Emma Roberts’ Secret to Elongating a Petite Frame with High-Waisted Jeans

Since her early days in Hollywood, Emma Roberts has curated a signature aesthetic defined by one reliable “uniform”: the perfect pair of jeans elevated by a thoughtful choice of footwear.

For the petite dresser—Emma Roberts stands at just 5ft 1½ in (156.2 cm)—her wardrobe offers a perennial masterclass in proportion. By favoring high-waisted silhouettes, cropped hems, and vintage-inspired cuts, she demonstrates how even small adjustments to rise, hemline, or heel height can visually elongate the frame and redefine the silhouette.

Focusing on her street-style evolution in Los Angeles and New York during the early-to-mid 2010s, this retrospective guide explores Emma Roberts’ most effective denim-and-shoe pairings.

From ’80s-inspired denim with metallic sandals to the elongating power of high-rise skinnies with pointed-toe flats, these styling strategies remain as effective today as they were a decade ago. Here is how Emma Roberts masters the art of the casual-chic ensemble.

Emma Roberts’ ’80s-Inspired High-Rise Skinny Jeans With Metallic Block-Heel Sandals

While fashion often celebrates bold choices, Emma Roberts proves that timeless simplicity can be just as impactful. A known vintage lover, she once shared, “I love vintage shopping, I think it’s really fun. And I love the feeling of finding the most amazing piece for less.”

On this occasion, she embraced an effortlessly cool ‘80s-inspired look, pairing high-waisted jeans with a sleek black top. A masterclass in understated elegance, this outfit highlights how classic staples never go out of style.

Emma Roberts tucks her blonde hair behind her ears for a shopping run on April 7, 2014, in West Hollywood (Credit: Revolutionpix / WENN)

Emma wore a black fitted scoop-neck, long-sleeved top, and high-waisted jeans from Paper Denim & Cloth. The separates were no-fuss and the kind you can easily find in your closet. Do you like how the actress styled her jeans?

Emma Roberts masters casual-chic style in cuffed high-rise jeans and a fitted black top, elevating the look with metallic two-tone block-heeled sandals (Credit: Revolutionpix / WENN)

Julia Roberts’s niece punctuated the look with black Made Eyewear Skylar sunnies and a black mini bag.

Emma Roberts sports stylish sunglasses while shopping at Kate Spade in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, on April 7, 2014 (Credit: Revolutionpix / WENN)

The “Scream Queens” actress finished her ensemble with ankle-strap sandals.

Emma Roberts’s feet in metallic silver-and-cognac-colored sandals (Credit: Revolutionpix / WENN)

Emma cuffed her jeans to highlight her metallic silver-and-cognac block-heeled sandals, adding a casual yet polished touch. With her love for denim and stylish footwear, she joins the ranks of Hollywood’s best-dressed stars who effortlessly master this laid-back trend.

Emma isn’t the only celebrity who loves the combination of denim and statement footwear. From effortlessly polished to bohemian-inspired, here’s how other stylish A-listers put their own spin on this versatile pairing.

Whether you prefer classic sophistication, boho vibes, or modern edge, the jeans-and-sandals combination is a timeless staple.

Emma Roberts’s feet in block-heeled ankle-strap sandals (Credit: Revolutionpix / WENN)

This look is easy enough to duplicate. Just grab a simple black top and some skinny jeans from your closet, and pair both pieces with an eye-catching pair of sandals.

Emma Roberts isn’t just about fashion—she also loves to make a statement. She once shared, “I want to constantly be surprising people with different roles,” and that extends to her wardrobe as well.

In this effortlessly chic look, she pairs high-waisted jeans with a slogan tee that embodies empowerment. It’s a reminder that fashion can be both stylish and meaningful.

Emma Roberts’ Feminist Tee With High-Waisted Straight-Leg Jeans and Ballet Flats

Emma Roberts leaving Nine Zero One Salon with new hair extensions in Los Angeles on February 9, 2016 (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

Emma Roberts showcased her feminist stance in a chic errand-day outfit. The Scream Queens actress wore a shirt with the empowering slogan, “Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman.”

The Unfabulous actress paired her Blooming Dreamer “Feminist” ringer tee with AG Jeans x Alexa Chung “Sabine” high-waisted straight-leg jeans featuring an ‘AC for AG’ patch on the back.

Emma Roberts wearing a feminist slogan tee that reads “Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman” with Alexa Chung’s Sabine high-rise jeans from AG (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

We love this casual look because Emma wore it so well. She accessorized with Charlotte Olympia embroidered velvet kitty flats, Ray-Ban “Rb3016 Clubmaster” sunglasses, and a leopard-print Jerome Dreyfuss “Bobi” shoulder bag.

Shortly after, she was seen leaving the salon sporting a fresh new hairdo. We’d wear this entire outfit any day!

Emma Roberts nails casual street style in hand-distressed, light-wash high-rise jeans, pairing them effortlessly with a vintage-inspired ringer tee and chic black ballet flats (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

For petite women aiming to emulate Emma Roberts’s chic denim ensembles, selecting the right combination of jeans and footwear is essential to enhance and elongate the frame.

How Emma Roberts Uses High-Waisted Jeans and Shoes to Elongate a Petite Frame

High-waisted jeans are a staple in Emma’s wardrobe, as they create the illusion of longer legs—a technique particularly beneficial for those with shorter statures. Opting for styles like boot-cut or flared jeans can further accentuate this effect, as their slight flare balances proportions and adds length to the silhouette. It’s crucial to choose jeans that are the correct length; overly long jeans can overwhelm a petite frame, while too-short cuts may disrupt the desired elongating effect.

When it comes to footwear, nude shoes are a versatile choice that can seamlessly blend with your skin tone, creating a continuous line that makes the legs appear longer. This approach is especially effective when paired with dresses or skirts, but it can also complement high-waisted jeans to enhance the overall lengthening effect.

For those seeking specific denim recommendations, brands like Reiss offer mid-rise slim cropped jeans available in petite lengths, ensuring a flattering fit without the need for alterations. Check out some of the best skinny jeans for petites for more styling inspiration.

By thoughtfully selecting jean styles and pairing them with the right footwear, petite women can confidently recreate Emma Roberts’s effortlessly cool denim looks, achieving a balanced and elongated silhouette.

Emma has always been drawn to pieces that highlight her petite frame, noting, “Because I’m very petite, I try not to wear things that have a heavy pattern because I feel like they overtake you.”

That’s why high-waisted skinny jeans are a natural choice for her, elongating her legs and creating a sleek silhouette. But are they for everyone? Let’s take a closer look at how she styled them.

Emma Roberts’ High-Waisted Skinny Jeans Styled With Combat Boots

Emma Roberts chats on the phone while running errands in Beverly Hills on October 29, 2010, seemingly unfazed by a man in a crocodile mask behind her (Credit: Beiny / Fu / WENN)

Emma Roberts was spotted in Beverly Hills on October 29, 2010, wrapping up a shopping trip while taking a call. A mysterious figure in a crocodile mask appeared in the background, adding a quirky Hollywood touch.

Emma Roberts looked stylish in a pink ballerina button-down sweater, black combat boots, and high-waisted jeans.

Emma Roberts embraces a modern feminine edge, pairing high-waisted black skinny jeans with a tied pink cardigan and rugged lace-up combat boots for a chic off-duty look (Credit: Beiny / Fu / WENN)

It’s easy to make anything look pretty on Emma Roberts’ skinny and petite frame, but how do you feel about high-waisted jeans per se? Do you love ’em or loathe ’em?

I would be willing to try Emma Roberts’ jeans if only they weren’t so skinny. High-waisted flare denim jeans are ’70s retro-cute, but these skinny leggings are sausage casings disguised in denim.

If you like Emma Roberts’ jeans, though, they are these high-waist skinny jeans in jet black from Current/Elliott:

Current/Elliott High-Waist Skinny Jeans in Jet Black

Running errands doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Emma keeps it casual while incorporating luxurious touches, such as a designer bag or statement boots.

She once said, “I love dressing up. It’s the best part of being a girl, I think.” And even in everyday wear, she finds ways to add just the right amount of polish.

Emma Roberts’ Errand-Day Style: High-Rise Skinny Jeans and Ankle Boots

We’ve seen quite enough of Emma Roberts’ errand outfits to conclude that she has no qualms about adding something unexpectedly luxurious to her deceptively casual ensembles.

Emma Roberts keeps it effortlessly cool in Rag & Bone/JEAN high-rise skinny jeans, a retro Los Angeles 1984 Olympics tee, and statement snakeskin Rodarte boots (Credit: WENN)

The American actress looked like a girl on a mission (a shopping mission!) as she walked from one place to another, wearing Rag & Bone/JEAN high-rise skinny jeans in coal.

She maintained the laid-back theme of the jeans by pairing them with a Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics t-shirt.

Emma Roberts out shopping wearing snakeskin boots and a 1984 Summer Olympics t-shirt in Los Angeles on May 7, 2014 (Credit: WENN)

You would think she’d choose sneakers to complete the look, but no. The American Horror Story star opted for a pair of Rodarte ankle boots. And as if to further underscore her celebrity status, she carried a black Fendi Peekaboo mini bag.

Rag & Bone/JEAN High Rise Skinny Jeans, $176.00

We’d likely reserve the shoes and the bag for a more memorable event (unless we’re breaking them in!).

They’re far too gorgeous to be relegated to errand day staples. But that’s just us. For Emma, there’s probably nothing like Rodarte to transform a bland look into a more stylish one.

Emma Roberts continues to prove her knack for effortlessly stylish outfits. Whether she’s running errands or heading out in West Hollywood, she knows how to strike the perfect balance between casual and chic.

Emma Roberts’ Casual West Hollywood Look With High-Waisted Jeans and Oxfords

In March 2014, the actress, model, and singer was spotted in West Hollywood running errands.

Emma Roberts wearing a graphic mixed-media crop top by AQUA (Credit: WENN)

Emma Roberts was dressed casually, wearing a graphic mixed-media crop top by AQUA and high-waisted skinny jeans by Current/Elliott.

Emma Roberts in West Hollywood on March 19, 2014, wearing a patterned top and copper shoes (Credit: WENN)

She carried a Coach Legacy Mini Tanner crossbody bag and completed the outfit with rose-gold India oxfords by Penelope and Coco.

Emma Roberts completes her look with rose-gold India oxfords by Penelope and Coco (Credit: WENN)

Emma Roberts’ Shoe Choices Complete Her Denim-First Style Formula

From high-waisted jeans and straight-leg silhouettes to skinnies and cropped cuts, Emma Roberts consistently proves that the right footwear is what truly defines a look.

Whether she’s reaching for pointed-toe heels to elongate her petite frame, classic flats for polished errands, or sneakers for off-duty ease, her shoe choices are never an afterthought—they’re the finishing touch that pulls every denim outfit together.

For a closer look at how Emma styles everything from heels to flats beyond her jeans looks, explore more of her standout shoe and fashion moments below.