We're Not Waiting Until Memorial Day To Embrace White Denim
Even the most die-hard fashionista would agree that, sometimes, fashion rules deserve to go out the window. For example, the rise of mixed metal jewelry is changing the outdated idea that gold and silver must be worn on their own, we're seeing white and cream looks finally having their moment, and colorblocking your outfits means you can make anything match. And now, friends, we've decided it's time to wear white after Labor Day.
That's right, we're through with waiting until Memorial Day to bust out our bright, crisp whites. The color that was once a status symbol not to be flaunted after Labor Day (according to Farmers' Almanac) is now a universally beloved closet staple, and it's just plain unfair not to wear it for half the year — especially when it comes to denim, a fabric we love to wear in every season. So, friends, it's time to bust out all the white denim pieces you lovingly moved to the back of your closet last September. Here are all the ways we're wearing denim before it's back "in," because we think it's high time to make our own fashion rules.
Wear it baggy
The baggy jeans trend has made a full comeback, and we love to see it, especially in an age where comfort trumps nearly anything else in fashion. A simple, comfy way to wear white while the weather still calls for maximum coziness is by bundling up in a pair of baggy white jeans. Pair with a slouchy shirt tucked into the jeans if you want some shape or left out if you want to keep it casual. Or, pair it with a sweater when you're spending the day curled up on the couch with a good book.
It doesn't have to be all white
If you're a little daunted by the idea of bringing white back in full force, incorporate it a bit at a time by picking pieces that use other accent colors. We love the above white jeans, for example — the soft blue dye spots are hardly noticeable from a distance but help you dress down your bright, starchy whites. Wear a top the same color as the accent color on your white jeans if you really want to make a statement.
Make it balletcore
Nothing says balletcore like soft pinks and whites, and white denim is no exception. Whether you dance or not, anyone can pull off the simplicity of a pair of white denim jeans and a soft pink top. If you want to go the extra mile, make it a soft pink bodysuit and wear your hair in a tight bun for the full ballet look. Cover up with a sports jacket and throw some leg warmers on over your jeans, if you'd like.
Sophisticate it
When you look like a sophisticated gal who's got someplace to be, nobody will even think about asking you why you're wearing white out of season. Dress up a pair of wide-legged white jeans with a blazer and some loafers or ankle boots when you want to feel like you run the world. Don't own a blazer, or the weather's getting a bit warmer? Pair the same white jeans with your favorite button-down and tuck it into your pants to achieve the same effect.
Pair with leather
To add some edge to your white denim 'fit, you can always bring leather into the equation. You could go simple with a pair of barely noticeable black leather boots, be biker chic with an edgy leather jacket, or dress it up to the max by finding a black leather top like the one pictured above.
Elevate it with contrast stitching
If standard white denim is too boring for you, elevate your white jeans by finding a pair with contrast stitching. Contrast stitching refers to garments with seams stitched in a different color than the rest of the garment — it makes the stitches stand out for a fun little accent. Capitalize on contrast stitching by matching your top or accessories to the stitch color for an incredibly put-together look.
Wear it as a trenchcoat
Of course, you don't have to wear white denim as jeans. If you want everyone to know that you're embracing white before Memorial Day, deck yourself out in a trench coat. Go the extra mile by wearing white under your white denim trench coat, too — that's what we call commitment.
Or as a maxi skirt
Maybe you're just not a pants gal. We get it — skirts are a breezier, often more comfortable alternative to jeans. If you fall in this boat, go hunting for a white denim midi skirt or maxi skirt. Denim skirts are incredibly easy to dress up or down depending on what the occasion calls for. Wear tennis shoes and a sweater when you're going for casual or a blouse or bodysuit when you're wearing it out on the town.
Pair with a powder pastel top
If you want to wear your white jeans ASAP and you're ready for them to have their moment, let them shine by pairing them with a powdery pastel top. Whether you pick a powder blue, pink, or light sage green, a light, understated color will pair beautifully with your white denim jeans while also letting them shine in their own right. Wear white accessories if you want your jeans to really pop.
Colorblock with a solid button-down
Alternatively, you can use your white denim as a canvas to let other pieces in your closet shine. Take the above coral-colored blouse, for example — it wouldn't stand out in nearly the same way if worn with blue jeans. Keep the rest of your look neutral, and wear white eye makeup for an eye-catching look you'll probably be wearing again and again.
Or pair it with beige
If color isn't really in your fashion repertoire, no shade here — you're a capsule wardrobe person, and we admire that. Pair your white denim with other neutrals in your closet for a put-together look that doesn't even need a statement piece. You probably won't get a lot of attention walking around town (a great thing for those of us with social anxiety), but you'll be comfy and cute as anything.
Wear an all-white 'fit
Nobody said you couldn't go all-out with your white denim, so when you're ready to break out the white denim from seasonal jean jail, go all the way and pair it with other white pieces you own for a rule-defying ensemble. If you want to shop for an all-white 'fit, buy all your pieces at once to make sure they're the same shade of white. White go-go boots, a white baguette bag, and chunky white earrings would round out this look perfectly.
Find it as a dress
Dresses are some of the easiest one-and-done pieces you can own, so the next time you find yourself in dire need of white denim, like, now, snag one in dress form. A white denim dress is perfect for a casual brunch with lawn games once it warms up; if it's still cold, wear it with some booties and a long cable knit sweater the same color as your booties.
Wear with a blue denim jacket
Denim-on-denim is having a huge moment, and we love to see it, but your denim-on-denim look doesn't have to be monochrome. Wear white denim jeans with a blue denim jacket for a denim-on-denim look that screams sophistication. This outfit is automatically pretty casual, but if you want to wear it out, you can easily dress it up with a pair of heels, some drop earrings, and an updo.
Get comfy with a slouchy sweater
The beauty of white, especially in a casual fabric like denim, is that it can truly go with pretty much anything in your closet. Don't stress about making your white denim outfits, friends — if you're in a pinch, grab your favorite slouchy sweater. Wear it out, or tuck the front (or one side) in for some visual interest. A comfy, slightly elevated version of the sweater and leggings, this 'fit will make you feel at home and look put together wherever you go.
White denim on white denim
If you're super into white denim, you may have a "go big or go home" mindset when it comes to making outfits with it. If this sounds like you, go all out, friend! Wear white denim on white denim and strut around town like you own it — because you do. If you need to add some visual interest to your outfit, look for a unique cut on your top. Even simple gold buttons on a white denim jacket can add enough interest to keep your outfit from looking too streamlined.