Kyle, have you tried more of a mid-high rise? Some high rises are lower than others. Are you wearing the right foundation wear? Higher rises look and feel better with high rise knickers, IYKWIM - the waistlines are in the same place.
I've dressed you, and can't imagine the high rise not working. Perhaps it's the silhouette of the jeans. Too skinny? Have you tried a more fluid leg fit?
Also, wearing a low contrast top creates vertical integrity with the high rise. Something you might want to try first.
Personally, I had to get used to the high rises all over again four years ago, and I took it slow. I have a short rise so bottoms are high rise on me quite quickly. Now, I love it! And want all my jeans and pants to be high rise because I do a lot of tucking and semi-tucking, and that looks the most on trend - (granted, I like my jeans to be the trendy part of my style). If you don't tuck - it makes no difference how low the rise is. There is never a need to follow a trend for the sake of it. Don't let fashion boss you around. But if you want to try a trend because it appeals to you in some way - why not!
FWIW, as I go through this high rise change with my clients - some LOVE it right away, some need to get used to it, and others say no thank you. You do not need to have a flat midsection to wear the style. That's a dated style concept in my mind. But you DO have to feel fabulous wearing the silhouette. Maybe you need to get used to it Kyle, or maybe you'll stick to mid rises.
Here are the high rises in my wardrobe and I want to get more:
