Without a doubt, jeans are a cornerstone of our wardrobe. In fact, they are the first item we recommend buying for anyone who wants to take charge of their style.
We usually start with raw denim, before moving on to its little grey brother. Then, we tend to play with the fabrics to complete our stock: thickness, selvedge weave or not, roughness...
That being said, we remain generally within the same color spectrum. In other words, we ultimately bring little variety to our style.
What to do when you want something other than a classic raw? What are the alternatives to white jeans? Is it limited to the Italian style? What about faded jeans?
I suggest we look at all these neglected categories.
Because there’s more to life than indigo!
Taming light jeans...
If they are often not recommended for beginners, it is precisely because they present many pitfalls. Whether we are talking about a white model or a completely bleached blue, I strongly recommend that you remain vigilant on certain points...
A pretty canvas
I know, I know, it seems obvious but I have to insist on it.
Without even talking about the jeans as a whole, the first thing to look at is their fabric. On light and/or faded colors, the cheap side of a material is all the more marked.
So, you shouldn't be afraid to invest a minimum to find a piece that is really worth it.
A suitable cut
As soon as you are on a light piece, it inevitably attracts the eye. In this sense, you must choose it with a perfect cut. Does that necessarily mean semi-slim?
In the case of white jeans, yes, I highly recommend it: the result is more harmonious with a fitted cut.
On faded pieces, you have more freedom in this regard.
A fairly fitted cut is essential for white jeans.
Jeans for all body types?
Here too, we must distinguish between faded and white jeans. While the former are not really a problem, I would advise against the latter for the most robust among us . White tends to accentuate unsightly parts of our body and draw attention to them.
How to wear light jeans?
White/beige jeans
How can we not talk about white jeans without mentioning Italian style?
Let's start with Luca. To calm the "strength" of his jeans, he completes them with a brown monochrome - between his jacket and his shoes - which frames the outfit. Generally speaking, white pants lend themselves well to earth tones: the mix is harmonious and remains balanced. For his companion sitting to his left, it's a different story. We find again a form of monochrome, this time oscillating between blue (shirt, shoes, tie) and the purple of the jacket. In my opinion, this is where the problem lies: with white jeans, only opt for "soft" colors, especially nothing garish.
Precisely, all the nuances are soft for the occasion. There is no contrast that is not too marked: the beige of the jacket remains close to the pants by its lightness, where shirt and shoes are blue. We are still on a much more relaxed version of the Italian style, far from the flamboyance of the Pitti! In the same spirit and if this lighter approach seduces you, take a look at the looks of Alessandro Squarzi. Luca will not hold it against you.
That's all well and good, but are white trousers only worn in this kind of style? Can they exist outside of the transalpine philosophy? Let's look at this.
White jeans will also be highlighted by gray pieces, the "tempering" color par excellence. The contrast between the very elegant woolen cloth coat and the sweatshirt gives body to the whole. It is this sum of contrasts that makes the outfit interesting.
More simply, white jeans can be worn with a T-shirt (needless to say, it doesn't have to be white either). We find the white/earth tones combo, with a completely different interpretation: the streetwear influences are much more pronounced here. A certain nonchalance emerges from the outfit. This is supported by several elements: the short leg of the jeans (we speak of "cropped jeans"), the rolled sleeves of the T-shirt, the accessories (hat and glasses)... This look is all the more special because it ends with white shoes. If this step seems complicated to you, no worries, colorful sneakers will do the trick!
Blue patterned shirt, burgundy knit, camel coat, white jeans, not to mention the many accessories and socks... It's hard to believe it on paper, it would seem too much . In this case, however, it works very well. Dark skin should not be afraid to wear bold pieces in color , quite the contrary!
And what about the full white look?
You can imagine building an all-white look. Don't be afraid to attract attention , nor to get dirty but in absolute terms, it is possible.
In this case, avoid using the same shade of white: a white/beige/cream monochrome will be more subtle.
Jeans, shirt, sneakers and blazer: all the pieces are white. It then becomes important to vary the shades if we want to avoid the "chalk stick" look. It remains, however, a risky exercise. (Credits: He Spoke Style)
Faded and bleached jeans
Faded jeans are often discouraged because:
- they are far from being a priority compared to a gray or a crude,
- Some artificial washes can have a very cheap, even vulgar, effect.
I won't tell you about those that simply imitate the stripes on the pockets or the wear on the knees: if you find a well-made one, go for it, it will wear like a naturally faded pair of jeans. No problem then.
Here, we will mainly focus on bleached jeans . Those whose fabric has been washed out over almost its entire surface, with a real bias on the final color .
Unlike its white counterpart, it is resolutely casual and slips almost exclusively into casual outfits. We can obviously play on sartorial influences - we will see it on the first look - but it is important to keep in mind that you will wear it in a relaxed way three-quarters of the time.
Blazer and shirt VS jeans: this is a classic combination in casual chic. That being said, given the marked design of jeans, it is better to turn to a casual shirt (we can still contest the buttoned collar over the tie). Boots, as usual on this type of look, are a good in-between. Special mention for the use of the beret, an accessory that very few dare (here for the reminder on how to choose a head covering ).
On this look, the color of the canvas brings a real originality. We find shades of verdigris, quite rare on jeans. Another twist lies in the chosen cuts, all quite wide: they give a vintage impression. Finally, note the pale pink sweater, finally integrated without difficulty. As the beautiful days approach, do not be afraid to explore new palettes.
A bleached grey jean is easier to wear: you end up with a light grey shade, nuanced, that goes with just about everything. The worn look of a heavily washed jean goes well with looks with an "adventurer" spirit, like here with the khaki waxed cotton jacket. It's also the kind of piece with which you can more easily afford black shoes (brown boots would also be appropriate, taking up the same raw influences).
In an outfit composed only of basics, bleached jeans will definitely stand out. It is also a good way to enhance an outfit that may seem too simple, thanks to the work of the canvas.
With such a pale shade, there is no problem integrating other blue elements. By the way, wearing a shirt as an overshirt is a relevant idea, especially when its material has a certain grain.
What about colored jeans?
From time to time, we see certain brands offering colored jeans (green or camel, in particular).
In principle, why not, it allows you to bring a little variety. That said, for colored pants, it is especially on the chinos side that you will find your happiness.
Our selection: where to buy light jeans?
White jeans
Almost all jeans brands offer white models. Nicolò especially recommends those from Boggi and De Fursac , which are well cut and balanced.
Bleached jeans
Be careful, not all washes are successful. There are still things that are worth it on the side of:
- April 77 : good value for money without being transcendent. Especially suitable for slim physiques.
- Nudie : washed jeans in different styles, something to choose from according to your taste.
- Edwin and his very workwear interpretations of bleached jeans.
- MR Editions : a model with a vintage side, a bit like a modern version of “dad jeans”.
- APC that needs no introduction.
- Denham : Dutch brand that does very beautiful work on canvases.
- Acne : beautiful washes offered in several cuts.
- RRL , Ralph Lauren 's vintage line. We've reached a sacred level, both in terms of quality and manufacturing and price...
The final word...
Raw denim is our best friend, followed closely by grey denim. That said, it can also be refreshing to explore other palettes to advance your style.
White jeans, widely acclaimed by fans of the Italian style, have a strong stylistic potential. Contrary to what one might believe, they are far from being reserved solely for sprezzatura e tutti quanti .
In another register, bleached canvases also constitute an interesting option, introducing new nuances.
To go further, do not hesitate to (re)read Luca's article on Italian style , as well as the one on how to wear color . If you need a more general reminder on jeans, it's here .
And you, are you a fan of white jeans? How do you wear them? What do you think of bleached fabrics? Tell us about it in the comments!
