Searching for shorts that flatter your figure can be challenging. That’s why we’ve taken some time to do the work for you. We’ve compiled a list of high-waisted shorts with leg-lengthening prowess and waist-cinching magic. Our top picks are ideal for enhancing your silhouette and serving as the foundation for all your summer outfits.
These versatile bottoms pair well with anything, from casual t-shirts to tucked-in blouses, making them suitable for various occasions. Whatever your preference—whether it’s classic denim cutoffs, breezy linen shorts or a comfy cotton pair—we have you covered. Below are high-waisted shorts from brands like Agolde, Levi’s and Good American to carry you through the summer.
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Agolde Stella Short
Agolde’s Stella Short features a cinched high waist and a relaxed silhouette, providing room through the thigh area for ultimate comfort. What’s better is that they get softer with every wash. Note that they do run large, so size down for the perfect fit.
With distressing throughout, these vintage-inspired shorts have a lot of character. They’re a classic style from Levi’s that will never go out of style.
These paper bag shorts will make a chic addition to your summer wardrobe. Pair them with a crisp white tee for a laid-back look or dress them up, with a flowy blouse for a night out.
If you’ve ever been to ESSENCE Hollywood House, you know it’s more than just a series of panels—it’s a gathering of visionaries. A space where Black creatives and leaders come together to share stories, strategies, and solutions. This year’s conversation, Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City, presented by AT&T, was no different.
The discussion brought together three voices, each deeply invested in shaping LA’s future: D. Smoke, the Grammy-nominated rapper and educator; Olympia Auset, founder of SÜPRMRKT, a grocery service tackling food apartheid in LA; and DJ HED, a radio personality and advocate for independent artists. Though their paths differed, their mission was the same—creating opportunities, protecting culture, and ensuring Black spaces in LA don’t just survive but thrive.
For Olympia Ausset, the work she’s doing with SÜPRMRKT goes far beyond providing fresh groceries—it’s about laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier community. “The LA we love, the cultural beacon it’s known as today, was built by people who worked hard to create their own spaces,” she shared. “The reason I do what I do is because it’s essential. We can’t achieve any of the changes I want for my community without being in good health and having access to affordable, organic food. Without places where we can gather, heal, and support each other, none of the other goals will be possible. It starts with taking care of ourselves and building those spaces together.”
From Olympia’s focus on wellness and accessibility to DJ HED’s belief in the power of self-worth, the discussion explored what it means to dream beyond individual success and invest in collective progress. “I see a lot of people who aren’t proud of where they come from, what they look like, or where they’re at in life,” he said. “I had to learn to give myself grace, to grow. I grew up in Inglewood, raised by a single mom. We lived in a car, we were on welfare, but I knew I wanted to be bigger than my circumstances. That’s what dreaming in Black is—believing in something greater and nurturing it until it grows.”
DJ Smoke also touched on this, emphasizing the importance of intention and fulfillment. “You don’t want to climb that ladder and realize you went real high in the wrong direction,” he warned. “A lot of people in LA are ambitious, but if you don’t understand your ‘why,’ you can get to the top and still feel empty. The goal isn’t just to make it—it’s to make it mean something.
Sometimes, as Black creatives, we only dream as far as the next gig or the next check, but dreaming in Black means going beyond that. “It means thinking bigger than what’s right in front of you,” said host Donye Taylor.
This conversation was a call to action – a reminder that preserving LA’s Black culture means investing in community, honoring our history, and building a legacy that lasts.
