It’s February Signature Style time and today we have guests! We are talking white jeans as our wardrobes could use a little lift near February, and the white jean is the perfect foil for those heavier and more serious sweaters, coats, and boots. I’ll share some ideas for styling yours.
You may think white jeans are best in spring and summer, but once you get into wearing them in the colder months, you’ll love how chic they can look. I usually break mine out about now, pre-spring when I am officially sick of jeans and dark pants and need some light in my wardrobe.
For inspiration, I am sharing images off Pinterest and RomansinRome . Italians always have a way of punctuating their looks with a color, or a great accessory, and no surprise white jeans are one way they make their looks pop!
To make white jeans work in winter- bring them down to earth.
- Mix with neutrals, think black, grey, camel, brown or navy. Save the pinks and brights for spring and summer.
- Stick with solids and neutral patterns. Skip lace and bright florals.
- Accessorize with heavier shoe like loafers, and booties or boots.
- A darker leather belt can ground the look.
- Juxtaposition works well here – think heavy wool coat, chunky sweater, or puffy parka paired with your white denim.
White jeans are tricky to fit- some tips….
Most of us need about two to three pairs of white denim unless you wear them a lot. I like to get at least one new pair every year. The key is to not wash them a lot- and spot treat them in between. Keep a Tide pen with you – and try not to overwash them. I use cold water and dry them in the sun in the yard.
I have two pairs now- a baby bootcut pair that is more fitted and can be dressed up, and a baggier casual style.
To get a pair that flatters you, look for thicker material, straight, not tight, and don’t be afraid to go up a size or two to get pants that feel good and skim you. Don’t get hung up on numbers. Try a lot of sizes if you can. You can also go for a baggier look now and those are funky and cool. If you go bigger, balance the silhouette with a more fitted top if you want. There are no musts now and it’s truly about finding the jean that you want to wear and feel good in.
My favorite white jean was bought a year or more ago at J. Crew. They now have nearly identical version of it at J. Crew Factory here. I wear this jean so much and it doesn’t bag out, but holds its shape and is still comfy…Same material and same measurements, so I think they moved this best seller to the Factory lineup and right now it’s $49 (normally $118.)
A few ways I have worn styled this pant right now.. With greys, blacks, tans, and camels. I love how a white jean can elevate a look. It lends a luxe sort of lunch at the club vibe. ( Not that I belong to one!)
A very similar one at Madewell is also on sale (last season’s) at $54, and comes in petite, plus, and tall as well. Note:their version is longer, so their petite may be closer to my length.
More jeans with the same sort of cut and other pieces from above and a few look alikes…
The wider leg slouchier jean..
These are a great option and mine are The Ditcher by Mother, but no longer made. These are a no stretch old school heavy white denim. I have grown to love them so much! They have a sort of a bigger leg, but not totally barrel shape. They feel modern.
The nearly identical look here at J.Crew ( but with a little stretch), and is here at Madewell in all cotton off white.
I find they look good with almost everything and are SO comfy. I consider them my more casual pair and I like the cool modern feel of them. This is a laid back California gal jean if there ever was one. Note: Some of the style are 100% cotton and won’t stretch and tend to run large, so read reviews. I sized down in mine.
More slouchy white pairs and items (or similar), from above pics…
Other white (ish) pant options I wear are these easy Utility Joggers in linen from Frank & Eileen that come in both a cement and white. (cement below left). I also wear their Billion Dollar Pant, a super soft legging that is very flattering. Both work all year long and good for travel and great the wardrobe a little lift of lightness. Love them!
Would you try getting your white jeans out and mix them with your winter things? Have a little try-on and see what might work with pairs you have. Maybe you need to update what you’ve got. This is a great time to get some of last season’s white jeans at a good price! Please share if you have a good brand of white denim you love.
Now let’s go see what Cindy and the other ladies are sharing with white jeans…
Thanks for stopping by!
Kim
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This is so fun that you shared inspo from Pinterest and Romans In Rome (following them now). I KNEW you would rock this theme, and you did!
Thanks Mary Ann. Headed to yours now. x
Great jeans! Can you tell me about the black quilted jacket you are wearing in one of the photos? I have been looking for just like that! Thank you!
Hi Justine! It is from Uniqlo and such a great basic. I take it all over and it layers well too.
It’s on the shop links that you can slip through under the photos and also here:
https://rstyle.me/+10nGClQkidJCAHUlU3qx-A
I love white jeans! Can you explain why we shouldn’t wash them too frequently? Thanks!
Hi kathy, They recommend on most site to wash them every 5 wears, which helps the fibers from getting broken down and worn. You can spot treat them and also try shampoo which is recommended by Levi’s on their white denim!
You have inspired me! I have a pair of white Talbots wide leg trouser style jeans that should work because they are heavier. Thanks for the great style ideas.
Carol that is great! Give them a try and see.
Kim, you look adorable in every look! I love the stripe sweater and cozy jacket! And the blazer too!
Thanks Annie! xo
Hi Kim!
I agree on wearing white jeans all year long! It is interesting how some white jeans don’t fit the same as a brand’s regular blue denim jeans and I’ve sent many a pair back due to this. However last year I bought two pairs of wide leg cargo pants from American Eagle and they are amazing (and a great price). I tend to go crazy when I find something I like so I went back and bought that same style in many other colors…😎 For straight leg white jeans I bought a pair of NYDJ as they fit great. Most of my finds come from QVC (God how old do I sound…). I used to make fun of my Mom all the time for watching QVC and yet here I am.
Fun post.
Love from Ojai.
Dani, I have found the same, the white jeans often fit differently and you’ll see the fabric makeup is usually not the same as the blue pairs.
Sounds like a good find at American Eagle. You are right, when you find a jean that works, it makes sense to get a few, as the styles are often changed out every year, and you may not find them again! Hey QVC may be a good source!
I love Ojai! x
Hi Kim,
You do the white jeans in winter look so well! I never remember to wear mine this time of year, and I have 4 pair in thicker denim that would be perfect. I am inspired to try harder and wear mine (when it’s not raining,).
Xo Heidi
You look great in all the tops you’re wearing. I have been looking for white jeans and think I’ll try Madewell and J Crew.
Sheila, You cannot go wrong with either! Great denim at both.
Heidi, You are the ultimate styling genius. I expect to see ya in them after the rain stops! xx
Hi Kim,
Thank you so much for all the ideas. I just bought a pair of Pistola girlfriend white jeans from Nordstrom Rack yesterday as I liked the price and I hear good things about the brand. I did splurge on some Mother ones for a weekend social event a year ago but they were too pricey for me and I ended up stressing up too much wearing them! So note to self moment!Love the way you styled everything. Happy week!
Francesca, Love Pistola! Yes great brand I think a lot of people like. Oh gosh I hate that you don’t want to stress about them..
Aw thank you. xo
Hi Kim from an unusually chilly Mercer Island,
You wear white jeans smashingly! Your inspiration has me on the hunt for an affordable high rise pair to wear with black, red and grey tops. Knowing the rain is returning this week to stay, I imagine the white jeans brightening my spirits.
Thank you for care suggestions and for including what size you wear in particular garments. It helps so much to have cute you to compare for sizes as I shop the web.
Hugs for a sweet Valentine’s week, Diney
Hi Diney! Aw you are very kind! I love the idea of wearing them with those colors. I agree I think they help boost us a bot! We have had a lot of grey and rain too.
Hugs to you and hope you had a lovely Valentines!
Kim you look great in white jeans. They just suit you! I love every single way you styled them!!
Ciindy you looked great in the red! Loved it so much.
Hi Kim,
You know just how to put yourself together so perfectly. I find in the past white jeans are so hard to find the perfect fit that are super comfortable. Then to try to keep them clean.
Love all the looks you styled with your white jeans. You definitely look like a with it California
cool gal that know how to chill.
I appreciate all the time and effort you put into this post.
Aw thanks Katherine. You are very sweet. x
White jeans in winter is one of the -many – reasons I’m glad we’ve moved away from skinny jeans. Love the straight leg and the loser cuts in white. You, of course, are made for white denim and if I were you I’d wear nothing but white year-round. You look perfect … for lunch at the club (ha!) or anywhere. Great tip about the Tide pen. Can you believe I’ve never used one? xo
Me too! Juliet I think they are a fun choice right now! x
I actually don’t own white jeans, I should after reading this!!
Lilianna, You need a good pair that feels comfy and flatters, not too tight. Since you aren’t sure, this is a good time to get one of the markdown pairs like at J. Crew Factory to see how you like them and play around with styling them.
Kim, I love every look. You are so stylish!