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Hello, my name’s Dinah van Tulleken, I’m 42 years old, and until a few weeks ago, I’d never owned a pair of white jeans.
In fact, I was firmly against them. Why? Firstly, because they are white. I don’t wear white trousers. I eat spaghetti bolognese, and I drink coffee and red wine.
Practicality aside, to me, the classic, skinny white jeans that were almost see-through looked, well, trashy. They managed the worst possible combination: eye-catching yet extremely unflattering.
But I know what you’re thinking: skinny jeans have been out for a while. And you’re right. The silhouette to be seen in today is loose, relaxed and wide-legged. More importantly, jeans now come in a more substantial denim.
It’s taken me this long to realise the implications: suddenly, white denim feels different.
Celine helped me on this journey with their exaggerated flared white jeans, paired with a crisp white shirt and matching shoes on the SS26 runway.
Over at Christian Dior, straight-leg styles were elevated with dramatic white cape tops and heels, proving that white denim can be every bit as sophisticated as a pair of tailored trousers.
The fashion houses may have inspired me, but if I thought shopping for the perfect pair of blue jeans was difficult, finding the right white ones has proved the ultimate challenge.
I took to the high street, from denim specialist Trilogy, which offers an impressive selection of premium brands, to M&S, where there are styles to suit every budget, fit and leg length.
Frame’s Palazzo jeans were among the very best, but at £290, I’d certainly hope so. They’re wide-leg without being overwhelming, beautifully cut and exceptionally flattering. The fit through the hips is just right, while the denim feels substantial without being stiff.
Blue striped Doen top, £280 and Frame Palazzo jeans, £290 both trilogystores.co.uk; sandals, £170, ancient-greek-sandals.com
Worn throughout
One of the biggest surprises was the Victoria Beckham for Gap pair (£85). They have an easy, slouchy fit that’s incredibly comfortable, a great full length and thick denim with plenty of movement.
Brown cashmere cardigan, £195, and matching vest, £115, both meandem.co.uk; brown suede belt, £22, river island; White jeans, £85, Victoria Beckham for gap.co.uk; sandals, £170 ancient-greek-sandals.com
If you’re after something smarter, head to M&S. Its bootcut jeans feel more like tailored trousers than classic denim, thanks to the front seam, which gives them a polished finish. They’re especially flattering, helping to elongate the legs.
Green slip vest, £65, nobodyschild.com and boot-flare white jeans, £38, marksandspencer.com; sandals, £170, ancient-greek-sandals.com
Was £65
Baukjen’s cropped jeans are another excellent option. They’re ideal for summer or holidays, with smart seam detailing and neat patch pockets that stop them from looking too casual.
Blue shirt, £95, withnothingunderneath.com; grey t-shirt, £45 and white jeans, £109, Baukjen.com; flip-flops, £95, ancient-greek-sandals.com
Was £45
Reiss also does a brilliant cropped pair. The lightweight denim makes them exceptionally comfortable for everyday wear, while the relaxed fit feels effortless without being oversized. They’re flattering in all the right places and make the perfect weekend jean.
Blue jacket, £50, marksandspencer.com; white cropped jeans, £130, reiss.com; flip-flops, £95, ancient-greek-sandals.com
For a truly flared silhouette, Me+Em is hard to beat. Don’t be put off by how they look on the hanger, because they come to life once they’re on. The bootcut shape is universally flattering, they skim the floor beautifully and can easily be dressed up with heels or down with trainers.
Flared jeans, £195, meandem.com; sandals, £175, ancient-greek-sandals.com
If brilliant white still feels a little intimidating, head to Hush for a softer ecru shade. They’re far easier to wear than stark white denim, while the brown contrast stitching gives it a more premium feel. The lower-set back pockets are particularly flattering, and the comfort rivals Citizens of Humanity at around a third of the price.
Ecru cropped jean, £100, hush.com; flip-flops, £95, ancient-greek-sandals.com
I’ll be proudly wearing white jeans this summer, just not when I’m drinking red.
