If you walk around, chances are you’ll spot someone rocking high-waisted jeans paired with a crop top.
This iconic pairing is making a major comeback in fashion, and it’s no surprise! These two wardrobe staples from past decades are now taking centre stage in modern trends.
The combination creates a flattering silhouette by accentuating the waist and adding a fun, youthful vibe.
It has quickly become a style statement for both the young and the young at heart.
Whether it’s a basic tee, a cosy sweater or something more intricate, crop tops are back with a twist.
They come in all styles—from sporty to boho—and pair perfectly with nearly everything, from skirts to shorts and, of course, high-waisted jeans.
Boho style or Bohemian style, characterised by its carefree and eclectic vibe, draws inspiration from nature’s textures, patterns, colours, and motifs.
It fits perfectly with the modern crop top look.
The high-waisted jeans have also made a major comeback. Evolving from retro styles of the '70s and '90s, these jeans offer both comfort and style.
They elongate the legs and define the body, making them flattering on many body types.
Whether you prefer skinny, boot cut or wide-leg styles, high-waisted jeans can be styled for various occasions.
What makes this trend even better is its versatility. You can dress it up with heels and accessories for a chic look or keep it casual with sneakers for a laid-back vibe.
Caroline Otieno shares how this pairing has improved her self-esteem and helped her learn to love her body.
“I’ve always believed that everyone has that one piece in their wardrobe that speaks to them, one that accentuates their figure and boosts their confidence,” she says.
“It took me a while to find mine, but I can confidently say I’ve found my footing with fashion.”
Caroline has embraced the pairing, accessorising and mixing it up with other pieces for different occasions.
She’s wearing blue high-waisted jeans, a white crop top that just touches the waistband, a blue blazer and black heels.
“I get to style it the way I want,” she smiles.
Her photo gallery could easily be mistaken for a collection from a brand specialising in jeans and crop tops. This is a conclusion done as she scrolls through her phone’s gallery.
In some photos, her look is casual, while in others, she pairs a crop top with shorts.
From her gallery, it’s clear she prefers all kinds of high-waist trousers, from skinny to wide-leg styles.
For Rose Mbugua, high-waisted jeans and a crop top are a timeless combination, no matter the season.
“It sculpts my body, and I can go for a baggy look for a dressy occasion or a tight jean and a fitted top for something more casual,” she says.
As we chat, Rose is wearing black high-waisted trousers with a black crop top, paired with sneakers
“You can never go wrong with sneakers or heels,” she adds.
For Rose, this style is more comfortable than other trends she’s tried because it doesn’t reveal too much skin, but still highlights her body in a flattering way.
When it comes to jeans, low-rise styles are not her preference.
“I prefer high-waisted jeans because they’re just more comfortable,” she says.
When choosing a crop top, it depends on whether she’s wearing tight or baggy high-waisted jeans.
Rose is not one to gate-keep her fashion choices. “If I’m not shopping at Mr. Price, you’ll probably find me thrifting,” she says.
The combination of high-waisted jeans and crop tops has been popular in various decades before its modern resurgence, particularly in the 1970s and 1990s.
In the 1970s, high-waisted pants were often paired with fitted crop tops. Think bell-bottom jeans with a tight crop top or tank top—this was part of the broader bohemian and disco-inspired fashion.
In the 1990s, high-waisted jeans, often in a baggy or straight-leg fit, were a staple in both men’s and women’s wardrobes, frequently paired with crop tops cropped at or above the navel.
Pop stars like Britney Spears and actresses like Jennifer Aniston on Friends helped make this combination iconic.
Back then, crop tops were often worn with high-waist denim or even cargo pants, contributing to the casual, youthful vibe that defined the decade.
