Waistbands on both jeans and trousers will be headed north as the year moves on.

Just when you were getting used to the feeling of wearing waistbands on your waist, the fashion industry has decided to move things up.

Waistbands on both jeans and trousers will be headed north as the year moves on. At New York Fashion Week this month, designers showed plenty of higher-waisted jeans and trousers. And just as there were tricks and tips to making lowriders flattering, there are definite dos and don’ts for high waists, too.

¢ Plan the right top. The most flattering way is to use a tie-front blouse that can be unbuttoned, or a billowy sleeve that accentuates the waistline, says Ann Watson, vice president and fashion director at upscale Manhattan retailer Henri Bendel.

¢ High heels still rule. Try a cylinder heel, Watson suggested, and don’t throw away your platform shoes just yet. High heels still can help keep the look lean, and reduce the chances you’ll end up looking stout.

¢ Pay attention to your own shape. High-waisted pants are good for hourglass figures or straight, athletic figures because they create a waistline, Watson says, while bell bottoms still have a slimming effect through the hips and thighs. The most universally flattering style? A pant that sits on the natural waist, or even slightly lower, is good for almost every figure.

¢ Don’t like any of it? Don’t worry, the look won’t last forever. Experts think that there’ll be skinny trousers six months from now. But 18 months from now, they predict that the vintage “boyfriend fit” will come back, complete with holes and distressed denim.