Art of Style

Why White Jeans Are A Year-Round Closet Essential

Delivering an instant closet cleanse, white denim is the perfect combination of elevated style and utilitarian function – here, we round up the jeans to add your new-season rotation

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion
Styled with a shirt or a slouchy sweater, white jeans deliver an instant wardrobe refresh

We’re a firm believer in white denim all year round, but we can’t deny that spring is often when it feels freshest. Now that the days are longer and with summer in sight, a pair of bright white jeans is the perfect way to reset your wardrobe for the season ahead – just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. The best part? They’re as versatile as classic blue or black washes, so you don’t have to think about styling them any differently than you would your favorite indigo pair. It’s worth remembering, though, that wearing white denim does come with some level of risk. Accidental coffee spills mean stain remover is essential for keeping your jeans in pristine condition.

In terms of shapes, straight-leg styles are a fail-safe choice – Citizens of Humanity’s ‘The Palma’ pair from our NET SUSTAIN edit are slightly cropped and perfect for warmer days, while Frame’s ‘The Lowkey’ pair come in a classic full length. Take cues from PORTER cover star Sarah Pidgeon by styling yours with a chocolate-brown leather jacket for an effortlessly cool day-to-night look. If you prefer wide-leg silhouettes, look to Still Here’s ‘Sport’ style. They come in the brand’s softest ‘Cloud’ denim and have an easy, relaxed fit complete with drawstrings at the cuffs, so you can switch up the styling.

For something a touch more fashion-forward, try Agolde’s ‘Luna Pieced’ jeans (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) – their curved barrel-leg shape will add a unique point of difference to even your most casual outfits. Balance the proportions with a close-fitting tank and kitten heels. Alternatively, go in the opposite direction with a pair of slim-leg jeans instead. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, Khaite’s ‘Abigail’ jeans are a polished choice for the office styled with a blazer but also work perfectly with a simple white tee on weekends.

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The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown