Once upon a time we would reserve our white jeans and any other white garments in our wardrobe for after Memorial Day. But that rule is out the window, and I’m glad for it. Truly if I wait until summer to wear my white denim it rarely makes an appearance. I find that spring weather (at least here in Ohio) is much more conducive to sporting my white jeans than the warmer summer days. So let’s make good use of our white or ecru jeans now before we push them aside for cooler linens and cottons. I’ve got 9 modern ways to wear white jeans this spring to give you a little style inspiration.
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I’ve been wearing my white jeans for a couple of months now, so I’m sharing outfit ideas for cooler days and warmer ones. I want to keep this post simple and quick so you can grab an idea and head to your closet. You can always click through the link in the caption of the photograph to get more details about sizing and styling.
White Jeans + Lightweight Cashmere Pullover
This first combo is perfect for those chillier spring days and, depending on where you live or travel, you certainly may still have some of these ahead.
I prefer minimal contrast in intensity in my outfits, which reflects the low contrast in intensity in my own coloring. So I’ve worn my white wide leg jeans with a pale aqua cashmere sweater. But you could certainly create a similar look that reflects your personal coloring with a brighter or darker sweater. That J.McLaughlin sweater is still available, by the way, and marked down. Plus you get an extra 30% off in your cart. It comes in ivory and soft coral, too.
White Jeans + Solo Cardigan
A similar option that works for a cooler day is to top your white jeans with a buttoned-up cardigan. Remember, this is definitely the most modern way to wear a cardigan right now.
This cornfield blue cardigan is almost sold out, but still available in a few sizes. But you can work this simple, modern outfit formula with any somewhat fitted button-up cardigan you enjoy wearing.
White Jeans + Solo Buttoned Jacket
Top your white jeans with a buttoned-up jacket for another very modern and on trend look. Many jackets are created to be worn this way right now. But you might be able to get a similar look from many of the jackets in your closet that you usually wear opened.
This speckled yellow tweed belted jacket is still available and they’re having a nice sale right now that reduces the price significantly. I think this particular formula is smart for work or other occasions when you want to look a little authoritative but also feminine and stylish.
White Jeans + Cashmere Tee
This year cashmere tees are very popular and available at so many of our favorite brands. And many of them are marked down now, as brands are moving out their spring styles to make room for summer ones. Top your white jeans with a cashmere tee in the color of your choice for a current look that is comfortable and soft.
You can add a scarf (so on trend) like I did above. Keep the look casual with a simple cotton bandana or elevate it with a larger silk scarf. Or you could add a third piece like I did below.
And that third piece will also either elevate the look exponentially or keep it more casual. The tweed lady jacket above (currently 30% off) makes this white jeans and cashmere tee outfit polished and sophisticated. White the denim chore jacket keeps the look a little more casual, but equally pulled together and stylish.
Of course, footwear is also key when it comes to setting the tone of your outfit. Heels will look a little more feminine and sophisticated, whereas loafers or other flats will keep your white jeans outfit more casual.
White Jeans + Button-Up Shirt
Probably my favorite way to wear white jeans is with a button-up shirt. Whether it’s bright and bold or more subdued, like the blue and red striped shirt I’m wearing below, a button-up shirt is a natural pairing for your white denim.
Depending on your particular style and length of white jeans, you might want to tuck the shirt and add a belt. Or, if your jeans are in a slimmer silhouette, you might prefer to leave your shirt untucked. Consider popping your collar and cuffing up your sleeves to style your outfit.
White Jeans + Striped Tee + Third Piece
I did a whole blog post about the essential striped tee, and it’s a perfect mate for your white jeans. Whether you opt for a navy, black, brown or any other color of stripe, wear it with your white denim for a crisp and classic look.
Top it with a jacket that creates the look you desire. The best thing about this combination is that it gives you great versatility, especially if you accessorize so that the outfit looks polished and pulled together with or without that third piece.
White Jeans + Solid Tee + Third Piece
Speaking of third pieces, another modern way to wear white jeans is with a solid tee and a third piece.
I don’t think this base outfit looks quite as polished as a striped tee and jeans. But when you add that third piece, this is a combination that always looks perfect. If you do decide to wear just the tee with the white jeans, choose one that has a little something special to set it apart. The ribbed sweater tee I’m wearing below looks a little more interesting than just a cotton t-shirt, but it’s still comfortable and cool.
But you can see that adding that third piece really pulls this look together. Even as something as simple as a modern denim chore jacket makes the combo look more current and stylish.
That sweater tee is part of Talbots’ Friends & Family sale, which is now open to everyone. It comes in other colors, including a striking blueberry, and you can get it in misses, petite, plus and plus petite options.
Low Contrast Outfit
These last two modern ways to wear white jeans are a little different from the options I provided above. But they’re worth their own categories because white jeans in particular present us with new challenges when it comes to color choices. The tendency may be to just pair a color top with the white denim and call it a day. That seems like an obvious choice.
But the wise and stylish woman will put a little thought into choosing those colors. I suggest you mimic your own personal coloring and your contrast in intensity for the best looks on you. Because I have low contrast in the intensity of my eyes (low – light green), skin (low – light ivory) and hair (low – natural blonde/grey), I feel like I look my best in outfits that also have low contrast in the coloring. The look above is a favorite of mine. But I’ve worn other low contrast options above, too.
High Contrast Outfit
However, if you have more contrast in the coloring of your eyes, hair and skin, you may look your best in an outfit with high contrast, such as the black and white outfit I’ve worn below.
Pro Tip: If you want to wear a high contrast white jeans outfit (with bold color or black), but you have low contrast in intensity, bridge the gap by keeping the contrast medium in the top portion of your outfit. By wearing the striped tee with the black jacket below, I’ve created a medium contrast in intensity upper portion, which works because it’s near my face. Medium contrast in intensity works for most everyone.
I hope these 9 modern ways to wear white jeans have inspired you to wear your white denim more and soon. Otherwise we’ll get into the heat of summer and realize we’ve not worn those favorite jeans nearly as much as we had hoped.
Don’t have white jeans yet? Never fear; I’ve created a shopping widget below with white denim in all price points. These are favorite brands that I highly recommend. And many of them are having markdowns right now. Thanks for stopping in!
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Blessed for My Day
Fear can trigger us to act quickly when true danger is impending. So it’s a necessary knee-jerk reaction to unusual circumstances. But the Bible warns against allowing fear to settle into our hearts in the form of anxiety or worry. Over and over we are admonished, “Do not fear.” Besides being bad for your blood pressure, your general disposition and your relationships, fear often causes you to make poor decisions.
But what can we do about the fears we have? Dissect them to get at the root cause and then apply the healing ointment of God’s Word. When you dig deep, you’ll probably discover that your fear indicates that you don’t really trust God with some area of your life or with a particular situation. Look for scriptures that address God’s sufficiency and power over that things. Also look for verses that remind you of God’s love for you, His gracious provision, His constant presence and His wisdom. Let those Bible verses settle into your heart and mind through meditating on and memorizing them. And choose to trust God rather than fear. I’ve found this takes discipline and a little work. But the result will be that you do not make the mistakes that are often precipitated by fear.
Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, “If You will indeed give the sons of Ammon into my hand, then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” ~ Judges 11:30-31
When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, behold, his daughter was coming out to meet him with tambourines and with dancing. Now she was his one and only child; besides her he had no son or daughter. ~ Judges 11:34
Very jealous you’re wearing spring colors. We’re still cold here on Long Island NY. I guess I need light colored cashmere sweaters.thanks for you blessed for my day.
This was a very helpful post. I’m going to a retreat this weekend and I’m going to take my white jeans. I want to look better than casual this year. And the reminders about intensity is always something I need to hear. Thanks!
Thanks for the reminder. I too wait to long and then don’t wear much. I might pull out for today. Great outfit ideas. Now I need somewhere to go wearing them. lol