We’re not big rule followers around here*, especially when it comes to fashion. And one of the first “rules” we throw out the window is this nonsense about not wearing white after Labor Day.
Please. (eyeroll) We’re totally doing it.
Besides, we could use some fun outfit inspiration right about now, so we went back through our archives to see which outfits have stood the test of time. I’m willing to bet that most of these outfits involve pieces you already have in your closet, and they’re all wearable, practical, we-tried-them-while-momming.
Speaking of momming…how to do it in white jeans? (We always get this question.) In a word? Bleach.
*ps. Linzi is the biggest (read: most annoying) rule-follower I know. But even Linz would wear white after Labor Day. EVEN LINZI.
13 Ways To Wear White Jeans After Labor Day
1. White Jeans + A Black Top
This is one of the easiest (and best) outfit formulas for white jeans. Throw them on with a black top and the look is instant chic. So Jackie O, so french girl. Julieta took it next-level with leopard shoes, but taupe or tan would work just as well. I’ve also worn this combo with my white Adidas sneakers.
2. White Jeans + A Graphic Tee
This will forever be my go-to with white jeans. A graphic tee keeps the look from feeling overly preppy, and it’s easy to warm it up further with a denim jacket or a trench. Keep the look summery by wearing with sandals…or try taupe booties and a cozy cardigan, like Laura.
outfit details 1 | outfit details 2
3. With a Plaid Shirt
Oh man, this photo is old. But the outfit still works! In fact, it’s a pretty great way to make those old plaid shirts (languishing in the back of our closets) feel fresh again.
4. With a Striped Sweater
Another one of my fav combinations – cozy stripes with white jeans – I wear this one a bunch. The vibe is very nonchalant french girl.
5. White Jeans + Animal Print Booties
White jeans pair so freaking well with leopard. Be like Laura and rock ’em with a leopard print bootie.
6. …or Animal Print Tops
And in case you were wondering about other animal prints (or snake)…YES. This season’s snake (or zebra or whatever) all look awesome with white jeans.
7. …or Animal Print Jackets
Anyone else have a faux-fur leopard coat? Looks awesome with white jeans. (This combo is fresh and unexpected for the holidays, too.)
8. With Cream (or Beige) Sweaters
Monochromatic outfits always work…but adding a bit of texture really makes them shine. Try pairing your white jeans with a sweater. The cozier and thicker the knit, the more substantial the footwear can be (even Sorels!!).
9. With Army Green (or Even Camo)
Know those army green parkas (or anoraks or military jackets) you have in the back in your closet? Try ’em with some white jeans. For some reason, army green + white is a near-foolproof pairing. Know what else would work (in this same vein)? Camo. I’m going to dig out that old camo tee I have and try it with some whites. I’d pair this combo with tan shoes (although prob not Sperrys haha) or my white Adidas kicks.
Also…CHUBBY PAX and Raines’ brief bracelet phase and OH MY HEART.
10. With a Gray Tee and Black Accessories
Accessories are sometimes hard with white jeans. A black leather bag doesn’t usually feel like the right choice….but the gray tee makes it work. If I recall correctly, I was wearing this combo with clogs.
(And for those of you who insist on clicking through to see outfit details OK FINE: they were pink Danskos. Linzi will gloat FOREVER.)
11. With a Gray Top And Neutral Accessories
In general, a taupe bag, like the one Emily is wearing here, is an easy win with white jeans. And I love how the vibe of white jeans with a dark gray top hovers somewhere between Julieta’s Jackie-O chic look and my edgier gray t-shirt.
12. With a Denim Shirt
WHOA. This pic is old, too. Despite the fuzzy photo, the general idea is still pretty solid. I might try an old chambray top with my white jeans to see if that can be made modern somehow. (Mules? Tucked into high-rise white jeans?) Or maybe my interpretation will be to layer my denim jacket over a white tank and call it a day. But this combo is worth playing around with, I think.
13. With a Denim Jacket, Camel Shoes + Bright Pop of Color
Ahhh, Laura nailed this look. Tan booties with white jeans are so freaking fun for Fall…and I’m LOVING the bright pop of color. And look!! Denim jacket!
Hope this helps for a little Fall inspiration. Fallspiration. Finspiration?
Whatever.
Yay white jeans. (And tell us how you’re wearing ’em – we’d love more ideas.)
xo,
S
. Now: wearing white jeans after Labor Day. See our 13 ways to wear white jeans.){kind=link}
wow!!! a walk down memory lane with”aint no mom jeans!!!!….feels refreshing….:)xoxoxo
Thanks for this. I love seeing these pics. Such a fresh way to show the ‘real ness’ of shopping my closet. And, i am struggling with my 2 pairs of low rise jeans: ordered a returned a dozen pair trying to find a fresh higher rise. Epic fail.
Thank you for the focus on styling what many of us already own — white denim. Im a huge fan of white after Labor Day, and I love the look of white jeans with a chunky, neutral sweater. Posts like this really help as I try to be less wasteful and use what’s already right under my nose!
Thanks for the focus on styling what we already probably have in new ways! Especially timely with Climate Week coming up. And with warm summer temps FINALLY arriving in SF.
Bleach question: bleach seems to change the color of new white jeans – a kind of bluish-white – to a yellowish white. What am I missing? I once ruined a pair of white jeans by dabbing bleach + water on a tiny red spot of fruit juice… which morphed in a big yellowish-white blob.