Denim month: white jeans

For years, light denim was the preserve of party boys and Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell. But, gently, we’ve moved away from all that and into a period where they're considered a refreshingly sharp alternative to blue or black jeans. Just ensure you acquaint yourself with the following key facts about the lighter side of denim.

1. Better blocking

A pair of white jeans look their best when contrasted with a bold colour on top, such as red or black. Colour blocking like this helps draw the eye upward, which, in many cases, makes you look taller.

 
2. Select a slim fit

White jeans are not friends of the heavier man, as they make big thighs and calves look even bigger. But for those of you with a leaner build, opt for a slim fit for the most flattering look. Too much excess fabric looks sloppy, so make sure there’s minimal bunching at the ankles.

 
3. The smarter choice

White jeans can be smartened up relatively easily. If you're looking to bring a sharper edge to this Indian summer, try pairing them with a light linen blazer and a chambray shirt. If that sounds a bit too smooth for your taste, white jeans offer a nice conduit into the double-denim trend. Just add a fresh white T-shirt and a blue denim jacket for a cooler take on the look.

 
4. Keep it clean

These are not for sloppy eaters or park dwellers. Food and grass stains obviously spoil the impact of crisp white jeans, so if you can’t trust yourself to keep them clean, leave them in your wardrobe.

 
5. Clever footwear

If you’ve gone for a DGAF ‘look at me’ pair of brilliant white jeans, you’ll want to keep your shoes muted. Try plimsolls in watered-down blues, desert boots in soft tan or loafers in brown for the strongest finish.