White jeans for summer? Here's why you should love them
Finding that perfect pair of white jeans isn’t as easy as it should be – but it is doable. You want a style that’s neither too short, nor too long; not flared but definitely not too tight, and never white enough to star in any kind of laundry detergent advert.
Yes, they’re a little bit like the Goldilocks of the fashion world, but it’s worth the wait because once you find a design you like, they’ll become one of the most hardworking pieces in your summer wardrobe.
The exact fit that works for you is entirely personal, the same way as it is with blue jeans. You can get away with a little more stretch in darker colours, but if you secretly mourn fashion’s rejection of skinny styles, then opt for a straight leg in a thick fabric like these ones from J Brand (which are currently on sale at John Lewis) or this pair from 7 For All Mankind.
Otherwise there are plenty of high waisted, slightly more loose fitting designs that reference Ali McGraw in Love Story without looking in any way dated. Levi’s has a great option that sits flatteringly around the hips while widening to a fashionable straight leg style, while Frame’s Au Naturel style feels very Jane Birkin on holiday thanks to its hip and thigh-skimming fit. Both Mango and Whistles offer plenty of creamy options that end just above the ankles, making them ideal to pair with tan ballet shoes or sliders in summer, or heeled ankle boots in autumn.
White jeans are intrinsically slightly smarter than their bluer peers, so if you're looking for a casual style to wear on weekends, try these loose fitting cream ones from Toast, or this fun pair with visible stitching from Ganni. More office-friendly than most jeans, this sleek, flared pair from Cos can be easily smartened up with a white shirt, an oversized black blazer and lots of jewellery.
And then there is the question of colour. If you can, opt for a creamier shade. Blinding white sounds glamorous but in reality can be a little too much, particularly if you’re wearing them in the UK. If I’m ever tempted to go for a particularly dazzling pair, I think of that episode of Friends where Ross whitens his teeth and ends up glowing in the dark – the message is surely that subtlety is often more flattering.
Personally, I’ve been wearing Everlane’s ‘90s cheeky jeans in white with two-tone black and tan ballet shoes all summer. They do exactly what they say on the tin (well, the Nineties part anyway) and hopefully conjure up images of a young Gwyneth Paltow sweeping out of LAX – all while being comfortable enough to wear on long car journeys up to Scotland.
The beauty of white jeans is that you can pair them with so many pieces you already own, and still end up with a new, fresh-looking outfit. I’ve been wearing mine with everything from a rolled up blue and white checked shirt and a safari jacket for the day to a black body with lots of gold jewellery and a trenchcoat in the evening.
On cooler days pair them with a thick dark green or navy jumper; or try a tan shirt or jacket for a very Jackie O combination.
Personally, I avoid wearing mine with anything too bright, but a lot of designers would disagree with me. If you’re feeling brave, all white can look very on trend – ideally an oversized shirt, blazer and trainers. Or follow Hailey Beiber’s lead in Paris and pair them with a white crop top, although that does mean keeping away from any small children, dogs or bowls of pasta.
Speaking of which - white jeans are, of course, a stain magnet, be it mud in the park or a blob of spaghetti bolognaise at dinner. But after a year of eating supper on the sofa in my pyjamas, I’ve decided it’s no bad thing to sometimes wear an item of clothing you need to take care of.
Or simply channel Liz Hurley – who famously once said, “I've never seen the point of looking less than your best”.
5 of the best
1: Jeans (£175, Ganni)
2: Jeans (£99, Whistles)
3: Jeans (£74, Everlane)
4: Jeans (£69, Cos)
5: Jeans (£160, J Brand)
