Spring Outfit Idea: Smart Casual With White Jeans
Where did the week go?? Can you believe we’re already halfway through March? 🙀 Even though our weather the last few days has been wet and blustery, I’ve got spring outfits on the brain. I always love a tonal look, and put together this spring outfit with white jeans and a beige/ecru cardigan.
A white jeans outfit for spring
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Jeans – Petite 29
These are the Madewell darted-leg jeans, which are currently 25% off during the Insiders Event. (They finally added Petite sizing in this color, as well as Tall and Plus sizes!) The color here, “Vintage Canvas,” is a slightly creamy off-white which works well for Springs, Autumns, and most Summers. Winters, here’s a similar style in your optic white, from Lands’ End (also on sale).
👉 Style tip: I almost always size up in white jeans, and did so with these. It’s a personal preference, but I think white or light-colored bottoms look better when the fit is slightly more relaxed. And while these are nicely opaque, if you’re worried about your underwear showing through, go with nude underwear, not white.
While I love a light neutral outfit for spring, white jeans also play well with navy, and with bright colors. I tend to avoid an all-white look, which can feel a bit…medical (unless you’re attending one of those “en blanc” type events).
I love this Betty cardigan with the contrast trim! It’s available in lots of other colors too. These little cardigans (or sweater-jackets) are some of the hardest-working pieces in my wardrobe, and are great for travel! They run true-to-size.
Here are a few similar styles:
Talbot’s | J.Crew | Ann Taylor | & Other Stories | Quince (organic cotton) | Quince (cashmere) | Quince (ribbed cashmere, longer length) | J.Crew
Do you wear white or off-white jeans? What’s your favorite outfit combo?
Getting my Paris fix…
I’ll be heading to Paris toward the end of next month, and can’t wait! But in the meantime, the next best thing is the latest My French Country Home Box. This quarterly subscription gift box is the brainchild of Sharon Santoni of My French Country Home. Sharon hand selects all of the uniquely French items from local companies and artisans. The theme of the most recent box is “A French Bistrot,” and includes lovely items to make your table feel like that lovely little spot on a side street in Paris.
Included in this box:
- Set of 2 lovely, high-quality placemats and napkins from Le Jacquard Français (my everyday tableware has a mix of blue and red borders, so these will work brilliantly)
- Bright salt & pepper mills from Peugeot
- A pretty covered butter dish from Côté Table (great for serving butter soft at room temperature)
- From Bazardeluxe, a beautiful coffee or tea mug
- Zinc place markers by Un Esprit En Plus and a chalk marker (LOVE these!)
- Estoublon olive oil from Provence!
- An antique silver butter knife
- An art print card by Joanna Maclennan
It’s so fun opening the box and unwrapping the gifts inside, and discovering new French brands! The next box will be sent out in May, so there’s still time to order. These unique subscription boxes make great gifts for holidays, housewarmings, Mothers’ Day…
The sales not to miss…
Everlane – Friends & Family, 25% off sitewide
Talbot’s – 40% off 1 item, 30% off everything else (code SPRING)
Madewell – Insiders Event, 25% off
Eileen Fisher – Spring event, save up to $100 with code SPRING25
Bon weekend!
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I am going to Paris too! Mid-April for me! One of the things I already booked is a visit to this exhibit… https://www.lecolevancleefarpels.com/fr/en
It’s free but you need a reservation which is not difficult to get and then…voila!…lots of beautiful things to see.
Hi Nancy, oh wow, that looks amazing! I’m bookmarking that one, thanks. I’m also planning to visit the upcoming Cartier exhibition at the V&A in London, should be spectacular.
Once again, you hit it right out of the park, great outfit! Can’t wait to see your travel wardrobe. I have a Sezane Betty question, can you tell me when they launch new colors? I have black which I love but would like to have a color. They have a few for winters but only in the smallest sizes. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Arlene! I never know when they’re going to add new colors. I just keep checking every few weeks.
I can’t wait to hear more about your trip to Paris. I am going myself in early May.
I’m interested in how you navigated the new visa-ish thing for travel to France. Did the airline notify you? Did you go to some still existing government bureau to apply? I don’t know anyone who’s done it yet and we are thinking of going back to our beloved Italy. Many thanks.
Hi Liz, the EU visa system is not in effect yet. I did need to do an advance visa for the UK through their ETA system. It costs about $13 for a two-year pass. https://uketa.com/
If you are referring to ETIAS, they’ve pushed it off to late 2026. I’ve been watching it as we have travel planned for later this year. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/eu-delays-etias-again-smart-travel-move-or-a-new-bureaucratic-disaster-for-tourists/
Thanks. Appreciate your letting me know. I’m too distracted by world events to see the trees in the forest.
Love this look on you. I also size up in ecru/white jeans to make them a bit slouchier. Have a fantastic trip.
Thanks so much, K!
I love white and ecru jeans too! They mix so well with just about every color and always feel just a tick more distinctive than wearing regular blue jeans (no matter how pricey).
We’re off to southern France in 3 weeks and I’m debating whether to bring light jeans in my bag (carryon only)- love the look but fear the stain factor…enjoy Paris, which as you know in April can run the gamut weather wise!
Hi Elizabeth, thanks! I usually don’t travel with light bottoms, but if you will have access to laundry facilities, you might be ok.
Hi Susan,
Re. Sezane colours in general.
Please can you advise which would best suit Light Summers?
Many thanks
Hi Angela, while Sézane tends to lean into more earthy, Autumnal colors, Summers can always wear Chambray (shirts, jeans, jackets), Washed Blue (Betty cardigan), most of the white blouses, and some navy pieces.
Susan, can you share the size you wear in the Betty Cardigans please? The outfit is stunning on you!
Hi Cynthia, thanks! I’m wearing the Small.
Gorgeous camaïeu outfit, so masterfully put together—the cardi brings a perfect polished-but-not-formal vibe. How do you care for your Bettys? Normally I won’t dry clean wool as it can change the hand; merino especially ends up greasy and stiff. But I’ve been hesitant to hand wash mine—although the label recommends—as I’m not sure if it will mess up the pocket flaps and collar. I really want to order the denim blue colour you link to above but need to sort out care first. Appreciate any advice you can share, thank you!
Hi Iona, thanks so much! I’ve dry-cleaned mine, and haven’t noticed any change in the fabric hand or texture.