For years, our denim drawers haven’t been formally updated. Silhouettes change here and there — skinny jeans gave way to straight leg jeans,while 70s style cropped flares recently made a comeback — but rarely has the mid wash blue hue been overhauled. But what started last season as a trickle has come full force: white trousers have become white jeans, and this summer off-white and ecru shades are the only palette of denim to be seen in. 

We know what you’re thinking: “white jeans are hard to wear.” But we promise you, they aren’t. They’re as neutral as a denim pair, look effortless chic and coordinate with every piece that’s already in your wardrobe. And there are so many variations on the market right now, there really is a silhouette and a shade for everyone.

There’s a failsafe formula to apply here. 

1. Team boyish-cut jeans with a mannish top, offset by feminine accessories. 

The slouchiness of these jeans (above) is matched by the plaid loose overshirt, which in a crisp blue is a lumberjack take on the classic work shirt that stops it looking sloppy. Add interest with girlish details — instead of wearing this look with sneakers, add a kitten heel in a pop of colour and a cute bag to provide a good balance. And keep hair and make-up to a minimum. 

2. Flip the colour palette on its head. If you normally wear dark trousers, opt for a softer shade of cream in jeans and take the dark tone to your top half. 

A textured top (or a colourful cardigan when autumn arrives — this trend has sticking power) will balance your silhouette and draw attention to your top half. Forest hues like racing green, tobacco and chocolate brown are a winning match for white jeans. But don’t forget to accessorise: a black belt and bag in this look add a biker feel that toughens up the palette. 

3. White jeans are easily worn with trainers – if they’re a lean-cut high waisted silhouette, with cropped hems. 

These jeans (above) are a perfect match for a chunky dad-style sneaker because the fit of them is more akin to a tailored trouser. A flash of ankle offsets the change in hue from white to black — monochrome sneakers work best for this reason here. Casual accessories like a bumbag worn crossbody is ideal for achieving that low-key look — but be sure to balance it with a not-so-slobby top to keep it chic. A loose shirt in a statement stripe worn tied up (or tucked in) is just the ticket. 

Whether you’re looking for a straight leg pair to incorporate into your workwear wardrobe or a wide-legged style that will instantly elevate your look to Scandi street style levels of cool, we’ve found the best white jeans to wear now. 

Images: courtesy of Getty & brands