How to Wear White Jeans in Winter After 50

ByCindy Hattersley Hours Posted on Hours Updated on
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Alright, ladies, let’s talk about wearing white jeans year-round. Specifically, white jeans in winter. I have to be honest: I am taking one for the team (my fellow bloggers) on this one because I am not a huge fan of white jeans, even in the warm months. For those of you who love white jeans, have the fashion police drilled it into your heads for years: no white after Labor Day? If you love white jeans, those fashion rules seem a little silly as we get older, don’t they? We don’t have to give up style because the calendar says so. And while the thought of sporting crisp white denim in the midst of winter might seem a tad daunting, there are no rules for women of all ages. The key is all in the approach. In this blog post, let’s dive into how to make white jeans work beautifully in the colder months by shopping your closet. Because yes, you absolutely can rock white jeans in winter and look fabulous! Today Kim and I are joining our pals for our monthly signature style series. Let’s chat about how to wear white jeans in winter after 50.

How to Wear White Jeans in Winter After 50

Choose Wisely

Avoid pairs of white jeans that are paper thin (any time of year). The best white jeans are thicker with a bit of structure, so you can avoid the see-through effect. Straight-leg jeans, bootcut, relaxed-fit, or wide-leg styles work best for a flattering silhouette. High-waisted options offer a more polished and elongated look. Skip the skinny jeans to avoid the sausage look. High-rise or mid-rise options offer a more polished and elongated look.

black cashmere sweater white jeans

I have had these gap girlfriend jeans for several years (you can tell I don’t wear white jeans very often).They are sold out at Gap but the Rachel from Kut is very similar. I am wearing them with the Frank and Eileen fleece jacket (in small), loafers from Gentle Souls, and my new sunglasses from Caddis.

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The Power of Texture

Texture elevates any monochromatic look. Think about pairing your white jeans in your winter wardrobe with chunky knit sweaters or textural ankle boots in the same hue or a faux fur jacket or  cozy cardigan “Think warm and inviting.”

white jeans, quince cashmere booties & hat

I am wearing the Quince Oversized Mongolian Cashmere sweater in a small with my Kut from the Kloth jeans (size 2), my crimson & Cashmere scarf (currently unavailable similar listed in shop the look), with my gentle souls booties (lighter would look better but I don’t own a pair), and my favorite Gigi Pip hat.

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Color Palette Perfection

Try pairing your pair of jeans with rich, warm colors like camel, burgundy, olive green, navy, or charcoal gray. Suggest incorporating some winter whites/creams for a sophisticated look.

cindy hattersley and her pup in red cashmere and white jeans

I love the Galway jean from Frank and Eileen (size 26). It has just the right amount of stretch. This red cashmere sweater from Quince is a new favorite (I ordered a medium). I am wearing my favorite red sneaks from Taos (they come in wide and have plenty of support).

More Ways to Wear White Jeans in Winter After 50

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Layer Like a Pro for Interest

White clothing can be stark on its own. Think about adding a stylish scarf or wrap to your white denim jeans. Layers always add depth and interest. 

white jeans gray cashmere hoodie & cashmer scarf

I love the combination of gray and mustard or chartreuse. In this photo I am wearing the same Frank and Eileen jeans, a great cashmere hoodie from Quince in medium ( a nice weight for Spring ), (a chartreuse poncho from the Fabric Merchant in Los Olivos (I linked similar from J Crew) (tutorial coming on how to wear it multiple ways), and my vionic silver sneaks (they come in wide).

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Shoe Savvy

We all know the right shoes can make or break your white jeans outfits. Ankle boots, loafers or stylish sneakers can be your best friend.

white jeans gray cashmere hoodie & METALLIC PUFFER

Here I am wearing the same pants, sweater and jeans with a puffer I have owned for years. You can find similar on eBay here.

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Accessorize with Confidence

Don’t forget the details. A beautiful scarf, a great bag, or a great hat is an easy way to complete your look.

Denim Duster over off white Jeans-cindy hattersley

I shared this look in my recent post How to Style One Denim Midi Dress Six Ways here. I am wearing my Kut jeans (size four) with the denim trench/dress (M) with my favorite Artemis accessories. This bag is great for travel by the way.

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Find the Right Fit

I usually size-up in white jeans. They are not very unforgiving (one of the reasons I don’t LOVE them). Always choose a fit that is most flattering for your body type. Nearly all of the jeans sites have guides now if you need assistance.

white girlfirend jeans black cashmere sweater

I find that white jeans look best (on me anyway) simply styled. What is better than a pair of loafers and a black cashmere turtleneck (size medium)?

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white jeans libeco throw cashmere sweater & basebaol cap

This outfit would be great for an early Spring wine country picnic. A cashmere hoodie, with jeans and sneaks,

A few simple tricks and a little bit of confidence are all you need to rock those white jeans all winter long if you love them. Don’t be afraid to experiment, play with textures and colors, and find what works best for you. Most importantly, have fun with it! Fashion should be enjoyable, no matter our age. Are you team white jeans in winter, or better yet are you team white jeans at all? I can’t wait to hear from you. I have a feeling there will be a lot of discourse on this one. Thanks for reading How to Wear White Jeans in Winter After 50. Now let’s pop over and visit my friends.

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Editors Note:

I have had a lot of emails lately about how to shop the looks. Each picture has a “shop the look” widget below it. To shop click on the pictures in the widget, You have to click on the arrows on either side of the widget in order to scroll all the pictures. You can also follow me on the shopltk app here. I sometimes post items that are “app only content” (so you don’t get overwhelmed with too much shopping). If you follow me on the app, you will get an email every time I post, and you will be notified of items that have dropped in price (so it is a win win).

You can also find all of the posts by clicking on the drop down at the top of the page “Shop My Instagram” here.

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48 Comments

  1. Cindy, you look great in white jeans. But I can’t wear them here in southern Canada because with the 6 +foot high snow drifts and blowing snow, I’d disappear! PS-one of the most fierce winters I’ve seen.

  2. I’m 71 and have always loved wearing white jeans! I have several pairs. I’m moving to the south soon and looking forward to being able to wear them throughout the year! I love Quince sweaters too!

  3. Cindy, you look great in all the pictures. I have always loved white in my wardrobe. I do like white jeans paired with a dark top or a cream top for winter (I wouldn’t do a white on white until spring/summer) I’m now actually on the hunt for a pair of white sweatpants (that won’t shrink in the wash) my old RL white sweatpants got to look too much like puddle-jumpers lol! Have a great day!

  4. This isn’t an “age appropriate” thing for me, but I love my Fall/Winter wardrobe and my Spring/Summer wardrobe. I pack up my white jeans when the weather gets cooler.
    As an Interior Designer I do the same with my home. When the weather gets cooler, I pull out the fur throws, the darker colored pillow in velvets and wools. I have a velvet quilt on my bed for the cooler months and a wonderful linen quilt for when it gets warm.
    I love pulling out my white jeans when the weather starts to get warmer again. Like an old friend.

  5. Cindy, you’re a natural for white jeans year round … I hope this exercise in styling brought you around. I had to laugh about the ‘sausage look’ which is 100% my fear when wearing white jeans. But a heavier denim in a looser cut seems to take care of that. Love your Quince sweaters … the perfect white jean pairing. Anyway, you’re rocking the look! xo

    1. Hi Juliet

      I agree heavy with a little stretch helps. I just don’t find them flattering on me.

  6. Cindy everything looks fantastic on you! I wear white jeans all year round but then again I’m in Houston and it feels like summer 10 months out of the year. My latest favs btw are from banana republic and BR factory.

    1. Hi Nancy

      I forget about BR factory…they have such great things. I need to visit them again!!

  7. Hi Cindy,
    I’m with you about white jeans, it’s hard to find a pair that fit right and are comfortable to wear. I like white linen pants too.
    The red and black tops are mg favorites on you. The color is great on you.

    1. Hi Katherine

      I am glad I am not the only one! They never look particularly flattering on me!!

  8. I bought a pair of white wide leg high rise jeans from Chicos last year. I didn’t wear them much. Like you, I have short legs. Mine are slim as well as my hips but my waist is only five inches smaller than my hips which is a fitting nightmare. The baggy butt and thighs I have to deal with make white a no for me. You look great in the red and white outfit!

    1. Hi Sydney

      They are difficult, aren’t they? I have a bit of an easier time now that the waists are higher. They were a total nightmare when the were lower. If they fit in the rump they gaped at the waist, and that thick white fabric just doesn’t love me!!

  9. Right now white jeans would be a disaster where I live. Winter is a wet and often mud spattering season. The Pacific Northwest is not friendly to white pants except in late spring and early fall. I like the look of white pants with a colorful top for those times. I love seeing the ladies from other climes wearing white jeans. It is such a fresh look. So those who can, enjoy!

    1. Hi Lynne

      I understand! Growing up in the midwest I remember buying a pair of winter white wool pants that I proceeded to ruin the first time I wore them!

      1. Oh Cindy, your comment reminds me of ruining my winter white wool trousers on my first buying trip back to NYC in the late 70’s. It was January market. So much slush and the salt!

        ☀️🏔️🐦 If “the mountain is out” up here in the PNW, I will wear my winter white jeans with a pullover sweater, my black boiled wool long cardigan with fringe or a chambray blouse and cashmere wrap. Your direction of putting on layers and more texture with white jeans in winter so resonates with me.

        Your great style, under the Cali sun inspires your readers in the deep winter days!

        1. Hi Lynne

          Ha ha! Glad to hear you could identify!! Thanks so much for your support Lynne. I sure appreciate you!

  10. On the team white jeans, I guess I am somewhere in between. Love the look, own a pair and never wear them! I do worry that I will get dirty (snow country, muddy roads and dirty cars) – but…? A conundrum.

  11. Cindy. I have two pair of white jeans and start using them in the Spring. I don’t wear them in the Winter here in San Diego. I guess I could but I reach for dark wash or black during those months. I did see a young woman wearing a pair of olive jeans this week paired with a black , chunky sweater and loafers. This looked great! Thank you for your thoughtful posts. Donnie

  12. I don’t think it’s age, although those up us over 50 have to get over the white rule, just like we have to get over so many other color rules that are from before color tv. If we want to get over the rules.

    To me the issue is weather. For ex, I don’t want to wear white jeans if I have to go out in gray slush. But if it’s a dry, sunny day? Then it’s an option.

  13. Hi Cindy,
    Beautiful looks thank you, that red sweater and white is my favorite and gorgeous Scout the way he is looking at you!! Going to wear white this week you have all inspired me! Happy week!

    1. Hi Francesca

      That red sweater is a winner! I do like it better with regular denim however!

  14. Lovely looks Cindy thank you for the inspiration. Going for a black and white look today. Gorgeous Scout!!

  15. Cindy you look so good in all these! I love the red look and the Frank & EIleen jacket…but the black t neck and just the jeans is so Diane Keaton and you! I knew you’d do so many cool looks with this post.
    You really can wear anything. xo

  16. Love your post! I never wore white jeans, even as a young woman but I just bought a new pair of white flare stretch jeans that fit beautifully and balance out my curves! I’m “soft dramatic” on the Kibbe scale so I need long, lean, flared jeans at all times! Got these from Free People (while shopping for my niece): https://www.freepeople.com/shop/we-the-free-keira-pull-on-flare-jeans/?category=SEARCHRESULTS&color=010&searchparams=q=white%2520jeans&type=REGULAR&quantity=1
    I really love how people are dressing for their personal styles, essences, colors, etc. much more than previous decades, sooo many more options for everyone. Thanks for all you do!!

    1. Hi Valletta

      I will check out your jeans! I forgot all about the Kibbe scale. I just take it again!

  17. Thank you for all your great tips! I am interested in the red cashmere sweater from Quince but link only goes to their home site and there are a few sweaters in red . Can you please advise which one you liked? Thanks

  18. Cindy, you look amazing in white jeans! I love every single look. From casual with sneakers to under the denim dress! You have the most amazing style!

    1. Hi Annie

      You are the white jean queen! You look so good in them with your long lean legs! My favorite look of mine is where you can barely see them!!

  19. You are being too hard on yourself! They say the camera adds some number of pounds (is it 10?) so even with that in mind, you look great. Your legs do NOT look chunky and stubby. I’m hoping to find some good Kut jeans this Sunday and love the look I sent you recently of the cream Frank and Eileen cotton sweater over white shirt and jeans. I’m definitely team white jeans!

    1. Hi Wren
      You look fabulous in white jeans. I don’t know anyone that wears them better!! I do like the kut Meg, in the bone or ivory. I notice they no longer have that color on their website. I don’t know what it is. I love white linen anything in the summer, for some reason I can’t get on the team white jeans wagon any time of the year! I love them on others!

  20. Hi Cindy, I bought a pair of white stretch corduroy flare jeans last winter. They are so comfortable and the stretch corduroy fabric shapes the derrière quite nicely; the flares help to balance the figure, too. I love wearing my white jeans with a cozy camel colored cashmere sweater and bone colored suede booties. Of course, white goes with everything, so they are very versatile. Glad that I took a chance with white in winter!

    1. Ooh, I like this idea! White, but corduroy – wintry!
      Gap fits me well, so popped onto their website and ordered a pair to try. Full length, which I like since I’m looking out on a snowy day in Colorado. On super sale, but returnable if they don’t work.
      Gap High Rise Corduroy ’70s Flare Pants

  21. Maybe all these photos refreshed your memory as to how good you look in white jeans?? I never liked them, either, until I stumbled on a pair of wider leg ones with frayed hems — there’s something about the texture that appeals to me. Now, I wear them regularly, mostly in spring and summer.

    1. Hi Bette

      I am with you on the frayed leg. My favorites are probably the Frank and Eileen for that reason. I just don’t think they flatter me much. I love the frayed leg on denim. I hope that never goes away. It makes hemming easy for those of us with short legs as well!!

      1. It also makes (un)hemming easy for we who are tall! I just undo the hems and usually get several extra inches of length. After a wash and a quick snip of crazy threads, I’m good to go!

  22. Cindy, love all of your tips and tricks for styling white jeans!
    Thank you for taking one for the team, I always appreciate all of your style guidance! You always look fabulous!

    1. Hi Eliz

      You are so kind, ha ha! As you can probably tell, I am not a huge fan. My newest pair of white jeans is at least three years old! I am amazed they still exist. They just aren’t flattering on my chunky, stubby legs!!

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