5 Ways to Wear White Jeans Like a French Woman
I always look to see how French women wear white jeans. They do it so well—wide leg, straight leg, and anything in between. Any time of year, from the beach in summer to walking along the Seine in Paris in winter, I especially love how Linda Wright wears white jeans (or white pants/trousers).
When I’m packing for a trip, I look to Linda Wright for French style and trends. Her Parisian style is effortless but classic, too! She is the owner and creative director of Crimson Cashmere. So, for this post, I’ll share my inspiration and a little about how I interpreted some of the French fashion looks.
Look 1: The striped Breton Tee – Is there anything more French?
Is there anything more Parisian than a navy striped cotton Tee? I wear my long-sleeved striped tee from KULE all year, but in the summer, I love it with white jeans. Mine is a little thick, like Saint James tees. The thickness makes it perfect to wear over a t-shirt or tied at the waist.
Wear a long tee like this or an oversized one like the boyfriend tee. Both will be staples in your wardrobe to wear with white denim, under blazers, a leather jacket, or just about anything else you can think of wearing!
I love mixing my stripes with Artemis loafers. They are one-of-a-kind footwear, handmade in Istanbul by a small family-owned shop. These beautiful shoes are made from Kilim carpets. I chose the Artemis Smoking Shoe as it is menswear-inspired and has a higher profile. I love how they look with white denim!
Look 2: A Black Shirt or Sweater with white jeans
There is something so crisp about black and white. The Big Shirt from GAP is perfect for wearing with white jeans, black sandals, or loafers.
Look 3: With a Denim Jacket
I love this casual look. The oversized bandana as a scarf takes it to the next level! Do you agree? These black slides are my new favorite to wear in the summer. Now, I might wear loafers or Birkenstock clogs. Meridith of @Mermade_Brooklynny embroidered my denim jacket with my last name.
My favorite t-shirts are from Rag & Bone
White jeans and denim are a classic look that have been a go-to in my closet for years at any age. Wear it with a black T-shirt, or keep it all white under the denim jacket. My favorite T-shirts are the Rag & Bone Slub tees.
Look 4: White Jeans With a Camel Blazer & Brown Shoes/Bag
White and brown or camel might be my favorite look of all. The Topshop white jeans have brown or camel-colored stitching. It’s subtle, but I do love the little detail when wearing a camel blazer or this brown corduroy shirt.
A Wool Will Jacket from Sézane Instead of a Blazer
Look 5: Oversize Shirt or Sweater in off-White
This oversized shirt from Frank & Eileen was a bit of a splurge purchase. It’s a shirt, and it’s also a light jacket. The oversize allows layering just about anything under it. It comes in only two sizes, which emphasizes the oversized, unstructured fit. The possibilities with this piece are endless.
I love the look of white with cream or ecru, and this shirt and my Topshop white jeans are the perfect combination for the beach!
It has a coastal Grandmother look, but maybe that’s because I wore it in the Hamptons!
The Will Jacket from Sézane in velvet ecru is another excellent option. I love that it’s a little oversized for layering and has big pockets.
The perfect French accessories to wear with white jeans or just about anything
- Ballet Flats—A pair of ballet flats always make any outfit a little more French. Pairing jeans with ballet flats is always a good place to start. The Greta Ballet Flat from Madewell comes in 15 colors. I saw quite a few young women wearing Ganni Mary Janes, but I can’t possibly wear pointed-toe shoes. Or, if you love a velvet ballet flat, these from Everlane come in gold or black.
- Red Lipstick – Nothing is more French than a red lip. A few of my favorites that I keep going back to are:
Chanel Rouge Coco Bloom #140 ALIVE
Chanel Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour #444 GABRIELLE
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour #104 PASSION
Mac Mini Silky Matte Lipstick RUBY WOO
- A scarf – Some of my favorites are from Sézane, like the Maryse Scarf, but we all have a few stashed away that might need to find their way back to the front of our dresser drawer.
- A Trench Coat—I saw women all over Paris wearing traditional trench coats with jeans, sneakers, or loafers. The Clyde Trench Coat comes in black, ecru, camel, light beige, and dark khaki. All have the signature check lining.
You might also like this post on Favorite Basics from Everlane or 5 Essential Pieces for the Menswear Look.
More on wearing white denim from these creators:
oops..I left a comment but started clicking your links and it’s gone. Anyway…you rock white jeans. I want your striped top…I think I need to pull the trigger (although I just bought that one at Momoprix 🙂
Thanks so much for organizing us. Great job!
I just adore Linda Wright and I completely agree about the bandana. She is such an inspiration. She also looks good in absolutely everything! Okay now on to you…hands down my favorite look is the camel blazer & oxfords…so you!! I look just terrible in horizontal stripe shirts, but just love them on you guys!!
You and Linda are so stylish…I follow her also and she makes it seem effortless. I have always loved a little masculine in my fashion…you will rarely see me in ruffles:) Love the oversized denim jacket…I will be looking for one at the thrift store now! Thanks for sharing such great style with us….
That linen men’s blazer you found! LOVE!!!!!
I absolutely agree with you about the styling of @lindawhight She is to be admired. Thank you for turning me on to Rag &Bone t-shirts. I have a\the devil of a time finding t-shirts that have a little style yet fit my curvaceous and ample bosom.
Major question for you. In one of your shots you feature a white shirt and a white jacket. But they’re two different whites? Will the earth change it’s axis wearing two different whites? do you approve? I have some clothes that are different whites. What to do?
Sandra! I think you will love the Rag & Bone T-shirts! I have them in white, black, gray, and a navy stripe! I replace as needed and retire the others to wear to bed! ha
I happen to love white with white or even off-white…I don’t know…that’s just me! It seems very Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give!xoxox
Of coure, I adore all of these looks Annie! You have great style and a real zest for the French way!
xo-Noelani
Like you, Noelani, I can’t get enough of France. When I’m not in France, I’m dreaming about it! Loved every one of your looks in white denim! xo
Annie, what a fun post. I love this so much. You and Linda both have similar styles! It’s extra fun to see how you interpreted it the ideas and found the cool pieces! With these looks we don’t need to live in anything else but white jeans, right? I’ve got one of your striped T-shirt on my wish list and I think I’m gonna have to order one today.
Thank you again for asking me to do this with you all. I’m super inspired and of course wearing my white jeans out today. xoxo kim
Kim! I could not get enough of every look with white jeans! And the jacket…those shoes….so perfect! Where is that??
Love all your white jean looks Annie! And I’m with you on striped shirts, I can’t have enough!
We love our stripes, don’t we, Ginger!? xx
I love white jeans although I only wear them in the summer. I’m always confused about what color shoes, i think I wear any color but white and maybe tan.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any color! Even white and tan! It seems anything goes!
Have you been to the Saint James retail in Paris? The French sure know how to show off their wares. I love this post of yours, and as always, your style!
Thank you, Jill! Yes, but only the Madeleine location! I am sure they must have several?!
A couple questions: 1) can you recommend a brand of white jeans that doesn’t bunch up or get wrinkly in the thigh area? I’d like some that stay crisp looking.
2) is it appropriate to wear white jeans after Labor Day in France, or will I get the side-eye? (I’m going in late Sept)
Lisa
Hi Lisa! Have you tried J.Crew for white denim? The pair that I mention in this post is a new favorite. I do feel denim style change from year to year and so this year, I am loving the slim wide leg from J.Crew. They come in regular denim as well and I appreciate that they offer tall as well as regular and petite.
For the last few years we have spent the month of September in France, and I never feel out of place wearing white denim in September. Especially at the coast or in Provence and even Paris if it’s still hot. I wear white jeans year round now, but that’s just me! ha
I really like white jeans every season. I’m glad it is stylish! Nothing looks better than white pants, a button up shirt and a sweater in the winter.