4 easy outfit ideas with white (and off-white) jeans

Whether you save your white jeans for summertime, or wear them year-round, they’re an easy way to freshen up a casual outfit. Here I’ve styled some of my favorite pairs of white and off-white jeans to create four easy outfits to wear now & later.

White and off-white jeans have been a perennial in my wardrobe for some years now. They’re a great way to brighten up an outfit, and often look more polished than blue denim. These days, I prefer my white and off-white jeans with a relaxed fit through the legs. Not only does that fit feel more modern and current, but it’s also more comfortable, especially on warmer days.

Whatever style you prefer, look for fabric that’s thick enough to be opaque. And while we’re often advised to buy jeans a little snug at first, I think white jeans look best when they’re not skin tight.

Easy outfit ideas with white jeans

To be honest, once I started playing with white jeans outfit combos, I easily came up with a dozen or more. But due to time constraints, I’ve narrowed it down to this “fab four.” (I’d also hoped to get some nice outdoor pictures, but the weather has been gloomy and the light yucky for photos.)

1. Stripes & color

I bought these Mother “The Ditcher” jeans last year and almost didn’t keep them because I wasn’t crazy about the button fly. But I liked the fit and feel of the jeans so much, I decided to keep them and wear them often when I want a change up from blue denim. And I got used to the buttons.

The jacket is one of my favorite styles from Kettlewell Colours. It’s a cotton knit, so very comfortable and would travel well. If you have been stymied trying to find items in your color palette, they have a great selection of basics like tees, sweaters, and jackets. And you can narrow your search by seasonal palette. (Tall friends, you can find some longer tops there too.)

Magpie that I am, I couldn’t pass up these sparkly gold espadrilles (made in Spain). They run true-to-size.

2. Texture & linen

These are the J.Crew “slouchy boyfriend” jeans, previously shown HERE. These have a similar fit to the Mother Ditcher, but the fabric is a little more rigid, which adds some structure. They’re currently marked way down with code WEEKEND. They seem to run true to size for a relaxed fit. I’m wearing the Petite 28, which is currently sold out, but I’ve seen this style be restocked before. Most Regular sizes still available.

I wanted to add some texture to this look, so styled with a cotton crochet tank/vest, and cork-effect sandals. I added a colorful linen 3/4 sleeve shirt as a lightweight top layer.

3. Silky print top

If you’d told me a year ago that one of my new favorite pairs would be a wide leg style, I wouldn’t have believed you, but “never say never.” These are from Madewell, and they’ve won me over. I love the fit, and the fabric is substantial, with just enough stretch. The “tile white” color is a slightly creamy white, not an optic white. They’re available in Standard, Petite, Plus, Tall, and Taller (!) lengths.

When it’s too warm to layer, a lightweight print top is one of my go-to’s. This one’s a custom piece from Amanda Thompson Couture (bought last year in London) but here are some other styles to consider:

4. Nautical navy

(I have to confess…this one’s my favorite!) I was going for a simple “coastal chic” look, and this combo hit that sweet spot. These are the same wide-leg jeans as above. The sweater…I’m absolutely smitten with it! It’s a mixed-stitch cotton knit, and an open weave on the raglan sleeves keeps it cooler. (And more visually interesting.) The navy color isn’t too dark for a Spring, though Winters could probably wear it too. (Also available in white.) I went with the vacation-vibe flat gold sandals, and a classic canvas tote.

(These sandals in gold seem to be almost sold out. Here’s one with a similar look.)

More cotton sweaters:

Wearing and caring for your white jeans

Undergarments: even if your jeans are pretty opaque, I recommend wearing nude rather than white underwear. By “nude,” I mean “a close match to your skin tone.”

The best white for your palette:

• Winters, you’ll want to stick with a bright, optic white.
• Summers, while your white is a bit softer, you can probably get away with a bright white jean. (For a denim jacket though, go a little softer.)
• Springs and Autumns, opt for creamy white, ivory, ecru. Winter’s optic white will look to harsh with the rest of your palette.

Clean jeans. Yes, white (and light-colored) jeans and pants will show dirt more readily. I’ve learned not to sweat the odd smudge here and there, and will spot clean as much as possible rather than wash. For stains, try a spritz of Oxi-clean spray. I wash my white jeans in cold water, a minimal amount of detergent, and no bleach (though I’ll sometimes use a little Oxi-clean powder). Line dry, in the sun if you can.

Do you wear white jeans? What’s your favorite style?

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.