As spring weather finds its groove, the urge to lighten things up outfitting-wise is hard to resist. Heavy boots give way to delicate flats, sweaters to breezy tops, and dark-wash denim shifts into shades of white.
The truth is white jeans (in all their variations) work year-round.
They feel crisp and chic in winter and autumn, but there’s something especially fresh and rejuvenating about wearing them for spring.
Like traditional blue denim, white jeans come in a range of shapes and cuts. From relaxed straight legs to slim pencil styles and low-slung, loose pairs, the options are abundant. If you haven’t yet ventured into white denim territory, consider this your sign to start this season.
Here’s a rundown of some trending white denim silhouettes and styling options.
First up, relaxed straight-leg white jeans. This silhouette is by far the most approachable and wearable. Consider these an alternative to white trousers and wear a pair like Gap Factory’s High Rise ‘90s Straight Jeans with a pinstriped button-down, linen blazer, and suede loafers for a casual office outfit. Swap the shirt for a tank and loafers for strappy sandals, but keep the blazer for a chic evening out look.
For something a bit more lounge-appropriate, there are wide-leg white jeans. Gap’s High Rise Stride Weg-leg Ankle jeans have a laid-back ease when worn with a t-shirt and leather flip-flops for days when you might not be leaving the house, but still want to be dressed. You can easily throw on a barn jacket or utility jacket and swap the flippies for ballet flats for any quick errands.
For women under a certain age, I’d recommend experimenting with lower-cut loose white jeans like American Eagle’s AE Dreamy Drape Strigid Low-Rise Baggy Ultra-Wide jeans. You can lean into the boho vibes of these jeans and pair them them with a gingham-print top and crochet mules. Or bring some boyish energy to this lightweight pair and wear with a boxy polo and a chunky sneaker. Finish the latter look with a baseball cap, and the former with a headscarf. Fair warning: This denim silhouette definitely possesses a youthful quality and is best suited for the younger set. However, if you’re feeling brave, it can work for the young at heart in a higher-waisted cut.
From loose to slim, slim white denim like Banana Republic Factory’s High-Rise Skinny Jean calls for equally sharp separates. A bright white pair in this silhouette makes for a great black-and-white look when worn with leather sandals, a belt, and a black knit shell. Or contrast the more fitted cut with something airy and oversized, like a branded sweatshirt, and wear casually with sneakers. With any skinny-esque jeans, you want to pay special attention to proportion.
Another proportional jean silhouette to explore this season is cropped white denim. Land’s End’s Women’s Denim High Rise Wide Leg Crop Jeans have a nautical feel when paired with a striped long-sleeve tee and moccasins. Or channel a ‘90s vibe with a lightweight, yet trim gray sweater, black loafers, and oval sunglasses. I would also style this with a borrow-from-the-boys blazer contrasted with layered jewelry for an androgynous look.
Lastly, we have white barrel leg jeans. Depending on the shade, these can make for a crisp companion for brighter color combinations. Take any trendy color pairing, like pink and cheery red or burgundy and ice blue,, and wear it with bright white jeans, like Target-brand Universal Thread’s High-Rise Barrel Jeans, to really make the color combo pop. Wear with a pink button-down and a red sneaker, or a burgundy loafer with an ice or sky-blue cardigan.
Keeping color in mind, bright white brings a clean, polished element to classic looks, pairing just as easily with neutrals as it does with flashes of color. However, white denim comes in various shades that include tones like ecru or a more sandy hue, which is a softer way into white jeans, if you’re feeling hesitant. However, if you’re looking for a stylish refresh this season, a white jean is a worthy addition to any wardrobe.
