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Forget daffodils. White jeans and pants are the real first sign of spring. They look cool with our black tops, add je ne sais quoi chic to striped boatnecks and turn any old blazer into a sophisticated duo worthy of a Ralph Lauren ad. But the joy is mixed with archaic jitters. Wearing white anything still puts us on high-stain alert (coffee dribbles! red wine! makeup smears!). And who doesn't secretly wonder if black pants or dark wash jeans wouldn't be a better dress-slim choice? Here's how to ditch the anxiety, amp up the benefits and let our empowered 50-something selves wear white with confidence head to toe.
Jennifer Lopez in white jeans, denim cropped jacket, metallic hobo ; Sharon stone in white slim ankle jeans and emblem tee, blue sneakers, striped sweater over shoulders.
GC Images: James Devaney, BG023/Bauer-Griffin
1. Straight leg high-rise ankle jeans give us all a great shape. Whether you're a size 12 or 28, skip the skinnies and opt for a pair of cigarette, relaxed or “slim boyfriend” jeans in white. You want a fit that's trim but not skin-tight or baggy, with a nine- or 10-inch rise that covers your belly and prevents muffin tops. Fabric content is key. A hefty dense denim with stretch won't ripple or look too rigid (so no 100 percent cotton jeans, either). The classic cotton/two percent spandex blend will move with you and hold its shape and yours. For extra stretch and comfort, ease up in a high-tech mix of cotton, lyocell, elastomultiester and elastane (often called four-way stretch or lift-and-tuck fabric). No thongs necessary either way. The thick fabric makes hipster, brief or girl short undies (even in black) undetectable.
2. White pants should be ankle cropped and semitailored. Sorry, but let's agree on no drawstrings, elastic waistbands or long pants that drag on the ground. We're done with excess fabric at the belly and booty, as well as dirty hems. Keep the waist defined, the shape clean and sharp, and the length anywhere from above the ankle to at the ankle. Width is up to you — from A-line culottes to slouchy and gently pleated, with cotton, polyester or rayon that moves but has a crispy defined shape. Look for a real waistband (with fly and zipper) that sits at your natural waist. You can tuck in the top, do a half-tuck in front only (aka the “French tuck") or wear a toned-to-match white top or tee as an “outie."
Laura Dern in white sleeveless textured sheath, Vivica A. Fox in a white tailored double breasted coat dress, Jamie Lee Curtis in a white knee-length boatneck sheath, Hillary Swank in a white long sleeve fit and flare dress.
Getty Images: John Wolfsohn, Gabe Ginsberg/WireImage
3. The best white dresses are those in your favorite tailored style. A simple sheath, coat dress, fit and flare or A-line shift that's above or at the knee looks classy and stylish. You want a substantial fabric with some weight and texture like a stretch lace, boucle or ponte knit, crepe or pique with a hint of spandex to minimize bulges and sweat stains. Go by how it looks and feels since the fabric tag will likely say polyester/spandex. The less frill and froufrou in white day dresses the better, or you risk looking like a bridal party leftover. Check it in daylight for opacity, and consider a skin tone shapewear slip for extra control and density.
Lela Rochon adds a white blazer and bag to spark a black dress, Jane Lynch brightens up a blue blouse and black pants with a white blazer, Arianna Huffington throws a white blazer over a leopard blouse and black pants.
Getty Images: Earl Gibson III, Greg Doherty/Patrick McMullan, Emma McIntyre
4. Throw a white blazer over brights and darks to “summer-size” them. It's a quick way to reenergize all your dark year-round dresses, tops and bottoms without making a major investment. Choose a jacket with notched lapels or a shawl collar with a subtle nipped waist in a hip or thigh-grazing length. A light-medium weight smooth polyester, viscose or rayon stays fresh and looks chicer than linen, which will rumple and wrinkle.
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