The first time I saw high-waisted jeans, I thought, “What?! Mom jeans are in style? Noooooo!!!!” You might remember the SNL skit for mom jeans a few years ago. That was my opinion of high-waisted jeans.

And then I tried a pair on, turned around in the mirror and thought for a second. They’re not so bad. In fact, I actually really liked them. For someone with not much of a butt, these actually made me look like I had one! And if you do have one, they highlights all the right features. They high-waist cinches in at your waist making your waist look tiny and accentuating all the right curves. But, if you’re still worried about looking like a mom, here’s a few tips for styling on how to wear high waisted jeans to avoid looking like you just stepped out of your minivan and onto the soccer field…

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Chic & Streamlined Top

Wondering what to wear with mom jeans? Bring them into this decade by pairing them with a chic top. Make sure to not pair anything too billowy or oversized to avoid looking frumpy. A tailored shirt like the one I have on, or a fitted shirt will make your outfit look cool and polished. I love the delicate lacy details and pintucked details on this shirt from Ann Taylor. The ruffles along the neckline and tiny keyhole in the back add sweet feminine touches. Plus, florals are always a win in my book!

The Right Leg

Finding the right leg can be tough. Mom jeans shouldn’t be tight, but they shouldn’t look like your boyfriend jeans either. Jeans that are too oversized look frumpy and baggy in the wrong places and start crossing into bad-mom-jean territory. These jeans are the best of both worlds. They’re fitted around the waist and the booty, but the legs have a little more breathing room. The raw edge on this pair gives them a much younger and edgier feel.

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Shoes

Jeans with this type of leg are known for making you look short and squat, so let’s correct that! When wearing these, I always opt for a pair of shoes with a heel. It doesn’t have to be a tall heel, but something that will give your legs some extra length! These Clara heels added a little bit of height as well as a pop of color to make this look more modern and edgy. If you’re shorter, try a pump or strappy sandal that will show more skin and give the illusion of longer legs. This is how to wear mom jeans—the right way.

Accessorize

Add accessories to set you apart from the soccer moms. I paired my look with a sleek structured satchel bag and added some warmth and texture with this faux fur trim collared camel coat. Lastly, I added a good pair of round glasses like these Leonard sunnies add a little more character and a bit of a retro vibe.

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Things to Avoid

Sweater vests, applique vests, bad sneaker and sock pairings, and elastic waistbands. But those rules pretty much apply to everything, don’t they? Except elastic waistbands—totally okay for those weekend sweatpants!

Have you succumbed to the mom jean trend? What tips do you have for wearing them stylishly?

BTW, how to style your cable knit sweater two ways, and are you saving for anything special?