What to Wear with White Pants

Before you can create any stunning looks, you must actually own a pair of white pants. Purchasing them, however, can be a bit of a daunting task, as they typically only show up in stores for a few months throughout the year and to buy, you have to catch them when they are in stock. You can purchase a pair from places like Old Navy, all the way up the expense line to top design houses. It is up to you how much you want to spend and what fabric or exact shade of white you will want your pants; however, such decisions will affect how and where you can wear your white pants. For example, white jeans project a very different, more casual feel than a silk white pants, and a pure white is exceedingly different from an off-white or a cream.

For ideas of how to dress your pants, try checking out the designer's or store's website. Such websites will often pair white pants with wearable outfits in their online stores. In most cases, for the completely fashion illiterate, you can even simply buy the pairing shown in examples; that way, you have something completely solid to fall back on. For example, J. Crew has a section for looks the editors love, which pairs white pants with a variety of other items in their catalog. Their 1035 Trouser in Superfine Cotton, for example, is paired with their blue Button-up Selvedge Chambray shirt and their white Nouvelle jacket in superfine cotton, as well as their Converse distressed Jack Purcell sneakers in white. Additionally, their Matchstick jean in white denim are paired with their Lace-Front Top in black and their Sardinia wedge espadrilles in navy ivory. J. Crew gives you the option to just purchase the entire look. Other retailers will suggest things to pair with the pants, but it is up to you to decide whether you think the look will suit you.

Those with a tad more fashion savvy might want to simply look to these pairings as inspiration. If a black shirt is paired with white jeans and a cool hat, the fashionista might look for similar pieces or be inspired by this look. This is a great way to figure out interesting combinations of what might work with your white pants while putting your very own spin on it.

However, here are some classic combos that you can definitely rely on. For an easy and cute look, try white with a solid color; bolder colors will generally work best. For example, white with a navy, red, bright pink, plum, or black will work wonders. Stripes are another cute and complimentary combination. Navy and white stripes are a classic summer combination that have been proven a winner over the years. For a quick nighttime look, pair with a flowing blouse or a cute halter top. Like black in the winter, during the summer, white is a staple and, in general, can be paired with everything and anything, so don't be afraid to look outside of these guidelines.

Most importantly though, do remember that you are wearing white. Unlike with black, you must be sure that your white remains that way: unfettered by stains or dulled in the wash. Make sure to always wash your pants properly and be wary of spills when eating and stains when you sit yourself down. A good idea might even to be to carry around a Tide to Go Bleach pen with you just in case.

Now, go forth and wear your white pants, and remember, you do not necessarily have to take them off come labor day; just dress them up for winter with blazers, scarves, and the like.