Summer bridging piece: white jeans
April 30th, 2008Nothing shouts Spring and Summer quite like the perfect pair of white jeans. It’s an absolute must in your wardrobe if you enjoy wearing denim. White jeans are the perfect bridging piece because they instantly make black and brown tops look Summery. Ensembles look fresh and contemporary when you add a white pair of bottoms and it’s one of my favourite warm weather looks. Buy white jeans and you’ve increased the ROI of your wardrobe.
You don’t need to be ultra slim to wear white jeans or pants. This is a fallacy. A flattering pair of pants or jeans is not about the colour, it’s about the fit and fabric. Denim is an especially good choice of fabric for white pants because it’s thick, 100% cotton, easy to launder and doesn’t require lining. Standard 5-pocket denim detailing is also easier to wear than side-entry pocket detailing because they don’t add bulk. I’ve popped loads of plus sized ladies and pretty pear shaped gals into white jeans and they look incredible.
White jeans are everywhere right now. Brands like Elie Tahari, the Loft, NYDJ’s, Joes, Hudson, Old Navy, Diesel, Gap, Seven for all Mankind Levis, David Kahn, Esprit and Mango are to name but a few. White does get dirty quickly, but that’s what washing machines are for. It’s worth it.
An assortment of white jeans in different cuts. Wide-legged white jeans are fun, but dramatic and eye-catching. Be prepared to stand out. I have two pairs of white jeans: bootcuts and skinnies. I wear them all Summer long and they feel magical each time I put them on.
April 30th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I’m so messy that I avoid white pants altogether. Angie - Do you bleach your pairs to keep them bright and clean? Or are you just better at not spilling on yourself?
April 30th, 2008 at 8:00 am
What does ROI stand for?
April 30th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I love white jeans, they are so versatile! I had a few pairs but I had to retire them due to various issues, so now I’m on the hunt for new ones. I recently got a pair of cream (not white) Paige bootcuts and those are awaiting for hemming. I am still looking for a pair of white skinnies to wear with shirtdresses and a pair of wider-legs. What type of cut of wide-legged jeans do you think is more versatile and easier to wear: a more flared one like 7’s Ginger or a one with wide leggs throughout like Paige’s Hillhurst? Thanks!
April 30th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Thank you Tanya for the idea of putting white skinny jeans with a shirtdress. I just got the Chaps Black Sateen shirtdress from Kohls.com. With that in mind, what would you all do…button that up, or wear open over a tank? Mind is going like crazy thinking of the possibilites!
April 30th, 2008 at 8:19 am
These look amazing, but with the price of quality denim I think I’d better stick to hunting for one pair of fab dark wash jeans, possibly two (one for heels and one for flats). Someday I’ll add these to my wardrobe.
April 30th, 2008 at 8:24 am
That dress is very cute Nan. i would wear it in to general ways: buttoned up, also with a bright belt or unbuttoned trough the waist ( forming a deep V)over a light/colorful tank. If you go over to the forum you’ll find pictures of some us wearing shirtdresses over skinnies in these both ways.
April 30th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I’m with you on the versatility factor, Tanya. It doesn’t get more versatile than a white pair of jeans when the weather is warm. I’d stick to flares instead of jeans that are wide throughout the leg. I tend to find them more flattering on all body types. I’m having multiple wide-legged weary moments this season.
My white jeans get washed after a wear or two. They seldom last three wears. I’m sure I’m no more careful than you Jennifer. I’m an urbanite who walks around in city dirt all day and takes her dogs for walks in white jeans too. I’m also the girl that sports a cream trench and loads of pairs of cream shoes. It is what it is!
April 30th, 2008 at 9:37 am
http://www.martinandosa.com/we.....=1410_5093
i just got my first pair of white jeans and i love them. What i like about this style is that they have a slightly frayed hem, so they look a little worn.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Careful at Starbuck’s! LOL Sorry, I’m talking about myself more!
I’d love a pair, but most of my wardrobe is black…I guess it would match then! LOL
April 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Lisa, what is the rise on those Martin and Osa jeans? do they stretch a lot, etc?
April 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Tanya, where did you get the cream jeans? I haven’t found any anywhere.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I found my whiteish creamish pants at the Gap 2 years ago and they’re still going strong, but they do get dirty fast. I’m sure taking public transportation has something to do with that though.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
As always, Angie is right on the money with her advice: this time it’s about white jeans. Another gal pal of mine just mentioned I should get a pair and then - whamo! - Angie posts her smart take on this look and how to make it work for every style and body type!
April 30th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I bought a pair of Not Your Daughter`s Jeans in dark blue, but I`m going to go back and get them in white and black too. I have a pair of Dana Buckman white jeans that have worn very well, but the fit is excellent on this other type.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Ana, BR came out with cream straight leg jeans yesterday. Try them and let us know what you think.
Anka, I have several funky clients that rock their NYDJ’s in blue and white denim. They wear fab tunics, girly tops and killer jackets with them and look super duper. Add a pair of dressy flats and you’re ready to see the Queen. They get my thumbs up for sure.
I’m glad there are white denim fans out there. It’s made my day. Enjoy your new white jeans Lisa!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Ana, unfortnately I got them on smartbargains 6-8 weeks ago, and they’re out of them now. Angie, thanks for the tip, I’ll look at the Gingers then.
April 30th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Angie, thanks for the tip on BR. They aren’t up on the site yet, but I will head down there ASAP and see if I can find them at the store. Our BR gets things rather late.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:43 am
I *love* my white jeans. I found them in my favorite Goodwill - new without tags, slight flare, with flap pockets (my favorite!), and from Banana Republic. $5. Yeah. And I rock them with so many different colors and styles! I don’t know why the original owner ditched them, but I’m so glad she did!
May 11th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I adore white jeans. I was skeptical at first, because I thought they’d get dirty, but they stay clean for a surprisingly long time. However, until I train my boxer pup NOT to jump on me when he gets excited, I’ll have to leave my white jeans in the closet…
May 15th, 2008 at 7:28 am
[…] An empire blue top with waist-cinching white belt over a pair of white pants shortens the torso beautifully. Middle: A top tucked into a high-waisted pair of pants or skirt […]