I used to be very sad when I had to put my white jeans away for the season. But, fashion rules are meant to be broken, and eventually I kept wearing my white jeans until the weather changed from cool to cold. Even Emily Post, the official manners maven, has given the OK to wear white after Labor Day. And, white jeans are actually a great transitional piece. There are a few rules to wear them so they fit the fall season though. I thought I’d give you some tips for how to wear white after Labor Day so it’s seasonally appropriate and, of course, chic.

• Black is always a great contrast for white jeans, but make sure the top isn’t too bulky or your outfit will look off-balance.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Herringbone Sweater. This sweater is perfect for white jeans. The pattern is so cute and the black/white herringbone is a great offset. Also, it’s a thinner fabric (a blend of cotton, rayon and viscose) that will work for the beginning of fall. Free shipping and returns. $110.00

• Tops in muted colors or light colors are a great fit for white jeans. The fabric should be a thicker cotton or a wool to fit the season. But don’t wear a white sweater with white jeans after Labor Day or you’ll look too summery.

Amber Sun Colorblock Crew. This top and white jeans will look great on a cool fall weekend. Free shipping and returns. Was: $69.00, now: $34.49

• A black blazer makes a very chic outfit with white jeans. Be sure to wear a tank top underneath so your top half isn’t too heavy looking. A sweater under a black jacket over white jeans would not look right.

Olivia Moon Knit Blazer. I love this knit blazer. Because it’s less structured it looks a bit more casual, and that suits white jeans perfectly. Free shipping and returns. $79.50

• A denim jacket is an easy way to wear the trendy denim-on-denim look. Just be sure that the jacket is a stonewash or darker wash, so the outfit doesn’t look too summery.

Lucky Brand Denim Jacket. I like the shorter cut of this denim jacket because it’s more modern looking. Free shipping and returns. $99

• Booties work with white jeans too. The secret is to wear a pair that isn’t too dark, and definitely not black suede! Beige suede would be fine though.

Nina Aurora Bootie. Everywhere I went in Paris I saw metallic booties in the stores. They are a great transition to fall. These booties would look very chic with the herringbone sweater above. Free shipping and returns. $108.95

• Ballet flats are a great shoe for the summer-to-fall transition. Just swap out your light colors for ones in a deeper hue, suede or calf-hair.

Sam Edelman Ballet Flat. These ballet flats would look great with white jeans and the knit blazer above. Free shipping and returns. $199.95

• Sneakers can work with white jeans too. They shouldn’t be too summery (no white Keds) or too heavy (no black wedge sneakers). 

Keds Sneaker. These grey Keds are a perfect in-between color for fall. They’d look so cute with white jeans and the denim jacket above. Free shipping and returns. $54.95

In general, wearing white after Labor Day means choosing colors and textiles that aren’t too heavy or too light. With white jeans, a lighter color top means you can go heavier or bulkier with the fabric and vice-versa. The darker the top paired with white jeans, the thinner the fabric should be. There needs to be a balance between the stark white color of summer and the transitional pieces that help us usher in the fall season. Let me know if you have any questions!

xoxo

Illysia