Have we all now spent about a million hours in our leggings and sweats? I’m not saying to totally abandon them, but just about now we may need a sea change in the clothing department. I have been cleaning out the closet as I always do about this time, and I actually had to dust my clothes. How sad is that? I am not wearing leggings for another 30 days straight again.
One kind of pant that I always want to wear in January is the white jean. I wore this combo above today from the back of the closet! I’ve done a few posts about this and I never fail to be motivated by the boost a little white gives the wardrobe. No doubt you have a pair or two. If you are in the market for some new ones, the current look is straight leg with less stretch. Look for thicker material, little or no stretch and a less tight fit for a current feel. I like to pair them with loafers, sneakers or even a boot. Paired with some luxe fabric like a chunky sweater, a tweed jacket, shearling or faux fur and you have a simple California winter chic look.
Below is some inspiration for you to change up that January look. Notice how all these jeans are not tight and are on the thicker side. The less or no stretch versions keep their shape and look more tailored.
Vogue editor Tonne Goodman wears white jeans with a dark upper half every day…
Don’t be afraid to pair contrasting dark shoes or boots to white jeans to make them work in the colder seasons.
Normally I like to go into the store and try on several pairs before I write about them. This year I went on reviews and photos to recommend some pairs that will work for winter.
The classic choice for white denim are these by AGolde for those who like a 11.5 inch rise and mostly cotton…
A classic by Frame a little longer length. Love the quality of all my Frame jeans.
This pair by AGOLDE are 100% cotton. You know they will hold shape.
I also like this wider leg look by Joe’s – 99% cotton.
Others to check out are are these 7 for All Mankind Crops, another pair by Frame, and these lovelies by Rachel Comey.
These white jeans by Old Navy are 99% cotton and seem to have the right shape and length and a raw hem which I like.
I also have these Vintage Straight Jeans by J. Crew and they are a heavy jean that holds its shape.
If you have a nice oversized cable knit or oversized man’s sweater, try that out with your jeans. Don’t be afraid to raid the men closets in your life. So many good sweaters are likely there waiting to be loved!
Other good pairings with white denim … this cotton mock neck sweater. This is a classic piece that would look terrific and very Ralph Lauren with white jeans and a pair of loafers.
This Jeni Kayne chunky knit sweater has been on my radar too. Love the way they show it with these jeans and boots.
I’m a fan of the loafer and white jean combo. These Veronica Beard loafers just got marked down…
I also love the Tory Burch loafer with the horse head chain.
And her backless loafer.
And of course Gucci loafers are a great investment. I think they cost about three times the other loafers, but they will look even better with wear and I would expect this shoe to be something that would look good for a decade at least. So if you want investment pieces for the closet, a classic loafer will never fail you.
They come in a cool off-white now too.
Have a great week and have fun breaking out of the legging rut if you can.
Kim
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I’ve never worn white pants in winter. I guess you’ve given me something to think about. I’ve also never worn loafers 🙂 I love sandals and boots but have a hare time finding shoes I actually like. I’m not sure what my problem is.
Loree, What is your winter look there usually? Is the weather pretty temperate in Malta? I have to say not many people here do white jeans. It’s a lot of leggings here- and regular jeans. I just want to mix things up a bit. xo
LOVE WHITE AND BEIGE TOGETHER…………..
VERY YUMMY TOGETHER!
TURTLENECKS ARE ANOTHER FAVORITE OF MINE however hard to find ones that stay up and do not collapse!
YOU will be an INSPIRATION TO THE STREETS OF YOUR CITY!
XXX
Elizabeth, I agree love white and beiges! I love the Eevrlane mock turtlenecks – but it’s hard to find ones to stay up. You are graced with a long beautiful neck and probably look great in all of them. I doubt if anyone here will see me unless it’s in the grocery line! xo
Love the look of your choices. I just can’t do white jeans, I am a magnet for spills when in white and I feel
they make me look bigger, and even at a size 8 my legs feel big but thats my problem! 😂 I love the
sweaters and have my eye on the jenni kayne sweater. I agree with trying to change it up from leggings and joggers!
Hi Char! I know white jeans have to be the right cut and fabric to flatter! I personally have thin legs and still can look not good in tight white jeans. I have found the straight leg is the only way I can wear them, but the majority of white jeans on sale are skinny! Not flattering to anyone really. I have looking at Jenni Kayne’s things for a while and may use some of my Christmas money to buy a nice sweater. Happy New Year!
Hi Kim,
Well you’ve convinced me! I will try really hard to stay clean and tidy all day in white. I couldn’t do it yesterday in my white fisherman’s knit turtleneck. I’m pretty sure there’s a turmeric tea stain and some watercolor on it now. But, recently to add to my stash I did get some pretty cool 7 For All Mankind off-white, cropped, boot cut jeans on super sale. They are only a little bit cropped on me, I think they will work with booties. I love a good turtleneck too, as long as the cut is right and the neck is high enough. I haven’t yet found a mock turtle neck that looks really good on me. You, on the other hand, look fabulous in everything! Aren’t you looking forward to actually wearing some of our clothes out of the house?!! It will probably be spring before I will feel really secure about going out and about,, and by then, alas, sweaters and boots will go back into the closet. Unless we have a cold spring, who knows?
I hope your week in this brand new year is going well. Stay healthy, hope I can see you soon!
Xo Heidi
Heidi, You are cracking me up.I love the & For All Mankind. They make great jeans so that was a good find. I agree the bootcut crop is perfect for booties.I like some turtlenecks… It’s hit and miss when your neck starts getting saggy as mine is. Some cover- and some make it look worse! You are sadly probably right that any time I can really wear things ‘out’ to places besides the grocery, it will likely be spring-or god forbid summer. I am dreaming perhaps a bit. Just done with our bland reality! Happy New Year Heidi!!
The ways you’ve styled your white jeans are really lovely Kim …. stylish and classic! I would buy your coat in a heartbeat although I’m not sure it would suit me as much as it does you!
I agree that they’re better when the fabric is heavier in a straight style Jean …. I also love the wider crops.
I’ve worn mine with black and camel in the Winter as long as I’m sure it’ll be a dry day! Black splashes on the back of white jeans are often tough to remove!!
Have a lovely weekend!
Rosemary xxx
Rosemary thank you. I just am so done with the leggings! I also love the wider crops and just was looking for some for spring! I love black and camel the best with white jeans- such a cool look. Sadly, as you said the dark bits on the back from splashes are on all of mine. I must be a magnet for puddles. You definatly have to take more care wearing white pants! I fins I get grease on them from getting our of the car too. Happy weekend! xo
Love theses looks. If I were going somewhere I’d buy white pants. It will have to wait for next year. I loved the coat. Great looks!!!
Thanks Sandra! Take care and I loved your video and blog- so inspiring. Happy New Year! xo
White jeans with cable knit sweaters are the chicest look and remind me of Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give. You inspired me to order the JCrew sweater in natural and black. I’m not sure I’m ready to get into white jeans yet … I need a couple of weeks on my return-to-sanity eating plan first. I think my closet my need a little dusting as well. xo