There are so many “rules” and misconceptions around white denim: Only between Memorial Day and Labor Day, or unwearable for anyone who commutes on the subway. But some of the most stylish people wear white jeans all year round (Vogue fashion director and Strat contributor Tonne Goodman, for instance), and you certainly don’t have to be precious about them. We talked to 15 stylish women of all shapes and sizes who are highly opinionated about their white jeans. For traditional blue-jeans coverage, head over here.
“I always focus on fabric first. Skip anything that’s too stretchy or tight. These slim, high-waisted AG jeans are cool and comfortable, and the slightly flared ankle crop is the perfect canvas for showing off a fresh pair of sneakers.” —Elshane, stylist
“I live in jeans, know all the best brands, and will spend whatever because I’ll wear great jeans for like 15 years straight. So I was really surprised to fall in love with American Eagle Next Level High-Waisted Jeggings because they’re not expensive or pretentious at all. They suck everything in and hit right in the smallest part of your waist. I plan to wear them every single day this spring with a tucked-in T-shirt and shiny black penny loafers.” —Alyssa Shelasky, writer
“I’m spending as little as possible on a maternity wardrobe while pregnant, but these were a worth-it splurge. The material is stretchy, and the panels comfortably stretch around my hips without falling down. I can see myself wearing these after I have a baby — the panels don’t scream ‘maternity,’ and they’ll prevent any post-pregnancy muffin-top action.” —Caitlin Moscatello, writer
“Amo Denim’s white jeans feel like real denim, which oddly enough can be hard to find with white jeans — usually the material is too thin. I like the classic, vintage feel of these, down to the cast buttons. They are stylish and comfortable, and the frayed crop bottoms are a bonus. They’re the perfect summer jeans, and they last longer than one season, even if you wear them nonstop.” —Anne-Cecile Blanchot, publicist
“White jeans are my island staple, my office staple, and my weekend staple. I especially love the ones by Target actually. They have a bit of stretch, which makes them a little more forgiving, and I like that they end just above my ankle, which helps make the legs look longer. My husband, David, tells me they are surprisingly sexy. And at 50 years old, I’ll take that compliment every time.” —India Hicks, designer
“White jeans are a toughie, but these are the perfect balance between stretch and hold. You want to be sucked in when sporting white denim, which tends to showcase the slightest imperfection. I love this pair because it has just the right amount of distressing. I wear them with everything, from put-together Ralph Lauren oxfords to trendy Caroline Constas blouses.” —Jen Shoop, founder of the Fashion Magpie
“My favorite white jeans are high-waisted and flared for a really long-legged look, which is essential for us small-size five-foot-three-ers who love our heels. They’re also made from stretch denim, so they’re super comfortable.” —Brigitte Zeitlin, founder of BZ Nutrition
“I was never a jeans-and-T-shirt girl because I have thick thighs that rub against each other when I walk. I’ve had issues with jeans in the past that tear or rip in the thigh area because of the constant friction, but not with these Super Skinnies. They have just enough stretch to be comfortable and supportive without being restrictive or so stretchy that they lose shape easily.” —Annette Richmond, fashion, lifestyle, and travel blogger, size 20
“I love these Frayed Cropped Levi’s. They are just stretchy enough to round over your curves and thick enough so that you don’t feel like you’re wearing leggings. The frayed detail at the bottom is so cute with patent-leather booties in the winter or with slides in the summer. And they’re just enough of a relaxed fit that you kind of feel like they’re your weekend pants, but you can also wear them to work.” —Alison Caporimo, deputy digital editor, Seventeen.com
“Even when I lived in New York, I adhered to a white-jeans-year-round philosophy. Khaite can do no wrong when it comes to denim (I have three pairs), and what’s great about this high-waist style is that it makes your legs look crazy long. I’m a flats girl, and because of the kick flare, you get a nice silhouette — and a little ankle-bone exposure. They’re a little more forgiving in a goes-with-everything shade of ivory, too.” —Nandita Khanna, editorial director at Goop
“These got me to enjoy wide-leg jeans. They’re short, but so am I, so these offer a nice ankle-grazing situation. This pair is some magic invention of stretch that seems to be pulled tighter in certain areas to create a really generous lifting and flattening appearance, like across the front pockets, for example. The fabric stays super white and gets softer the more you wash it.” —Grace Clarke, head of content at Derris
“I have this pair of jeans in several different washes, including white. It has a classic high-waist and straight-leg fit that makes them look a little vintage. Since this style was introduced a few years ago, they’ve actually replaced my skinny jeans as my go-to denim.” —Chrissy Rutherford, senior fashion editor, HarpersBazaar.com
“I’m obsessed with vintage white jeans (I have approximately 30 pairs), and I really hadn’t met a contemporary brand that could successfully lure me away until I found Agolde. The jeans are made with heavyweight denim, which means you can wear them extra tight and they hold you in, but don’t show cellulite, plus they make your bum look great because there’s no distracting back-pocket embroidery. They have a proper high rise and are cropped to ankle-skimming length, which works for me because I’m five-four and jeans are always too long.” —Rachael Wang, stylist
“First of all, this company is tops: Woman-led, low price points, and serious consideration into how the product is made. But her best work, I think, is the white denim. The Odettes have a bit of a heavier weight (read: not see-through), as well as a flattering mid-rise and a 27-inch inseam (because no one likes to hem their jeans, right?). Mine have stood up to countless wash cycles with nary a fray.” —Angela Pares, lifestyle director, PureWow
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