Fashion Etiquette: Wearing White Jeans

Just like every woman should have the perfect LBD (Little Black Dress) hanging in her closet, a great fitting pair of white jeans is a another classic that allows you to look polished, feel confident and command attention when you walk into a room.

White jeans are a beautiful canvas. They complement a simple tee,  a colorful top, a great piece of jewelry, a favorite belt, a bold purse, oodles of bracelets and the perfect flat, sandal or a strappy pair of platform shoes. But first, keep these tips for wearing white jeans in mind:

Do remember that white pants can be dangerously see-through.  While some people may opt to wear a body slimmer, wearing another layer of material that does not breathe well is probably not the best summer option. Look for a lightweight underpinning, or a very thin boy short slimmer. Choose something that will not show panty lines and not be distracting (or embarrassing) as you walk through a restaurant or down the street.

Do find a flattering fit (not everyone can pull off the same style of white pants). When you find a shape and style you like, buy two just in case they don’t make them again next year.

I love this Midrise Toothpick jean by J. Crew:

And, another favorite:

Do choose the material based on the season. White Pants before Labor Day?  It’s difficult to walk past a great pair of wool pants in a store window in winter because Labor Day has come and gone. While you wouldn’t want to wear white or ivory wool in summer, you certainly would make your final decision based on the temperature outside. I would certainly consider wearing white jeans in December with the right boot, jacket, scarf and accessories.

Do complement your body type; don‘t bring attention to the problem areas. There is a style and cut for everyone and a professional stylist can help you determine what suits your body style best. Don’t hesitate to spend time trying on multiple pair of jeans until you find the perfect fit.

Do buy a variety of white jeans. I like wearing my shorter white jeans to lunch with friends or a casual day of fun, while my white, boot cut jeans, are a better choice for going out to dinner with a silk tank and blazer. Here is my all-time favorite long  jean:

I like lots of white jean options and now is the time to catch the sales.

Don’t get hung up on size. Too many women refuse to buy anything unless it’s a certain number. Keep in mind that some jeans run larger, while others run smaller. Get what fits and you will look better.

Do stay away from fads. If it has a drawstring, is intentionally ripped at the knee, is bedazzled with rhinestones or has so much hardware you couldn’t get through security at the airport, skip it. Invest in a jean that looks good, fits well and you can wear for years to come.

Good luck and happy shopping,