Paperbag Waist Shorts

This post contains affiliate links + gifted items.

Happy Wednesday, party people! We are now on a downhill slide to the weekend. Speaking of weekend, I grabbed crepes at La Petite Creperie with my friends this weekend and wore this outfit. My peanut butter and chocolate chip crepe was delicious, and my outfit was cute.

Top: Express–under $25 (solid and gingham on sale for $14) // Shorts: Express (similar on sale  for $25, similar on sale for $30) // Sunglasses: Target (identical matte black pair here) // Wedges: c/o Bearpaw–on sale for $41.99 + 20% off w/ code BPAMBTF // Shoulder Bag: Express–on sale for $29.99 // Earrings: c/o Sugarfix // Necklace: c/o Plunder Design by Krissy Staton

So what makes a pair of bottoms “paperbag” waist? It’s when a pair of shorts, pants, or a skirt have a high waist and cinch in near the top of that high waist, with a little bit of fabric ruffled above the cinch.  I’ve always had a very defined waist, especially in proportion to my hips. So I’m loving this trend because it emphasizes that. It also covers my trouble area (hello c-section pooch).

When you wear paperbag waist bottoms, be sure to wear a very fitted shirt with them. My top is from Express, and it’s material sucks you in a little bit. This top has a sweetheart neckline and puff sleeves, which makes it stand out. It would also be cute with some highwaisted black pants.

Since my outfit is very neutral, I added a fun teal earring and bright red lips to complete the look. My earrings have been on repeat and they’re only $12.99! I wore the stud version in red on Monday’s post.

How do you feel about puff sleeves? Love them or leave them in the 80s?