Modern White Jeans Outfit for Early Spring - Dressed for My Day (2024)

I waffled on what to call this post. When we took these photos and as I write this post, it’s still winter. But I’ll be wearing this white jeans outfit formula into early spring for sure. So I could have just as easily titled it a “Modern White Jeans Outfit for Winter.” Semantics really! All that to say, if you’re chomping at the bit to wear your white jeans...let ‘er loose! Yesterday I wore this chic modern white jeans outfit to church, and if you’re ready to wear your white denim, I say go for it. Here’s how…

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At the end of summer I always put my white denim away. The old rules about wearing white only between Easter or Memorial Day (depending on your tradition) and Labor Day are out the window. Really. You absolutely can wear white jeans and pants anytime you want and look very in the know. But I generally just enjoy the novelty of them more in the warmer months.

That said, when I got these new white pintuck flare jeans from Talbots I knew I didn’t want to wait too long to wear them. They’re a nice thickness, so not only do they keep me pleasantly warm, but they also don’t show lumps, bumps and bulges that white jeans and pants sometimes accentuate. They run nicely TTS; I’m wearing a misses 8.

Here are my style tips for wearing white jeans in the cooler months. (By the way, I definitely would not wear this outfit on a snowy or messy winter day. But it was sunny and dry on this particular winter day. So they felt perfectly appropriate.)

Tip #1 – Wear full length white jeans in a modern silhouette.

What’s a modern jeans silhouette? Straight leg, wide leg, flare leg or trouser jeans would certainly qualify as a contemporary cut. Wearing a modern silhouette makes you look more like you know what you’re doing. Ha! And half of the equation is confidence, when it comes to looking stylish. While there truly is no fashion police, I’m sure there are still people out there who will question your fashion knowledge if you show up in white jeans before summer. But make your entrance rocking a modern silhouette and that helps put their speculations to rest. (If they still question your fashion intelligence, you just have to let that go…like the confident, well-adjusted woman you are.)

Tip #2 – Create a white jeans outfit in the contrast in intensity that works best for you.

I’ve talked extensively about contrast in intensity in this blog post and this one, as well as this YouTube video. The bottom line is that you want to put together an ensemble of garments and accessories that mimics the contrast in intensity that you have in your features: eyes, skin and hair. So if you have high contrast between the intensity of those three features, then you’ll look your best in outfits with high contrast, too. Think white jeans, vibrant colored tee and coordinating bright blazer, shown below.

But if you, like me, have low contrast in intensity between those three features you’ll look great in an outfit that is low contrast in intensity, such as the one I wore here. Plus, I just love the softness of oatmeal beige paired with white.

Other nice low-contrast-in-intensity pairings would include those white jeans with soft grey, light taupe, a pale pastel or light camel.

Tip #3 – Add texture to create a “warmer” appearance to the outfit.

I think one of the reasons white jeans or pants or skirts don’t look right to our eyes in the colder months is that we’re used to seeing them paired with summer-weight fabrics like seersucker, linen and lightweight cotton. So help the eyes out by adding a little bulk and texture to the cool day outfit.

Note that my sweater adds texture, but it’s a cotton sweater. So you can certainly still wear a wool or cashmere sweater with your white jeans if you’d like. But a cotton or linen sweater is generally my option of choice come spring. I love my Jenni Kayne cotton fisherman sweater and have worn it for at least three years now. The quality is outstanding. And just through February 14, you can use code VALENTINE at checkout for 20% off at Jenni Kayne. But I also have a similar cotton fisherman sweater from Quince at a more economical price.

Tip #4 – Add appropriate footwear for cooler days, but in a color that works with your white denim outfit.

Again, we’re used to wearing and seeing white denim with sandals and sneakers. But you absolutely can wear your winter boots and booties with white jeans. Here I’ve worn my sand suede booties I got in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this past summer. They work nicely for this low contrast in intensity outfit, but if you’re wearing a high contrast outfit you could opt for black or another deeper tone. And depending on your climate and day, you could opt for loafers, pumps or sneakers, too. I’ve gathered some nice low intensity options in the shopping widget below because they’re a little harder to find right now. Oh, and metallics are a nice option, too.

Tip #5 – Add outerwear as needed that works nicely with your white denim outfit.

Pairing your white denim with your winter coats can present a challenge. But that’s why I often begin thinking through my outfit by first choosing my coat. Of course, if you know you want to wear your white jeans, you’ll need to begin there. But then think about the coat.

I chose to wear my trench coat because this lined jacket was sufficient for the weather of the day and the birch color works nicely with my oatmeal colored cotton sweater. But other great options could include grey, ivory or camel coats for a low contrast in intensity, or black, navy or other colors for a higher contrast in intensity.

Tip #6 – Add a silk scarf to layer on just a touch of warmth and a splash of color.

To add just a splash of soft color and a little warmth for the commute, I wore my Sarah Flint X Gracie Tropics silk scarf (more economical options) tied loosely around my neck. I actually intended to remove it when I reached my destination, but ended up wearing it.

If you like, you can certainly tie your scarf in more creative ways. But since one of my style angles (see this blog post for more info) is effortless, I like to wear my scarves very casually with minimal fuss.

I still generally prefer to save my white denim for spring and summer, and then I wear it very frequently. But modern white jeans for early spring can be just the ticket to brighten your day. So don’t hesitate to add a new pair of white denim to your closet and begin enjoying them now. I’ve included a few other modern white jeans in the shopping widget below.

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Thanks so much for stopping in for a little style inspiration. As we’re fast approaching spring now I’m looking for outfit requests for you, my readers. If you have types of events you’ll be attending or places you’ll be going for which you need outfit inspiration, please let me know in the comments section below. I’m more prone to select those recommendations that would speak to a wider group of women, so think along those lines. For instance, do you need inspiration for what to wear this spring to a recital, graduation, women’s tea, book club, weekend retreat, etc.? Tell me just a little about the event and the tone of outfit you’re looking for. Maybe I’ll turn your recommendation into a blog post or video!

xoxo, Kay