A-line pea coat, £395, Me+Em; striped top, Alyson’s own; white boyfriend jeans, £99, Baukjen; Arlington handbag, £415, LPOL; leather combat boots, £480, Dear Frances; pearl drop earrings, £95, Monica Vinader
Over the years, I’ve collected jeans in many different silhouettes and washes, but the straight-leg shape is the dependable, easy-to-wear favourite. And in winter, there’s less chance of dirty hems with a wider flared or bootcut style. No need to look like a walking advert for soap powder when you can pair slim jeans and chunky (or stack-heeled) ankle boots.
I’m not preaching from an ivory fashion tower; I live in London and use public transport. City living is dirty but that doesn’t stop people wearing white trainers or taking their fluffy white dogs to muddy parks. When things get mucky, give them a good wash. The same applies to white jeans (I manage a couple of days before bunging them in the machine).
So far, so classic. Time to bring on the colourful patterns and splashy prints. Strong colour is accentuated by a white backdrop. Hutton has said she always adds “a pop of something wonderful, vibrant, brilliant – colours that feel alive”. One of my friends, based in Bristol, is another advocate for pairing white denim with sunny shades. “I wear white jeans with all sorts of tops when it’s not rainy. A brightly coloured jersey, Breton stripes, then a flouncy blouse or oversized shirt for a dressier look.” When white denim is done right, it’s not just for the one per cent.
Three ways to wear white jeans in winter
Straight(ish) and not too narrow
Currently popular, the barrel or carrot shape is another winter option: wider at the top, the leg tapers into the ankle to avoid any puddle-dragging. I always think that going super-skinny limits what you can wear with jeans. The straight leg is the most versatile shape and looks great rolled up with ankle boots, loafers and lace-ups.
The look of luxury
Try white jeans with shades of camel and grey; all those lovely, luxurious café latte and camel tones beloved of Gwyneth Paltrow et al. Add texture with a charcoal and off-white flecked tweed coat or blazer or eternally stylish tan suede.
Add playful accessories
White jeans, a Breton top and a pea coat can look a bit “French cliché”. Introduce a sprinkling of animal print or a faux fur coat, a chunky necklace or natty scarf to loosen things up.
