White jeans, 18 outfits
How I'm wearing white denim on repeat
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There are only a few instances I can think of when I wouldn’t risk wearing white jeans. Like when the ground is wet and muddy after a rainstorm. Or when I’m going to my son’s baseball games where there’s always a tornado of dust coming off from the field.
Other than that, I try not to overthink it because I like to live by the rules of wearing what you want (as mentioned in
’s Workhorse and Showpony post) and letting go of perfection (as mentioned in ’s Style Notes here). If something happens to spill on my white jeans, so be it—I’ve learned that cleaning it up with a cloth and a mix of warm water and Dawn soap right away usually does the trick.When you get passed the fear of potentially getting them dirty, white jeans can act as a great canvas to build your summer outfits from. And since I’m a big believer in doing more with less, I think one pair in a style and fit you love is often enough to create multiple outfits to suit your plans or mood.
I recently bought a pair of Levi’s 501 ‘90s in ecru to replace a pair of white Denim Forum jeans I wore for 5 years that were starting to feel a little too tight and dated (something to keep in mind because white denim can be especially unforgiving). I had already thought of a few ways to style the jeans this season… but then the ideas just kept flowing, so I wanted to share some of them with you. I guess you can consider this an extension to my previous letter, 1 jacket x 18 outfits, though I never intended to make this into a series (whoops).
Many of the outfits here lean on a lot of basics and switch things up ever so slightly, so even if you don’t have the exact pieces, hopefully, it still conjures up ideas for you using your existing wardrobe. And in case you’re curious about other styles of white denim, I’ll share some more options that have caught my eye at the end.
Like I mentioned before, I’ve been saving a lot of white + black outfits for reference, which inspired this look…
…and this one (told you I’d recreate this outfit at some point.)
Black and white can feel sophisticated, even with basic pieces. So, I’ll dress it down with flip flops and a large bag. Or switch up my footwear and accessories if I do want to keep the look more polished.
For a softer contrast, I’ll pair the white denim with brown instead black.
Recent lunch dates with girlfriends at the mall led me to this brown knit top from Mango. I love the high neckline.
Continuing with another neutral, but this time, an old, lived-in tee for something more casual. I’ve had this t-shirt for over 3 years and have been getting more use out of it again because of these white jeans.
Same goes for this taupe oversized cashmere blend knit, which I bought last fall but am extending its wear into summer by pairing it with white denim for a comfortable and cozy look when the temps are mild (20°C or so).
Anyone else add some butter yellow to their closet lately? I love pairing the soft shade with light denim and adding a bit of contrast in the accessories/layers.
Same idea, but added a denim shirt (*gifted) instead for contrast.
Going back to black + white references (sorry, I can’t help it). I shared a similar look to this in
’s newsletter on how we’re recreating our summer inspo—this was the original reference in case you’re wondering.
Swapped the white tank for a black bodysuit and added a pop of colour with the bag.
Taking it one step further, I switched the cardigan tied around my waist for a scarf. I’ve been having fun experimenting with this trend ever since my brother and sister-in-law brought me back a scarf from their trip to the south of France.
Lastly, two of my favourite white denim looks that feel very vacation appropriate. I was kindly gifted this Left on Friday swimsuit and was impressed with the fit, compression, and how well it stays in place while swimming. It gets bonus points for being able to style it as a top, too.
More white denim
Other styles to choose from depending on which type of silhouette you prefer, including straight, baggy, and barrel leg + more inspo on how to style them for the summer.
P.S. You can find all the pieces featured in this newsletter here.
*For transparency, gifted items are marked. When I accept a gifting opportunity it’s because it’s a brand I shop at or a piece I’m curious about and want to share with you. All selections and thoughts are my own.
**This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links help support the work that goes into these newsletters, and I carefully select recommendations based on what I love and would wear, regardless of a commission.
I loved reading this in companion with Kelly’s post today - there is much joy to be found in finding something you love and exploring all the ways to wear it. Sometimes stepping out of a comfort zone and sometimes cuddling within. These jeans are perfection on you, and I love all the ways you styled them!
Ok first off; CONGRATS ON TWO YEARS OF WRITING!!! Second of all; you remain my Roman Empire for dressing because your outfits are so good and your clothes fit you like a dream. I know that’s because of your thoughtfulness around shopping and I want to be more like you!! All of my things should be worn 18 ways!