossbody bag with a skinny strap (and in the same color family as your pants) is ideal for layering.

Image: @asos_kicki
Paper-Bag Waists #17

All-white outfits are practically a summer requirement. This one combines three pieces in varying shades and textures to keep things interesting. A cardigan is the perfect layering piece for a crop top and paper-bag waist pants combo.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #18

Play down a cropped structured blazer with oversized utility pants. Take a cue from Stella McCartney’s Spring 2017 runway and add low-key ankle-cuff sandals.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #19

If you’re in the midst of a heat wave and can’t bear the thought of slipping on pants, have no fear because paper-bag waists also come in shorts. A long-sleeve hooded shirt or an easy tank (tucked in, natch) will keep you cool(er) and comfy.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #20

When the weather starts to take a turn, you can tuck in your sweater or sweatshirt just as easily as a tee.

Image: @patriciamanfield
Paper-Bag Waists #21

Don’t be shy about bulking up this fall. A short-sleeve sweater layered over a long-sleeve blouse holds up against the elaborate waist of those culottes. Try rocking earrings that correspond to the color of your exposed shirt sleeves for a well-rounded effect.

Image: Imaxtree
Paper-Bag Waists #22

You can dress up paper-bag waists with a frilly white blouse tucked in all the right places.

Image: Imaxtree
Caron Callahan

In our opinion, the only way to wear these beige shorts is as shown with the tucked-in matching top.

Dover Beige Short, $288 at The Frankie Shop
Whistles

These navy pants call for a classic short-sleeve Hawaiian shirt.

Tilda Paperbag Waist Trouser, $83.97 at Whistles
H&M

For an easy segue into the paper-bag waist trend, try these tan drawstring pants from H&M. A white tank keeps things clean for starters, but when you’re ready, work up to a tailored button-down.

Premium Cotton-Blend Pants, $39.99 at H&M
Mango

While these colorful printed pants may seem intimidating, we think you should stretch your sartorial legs by including your favorite band tee up top.

Printed Culottes, $39.99 at Mango
3.1 Phillip Lim

The striped miniskirt is to summer what chunky sweater dresses are to fall: indispensable. Show off the waist by stuffing an electric blue three-quarter sleeve shirt into it.

Belted Striped Skirt, $93 at Saks
Black Crane

Much like white-on-white, all black is a super stylish way to go. This color (or lack thereof) palette downplays a heavily exaggerated waistline and is ideal for those days when colorful heels are a must.

Burlap Pants, $133 at La Garçonne
Robert Rodriguez

Removable suspenders allow these trousers to play well with a variety of tops. Straps on to rein in a boho blouse with select ruffle accents. Detach when it comes to more streamlined shirts.

High Waisted Trousers With Waist Flap, $295 at Shopbop
Stella McCartney

Go ahead and top off these linen-blend pants with a graphic tank for summer. Sky-high heels will help keep the hems from dragging on the ground.

Paperbag Waist Baggy Trousers, $441 at Farfetch
Stelen

Despite your possible preconceived notions, paper-bag waists can be subtle. Style these peachy pants with a black tee and some jelly sandals.

Corso Pant, $78 at Need Supply Co.
ASOS

Go with the flow and ASOS’ stylist by making these Tencel pants a tad more nautical with a Breton long-sleeve shirt.

Paper Bag Waist Tencel Peg Pants, $51 at ASOS
Free People

You could punctuate these cropped pants with a halter crop top or tuck in a lacy blouse in a dusty rose shade.

Yarn Dye Paper Bag Pant, $98 at Free People
Rachel Comey

Make waves by controlling the tightness (and folded accents) on these cropped green pants. Want to sport a billowy blouse? Loosen up the belt. For your favorite band tee, cinch it tighter.

Tolleson Pant, $390 at Opening Ceremony
Mara Hoffman

This skirt is guaranteed to be the scene-stealer of any outfit, so don’t even try to compete. Favor a crisp white button-down and dove gray sandals.

Paper Bag Midi Skirt, $350 at Shopbop