Waisted Maidens

This season, the spotlight is shining on the sculpted waist, a sartorial trend making waves across red carpets, runways, and celebrity wardrobes alike. From the iconic houses of Valentino and Givenchy to the avant-garde creations of Iris van Herpen and the timeless allure of Versace, luxury brands are embracing the art of sculpting the waistline like never before. Whether you prefer to flaunt the little white cut work dress from Valentino, the elaborate creations of Iris van Herpen, or the feminine lace gown of Givenchy, there’s a style to suit every taste and occasion.

Celebrities too have swiftly embraced this trend, showcasing their impeccable style and figure-flattering ensembles that accentuate sculpted waistlines and wash-board abs with finesse. Leading the pack on the global red carpet and runway are fashion icons like Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and Kia Gerber. Their recent appearances have set the tone for this trend, inspiring fashion enthusiasts worldwide to follow suit.

Smart Styling

While oversized clothes are currently an haute favourite, if you are going for a sculpted waist look experts want you to shun the bulky and oversized tops that add extra volume to your midsection. Senior designer Rina Dhaka says, “Look for clothing with strategic seaming, darts, or ruching that can help create the illusion of a smaller waist. A-line dresses and tops that nip in at the waist can also be flattering. Opt for fabrics that have some structure and hold, such as denim or tailored fabrics, as they can help smooth out your midsection and create a more streamlined look. A belt worn at the smallest part of your waist can help define your waistline and create the appearance of a smaller waist. Avoid belts that are too tight, as they can create bulges and discomfort.”

Celebrity Files

As celebrities continue to embrace the sculpted waist trend, perhaps, it’s more than just a passing fad. Following the international craze, Bollywood beauties like Disha Patani, Kriti Sanon, the Kapoor sisters – Khushi and Janhvi – have joined the clique and released sizzling social media posts highlighting their desirable physique and waif-thin waist. Designer Anohita of the fashion label Khaddar shares some useful tips that both Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities use to make their appearance look slimmer for red carpet-events. She says, “Most celebrities love to wear deep necklines, high waist skirts, and pants and monotones as it makes you look longer and slimmer. Structured blazers, corset tops, and tailored trousers can help sculpt your waist and create clean lines. Embrace peplum tops, jackets, and dresses for a feminine and flattering silhouette. The flared fabric around the waistline adds volume and creates the illusion of a smaller waist. One of the quick ways to achieve a narrow waist look is by dividing the outfit into three parts and wearing a crop top or a tucked-in top with a blazer for a clean finish. One can also wear a push-up bra and butt pads to make the bust and hip look curvy, and the waist looks automatically narrow.”

Focus on footwear

Trends may change every season, but it is important to only endorse healthy fashion trends, and one shouldn’t have to go to extreme lengths or dieting or surgeries to look slim. Thankfully, fashion is a solution for everything, says Jeetinder Sandhu, founder and designer of accessories label Jeetinder Sandhu. He mentions, “One can use fashion accessories wisely to create an optical illusion and highlight the body part they want to flaunt; shoes play an important role in that as they can create an elongated and slimmer effect. Go for heels, platforms, and pencils. Both are cool as long as you feel comfortable walking in it. Pick heels in neutral shades, and nudes that match your skin tone to look slimmer at the waist. Ankle strap heels are also a great option, choose the dainty and thin straps to make the waist look visually sculpted. And, avoid boots, as they make you look shorter.”

Achieving a sculpted waistline through fashion is not just about finding the right garments; it’s also about understanding how to use clothing strategically to enhance your natural curves and create the illusion of a slimmer waist. Designer Felix Bendish says the fastest way to make the waist look thinner is by adding a V curve at the waistline. He says, “If you have a high-waist pants or skirt and you shape it in a V cut, it will give the illusion of a thinner waist.” Choosing high-waist bottoms like skirts, pants, and denim shorts can also help in creating the effect of a smaller waist by accentuating the narrowest part of your midsection. Invest in shapewear or waist-cinching undergarments to smooth out any lumps or bumps and create a streamlined silhouette.

Sexy Waistline

Celebs flaunting the sculpted waist trend include Disha Patani, Kriti Sanon, Khushi Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift Zendaya, Dua Lipa, and Kia Gerber to name a few.

Pick heels in neutral shades, and nudes that match your skin tone to look slimmer at the waist.” — Jeetinder Sandhu, founder & designer, Jeetinder Sandhu

Look for clothing with strategic seaming, darts, or ruching that can help create the illusion of a smaller waist.” — Rina Dhaka, senior designer