The "Hollywood Waist" - tradition and variations

[BirdofSydney]

I have long been interested in this trouser style, the truest version of which, as I understand, places the belt loops at about the hip, but the waistline on the natural waist.

I'm quite sure I've come across an excellent picture of Astaire wearing the style, which I understand typically has no waistband at all, and helps one to dance.

My queries are severalfold: first of all, was this style ever considered to be elegant or desirable amongst non-actors/dancers?; second, was it ever worn with a waistband (I think I have seen such a creature but can't find a picture. The Fedora Lounge seems to think that the term refers solely to the lack of waistband regardless of the beltloop positioning)?; third, and most importantly, would it be a workable look to make a trouser in a similar vein with a wide waistband (2 to 3 inches), and braces buttons on the inside?

I am a young man, reasonably short and quite slight, am playing with ways to wear a high-cut trouser without making myself look shorter still. Positioning braces buttons close to the hip but the waistline somewhat higher would also conceal the leather tabs in part, which dissuade me from wearing braces for fear of breaking up the vertical line, and again making myself look shorter. Naturally, this is not a "Hollywood Waist" by any stretch, but I was inspired by the idea that beltline and waistline need not be the same place.

On the one hand, I think this is a nice little idea, and maybe even one with some provenance. On the other, I fear that it may look too much like a self-cummerbund, or otherwise perverse. I think it would have to be a solid fabric, as stripes would mean reversing the direction for the waistband which would look too flashy by half I fear.

At this moment I wish that I were Fred Astaire or Cary Grant, and could do what I damn well please and "set the agenda" rather than being concerned about precedent. But, that's not the case!

I should be grateful for your opinions.

---Eden

(And, Mr. Alden, please excuse my conflation of the historical discussion with a practical question, I can create separate threads if that would be preferable).