S/S 2016 Trends: Paperbag Waist & Lace Ups

According to Elle magazine, one of the 2016 spring fashion trends we can expect to start seeing more of this season is the PAPERBAG WAIST, in trousers and skirts. High-waisted pants have been around since last fall and whilst they are perfectly feminine and flirty, they can be sometimes hard to wear especially if you're anything like me and are trying to mask the middle part of your body. Which is why the paperbag is the fashion trend that solves this problem because instead of accentuating your waist, you can actually look up to two sizes smaller and who doesn't want that?! Trousers with this type of waist clinch the waist in, offering volume on the top and bottom whilst adding instant detail and making the simple top-and-pants look a little more especial.

Now, these beauties can be somewhat tricky to style; they suit those with a more defined waist as they will be highlighting that area with more volume. And the hardest part is knowing what top to pair it with but always remember, you need to do either a crop top or something very fitted. These two options would be the most flattering as most of the time, paperbag trousers are loose and baggy, so no matter the size or shape you have to balance it with a fitted top. And despite not being a size 6 or below, this is the first time I wore a crop top and I felt good in it!

when sporting paperbag waisted trousers, remember the principle of volume. Given the bottom part of your body will be the most voluminous, a fitted top tucked in or cropped jacket works best, yielding a look that does not leave you feeling too tight or exposed, and above all keeping everything perfectly in balance. Tucking in a t-shirt, makes you ready for the day and if you choose to go with a jacket or cardi, opt for something more cropped because longer jackets can push out the extra bulk of the paperbag waist in an unflattering way. And if you really wanted to, a belt could work too! A skinny belt I would say, but it really depends on the trouser style. Sometimes a piece of rope, a bandana or a skinny scarf work just as well and add that extra touch of detail.

Trousers: ASOS (here) // Crop Top: Matalan (similar here)
Denim Jacket*: Levi's (here) // Lace Ups: Pretty Little Thing (similar here)

 I wanted the outfit to be as casual as can be, so I added this Levi's denim jacket on top. This jacket is from M and M Direct who I've had the pleasure to work with for this look (and another one coming soon) and I am seriously in love with all the brands they carry and the reduced price tag! Definitely a place to check out if you haven't yet. I finished off with these gorgeous LACE UPS in striking red to make things a little more interesting and colourful, after all spring is here for us to make the most of all pretty shades. I think it's fair to say that lace ups have been having a very strong moment this season and I cannot wait to wear this trend more with all the new pretty pairs I have lined up. There's something about lace ups that make me feel feminine and sexy and I love how they elongate my legs and really up my shoe game.

What are your thoughts on the paperbag waist and lace ups trends for spring? Let me know below!

Thanks for reading beauties and wishing you all a beautiful Thursday!

xoxo

*Contains PR Samples. All opinions are my own (disclaimer here).