White Pants: Do You Dare?
Are you game to wear white pants this summer?
Don’t be terrified, we’re not talking Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal pants circa 1987, we’re in 2014 where white on the lower halves of our bodies is making a stylish comeback.
In recent months, we’ve seen Miranda Kerr rock a white jean and nautical pieces while Jessica Alba worked a culotte style like a boss. However, while your bottom area may not resemble the likes of Kerr or Alba, it certainly doesn’t mean you can’t also wear this look.
So now that we’ve removed the supermodel/celebrity stigma, it’s off to find you the perfect white pair.
I love the white pant however, like many of you, the most difficult part of this look actually lies in finding the right cut and fabric thickness.
As summer beckons, it is such a nice change to bring lighter colours into our day, yet so many of my clients are voicing the same concern: “I can’t wear white jeans, they will just make my bum look bigger!
Hogwash! (or Poppycock!) The only thing that makes your bum look bigger is the style you choose and perhaps it’s also a little in your head? Are you putting your bum down again? (Pun intended, ladies)
But back to the product – it all depends on the cut, rise and lift of your pants. The back pocket placement will also make a difference along with the thickness of the fabric. Finally, it’s how you wear and style them with existing pieces.
So for your white wearing pleasure, I’ve put together Ten Style Commandments for nailing this look:
- If you have cellulite (or perhaps you refer to it as lard, fat, excess, blubber etc.), you will absolutely need a thicker and firmer pant to smooth out any lumpy bits.
- If choosing a crop, be conscious of the height and of the shoes you choose. For example, a top to long with flats will crunch your height so either put a little height in your shoes or up the hem of your top or pants.
- A cuff on the bottom of a 7/8 or crop white pant can be great if you are a bit heavy in the thigh and bottom area.
- A tapered crop is great on for my hourglass ladies.
- Make sure the denim is fitted and go a little tighter if possible to avoid crutch sagging 🙁
- A high yoke and high pockets are flattering on your backside. Now for a little denim definition, the yoke sits directly below the waistband on the back of jeans where your butt sits forming a V shape. Always check this ladies.
- Colour blocking will look sophisticated and will elongate you. Opt for an all white or nude look, or explore the bolder hues for a bigger statement. Give it a go!
- To elongate your legs – a nude, white, or tan wedge, platform or sandal will be a perfect match.
- If you are taller and/or have longer legs, a cuff on the bottom won’t hurt you at all, play with this look.
- Finally no VPL (Visible Panty Lines). Nude, seam free underwear please! There are no exceptions to this rule.
Oh and a mini eleventh commandment: like our black counterparts, white leggings are not pants or jeans. Let’s not even go there.
So now that you know there is a white pair of pants for everyone, hop to it! My non-demin ladies can work the same style commandants and get some white action through tailored pants, or softer more breezy fabrics. Oh, and you’ve heard the rumours – it actually keeps you cooler in the sun.
Now, if you’re also keen to make an investment in a quality high-end pair, white jeans are also predicted to move into the Autumn/Winter season taking a “winter white” spin on the look. You heard it here first.
So, who dares to take the white pant challenge? I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Who loves, hates and is willing to try this look?
Be bright, and I’ll speak to you soon.
Kate says
Thanks Cindy, some great fitting tips. I have to say, the one thing I am really bored with in my Summer wardrobe are white pants/jeans they have been around for too many seasons. I often think of Liz Hurley who is a manic white pant wearer.
Cindy Newstead says
Ha Kate, that makes me laugh!! I do understand how you feel, many women really want to wear them yet they are too scared!! 🙂
Nikki Casey says
Soooo love white pants…tight or loose, adore them!
I always look forward to summer to be able to wear them with confidence for that beautiful clean bright look!
Cindy Newstead says
Yes Nikki, we do love our white!!! 🙂
Ann Reinten says
Well said Cindy – great feature.
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Ann 🙂
Jackie Green says
I’m a big fan of white jeans and I have to say I think men seem to have a thing for them. Might just have to pop into Veronika Maine I think, and Sportscraft, and CR. Oh there goes the Credit card again. Great post as always.
Cindy Newstead says
Ha, thanks Jackie! Yes perhaps leave your card home tomorrow…….its a disease!! xo
Sherryl says
Hi Cindy,
Always love the range of clothing you show us. Especially when you give prices and where to buy – very handy.
I know you often do these photo shoots on the run, but have you ever thought about taking someone along to be your photo model? I bet a few people would be happy to volunteer!
Cindy Newstead says
Thanks Sherryl! I think its a great idea. Time is the problem as I am always running. Doing two blogs a week is crazy. I try to jump in clothes as often as I can, sometimes I just don’t feel like it, but trying to organize someone else to be present has hairs on it, as we fit the photos in when we can, no structure! Thanks so much for your idea though 🙂 xo
Heather O'Brien says
Love, love, love white pants!! I have many styles and definitely a favourite in my wardrobe!
Cindy Newstead says
So sorry Heather……..I missed your comment!!!!! I love them too! 🙂 x
Annette Orlandi says
Thank you Cindy, you nailed the “white jeans” issue, it’s all about options & really putting in the effort to find the right style. I’ve also noticed “hipsters/low rise” are not as popular as they once were, thank god!! 8 – )
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Annette, apologies!!!!!! just saw your comment……..I agree with you on the hipsters 🙂 🙂 xo