Blue Jeans Are Fine, But For Fall, Chic People Know This Controversial Denim Trend Looks Richer


It's official: we've finally entered the last few weeks of summer. The onset of colder temperatures makes it all the more compelling to pack our closets' warm-weather staples in a box to the left—sorry to our sandals, dresses, and even some pairs of white jeans! With the latter, though, we argue that you shouldn't stash this denim style away in storage, but rather, you should figure out how to style white jeans for the fall. Controversial take, we know. But hear us out: no other style cannot only effortlessly transition your wardrobe from summer to fall, while giving off an innate air of sophistication. Although some might adhere to the myth that white clothing "shouldn't" be worn after Labor Day, stylish people know that some "rules" are meant to be broken; white jeans are the perfect rule-breaker.
Of course, even if you're the type of person who's comfortable not conforming to traditional fashion rules, chances are there will come times when you, too, need styling inspiration to act as a starting point, especially when it comes to embracing this specific denim trend. Thankfully, that's where our editorial team comes in handy. After spending hours scouring social media, we've compiled our findings to create a comprehensive guide on how to style white jeans in 2025, which includes outfit ideas, styling tips, and even a few shopping recommendations. If you thought you were about to send your white jeans packing (at least until next summer), prepare for your storage space to be a little emptier.
WEAR: Off-White Long Coat + White T-Shirt + Baggy Wide-Leg White Jeans + Stacked Resin Bangles + Barrel Bag + Jelly Flip Flops
Styling Notes: If you thought that transitioning your white jeans into the fall would take a lot of effort, allow us to present the outfit idea above as our counterargument. Frankly, there's no easier way to style white-wash jeans for fall than adding a few extra layers into the mix, ideally in the form of a long coat in a contrasting off-white color. The beauty of adding a long coat to your outfit is that you'll be able to continue wearing your jeans and flip-flops without being unprepared for the transitional temperatures.
WEAR: Green Trench Coat + Tan Turtleneck + Light Tan Studded Belt + White Wide-Leg Jeans + Tan Suede Ankle Boots + Dark Brown Bowler Bag
Styling Notes: While there's always a point in fall when you can no longer get away with wearing certain summer staples (looking at you flip-flops), there's rarely a point when you can't make white jeans work for the season. The secret lies in styling these jeans with some of the more timeless fall staples, such as a trench coat, turtleneck sweater, and suede ankle boots. Finish off the look with some of fall's most trend-forward accessories, such as a bowler bag and a studded belt.
WEAR: Silver Earrings + Tan Leather Jacket + White Tank + White Jean Shorts + Tan Suede Pumps + Tan Suede Handbag
Styling Notes: Before you pack away your white jean shorts, why not challenge yourself to try styling them in a new way? Let us explain our rationale: dressing for fluctuating fall temperatures is far easier when you adopt a pair of bottoms with a high-cut hemline—ahem, your white jean shorts. Whether it's frigid or hot, there's no safer outfit choice than styling white denim shorts with a matching tank top, a tan leather jacket, and some suede accessories. It's a fall outfit formula that will have you feeling comfy no matter the forecast.
WEAR: Reading Glasses + Tan Trench Coat + Black Crewneck Sweater + White T-Shirt + White Relaxed Jeans + Black Ballet Flats + Long Silver Pendant + Black Tote Bag
Styling Notes: When it's too chilly outside to wear your denim shorts, you don't necessarily have to give up on wearing a pair of white jeans. First off, you can switch your shorts for a pair of white jeans with a baggy, relaxed, or wide-leg fit to make them more fall-forward. Secondly, you can make this denim style more pragmatic for later in the season by paying attention to the styling, specifically, layering in more functional fall items. Even the most "impractical" pair of white jeans can suddenly feel pragmatic when paired with a trench coat, a base layer t-shirt, a crewneck sweater, a tote bag, reading glasses, and ballet flats.
WEAR: Brown Sunglasses + Oversized Denim Jacket + White T-Shirt + White Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans + Suede Birkenstock Slides + Neutral Oversized Tote Bag
Styling Notes: We wouldn't judge you if you're still dubious about wearing white jeans for the fall; we totally get it. However, we'd encourage you to try challenging those long-held sentiments by embracing a Canadian tuxedo outfit. What better way to ease yourself into wearing white jeans than by styling them with a denim jacket? It's the perfect way to micro-dose white wash denim into your wardrobe, without having to abandon the other darker washes you love most.
WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Striped Cardigan + Black Boatneck Blouse + Black Belt + White Straight-Leg Jeans + Black Loafers + Black Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: While we're big fans of a double-denim look, it can be a styling combination that's sometimes perceived as "controversial." It's an outfit formula that's not everyone's cup of tea, but it can become even more out of the realm of people's taste buds when you add white jeans into the equation. Luckily, there's a solution: style these jeans with classic staples, such as a boatneck top, a Benton striped cardigan, a minimal belt, and a pair of black patent loafers. You won't ruffle any feathers with this outfit, but you will prove that these pants can be a fall classic.
WEAR: Statement Jewelry + Burgundy Leather Jacket + Crewneck Sweater + White Straight-Leg Jeans + Burgundy Slingback Heels + Black Structured Handbag
Styling Notes: One of the toughest things about dressing at this time of year isn't just figuring out how to dress for fluctuating temperatures, but also trying to incorporate new trends, colors, or anything that feels fall-forward. Our solution? Opt for white jeans. It may seem simple, but this specific type of denim serves as the perfect blank canvas for the upcoming season. Would you like to incorporate the season's hottest shade into your wardrobe by buying a pair of burgundy slingback heels? These shoes go well with white jeans. You want to buy a cropped statement coat for the season? It will surely be the center of attention when paired with off-white straight-leg jeans. Everything goes well with this denim trend.
WEAR: Wireframe Sunglasses + Long Black Coat + White T-Shirt + White Relaxed Jeans + Tan Suede Pumps + Tan Suede Bucket Bag
Styling Notes: Embracing the idea of white-wash denim can be, well, challenging, especially within the context of fall. However, by now, we've hopefully shown you that it's actually relatively easy to wear this denim trend, if you're willing to rethink how you style it for the rest of the season (and really the rest of the year). While there's no shortage of ways to style white jeans for fall, the safest bet will always be to pair them with other seasonal staples. Nothing can prove the continued staying power of these "controversial" jeans than when they're worn with a long black coat, suede accessories, and statement shades. It doesn't get more fall-coded, period.

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.
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