Capsule Wardrobe Edition: Your Guide to Wearing White Denim

As the flowers bloom and leaves make their return to the trees, you’ll also find white styles making their emergence back into the style scene. Whether or not you actually follow the old faux pas of not wearing white after Labor Day or not, white denim is a sure sign warm weather is here, and for a good reason. This classic shade comes in all sorts of styles making it wearable for any body type. We LOVE how it practically goes with anything and works for any occasion, making it the ideal piece for your capsule wardrobe. This guide is all about how to style white denim so you can look fabulous and feel confident!

Feeling like white denim may be something you want to try? Sign up to receive your Short Story box today and get petite-friendly white denim delivered straight to your doorstep!

Modern Street Style

Keep things super on-trend and a bit edgy with a look like this. For many petites, elongating the legs is a big focus, so try out a pair of white straight-leg jeans with a high-rise for maximum leg lengthening powers. Give them more of a modern street-style twist by adding accessories like black sunglasses, silver necklaces, and a black belt back.

These accessories give the look such a unique feel that will make you feel like a "model off-duty". Plus, the smaller bag size won't overwhelm your petite proportions. This look could also transition well to a more casual office look by throwing on a petite-specific blazer to make the look more professional and sophisticated.

Classy Casual

White jeans are the ultimate laid-back piece for summer. Try wearing a skinny style with a bit of distressing. Distressing can be done in a more edgy way but if you’re looking to keep things classy like in the look below, opt for a style with distressing around the ankles. An ankle-length skinny in crisp white is a great way to keep the look polished - look for petite fits when shopping to keep things proportional and at your ankles instead of at the floor.

For a casual look, style white skinnies with a bold-colored top that has some detailing like a cute neckline or a peplum then layer on a light-wash denim jacket to really help the colorful top POP!

STYLIST TIP: If you’re looking to lengthen your legs, go for a top that can be french-tucked in the front. To downplay your legs, go for a top that is flowy and loose

Chic Monochrome

Looking to really up your style game and try something different? It may not seem that daring but an all-white outfit will make a statement. Try your favorite pair of white jeans with a white top - it could be a blouse if you’re looking to make it work-appropriate or a basic tee or tank for a laid-back vibe.

Don’t feel like you can commit to an all-white ensemble? Test the waters by pairing white jeans with a white jacket (denim or otherwise) and layer a black top underneath for a look that is still chic. Add some contrast to the look by adding some silver jewelry and black heels to complete the look!

Boho Charm

White jeans may be basic but they can easily be worn for any style - including those who love boho styles! Try out either a skinny or boyfriend style and add a colorful top like the off-the-shoulder one below to keep things colorful and carefree. Show your creative side by adding elements such as flashy sunnies, metallic sandals, textured bracelets, and an embroidered bag and you’ll be getting compliments galore!

One of the best ways to style your white denim as a petite is to add a narrow cuff at the ankle and then add a pair of chunky sandals. This cuffed look will give the illusion of longer legs and a more balanced figure which is great if you have shorter legs!

Feminine Cool-Girl

Looking to really up the style factor of a basic pair of white jeans? First, opt for an on-trend straight-leg style! Go for a pair that are “ankle length” or specifically made for petites so they’re full length on a petite frame. A high rise is great for pairing with a puff sleeve top like below - we’re loving this pastel hue and the puff sleeves are everywhere this spring and summer.

If you feel like a high rise isn’t your style or doesn’t work with your body type, try a low or mid-rise with a looser puff sleeve top. To make this look less feminine, add some chunky sneakers that hit below the ankle (no high tops here). Add some simple gold jewelry and you’ll be ready for a girl's weekend!

As you can see, white jeans can work for all styles and it’s a piece that can work for most body types. If you feel like a certain pair isn’t working for you, remember there are different styles and colors, and just because a certain style is “in” right now doesn’t mean it’s right for YOU. Keep trying until you find your perfect pair - it’s so worth the effort!

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*Cover: Styled By McKenz