What Not to Wear With White Pants

When it comes to wearing white pants, follow these guidelines to maximize your trouser style potential and make the most of this classic fashion statement.

What Not to Wear with White Pants

Staunch style mavens will have women across the board toss white pants after Labor Day, while forward-thinking fashionistas say "Aye!" to this wardrobe staple all year-round. Whichever side of the white trouser camp you belong to, note the following no-no's when wearing this classic.

Underwear

"Avoid black panties," says Kate Torralba, a fashion designer based in Manila, Philippines, who travels extensively to Paris and other European cities. "Also, 'no underwear' is also a no-no."

Fit

If you're wearing low-rise trousers, steer clear of bright G-strings that may peek out; they're plain tacky. Instead, opt for seamless boy-leg panties in a sheer beige shade. Or if you must wear thong panties, choose a nude pair.

Occasion

If you're heading out and are certain to order spaghetti or drink red wine, skip white pants altogether. The stress of managing potential stains outweighs the fashion advantages of wearing white on a hectic day or night out.

White on White

A white top goes perfectly with white pants as long as the effect is one seamless line. "Don't mix flat white with off-white," advises Torralba. "You can go either all-white, or mix different cream shades and play with different tones."

Tailoring

White pants are there to be enjoyed by women of all shapes and sizes. But pay attention to fabric, cut and overall tailoring to ensure the best fit for your body type. If you're skinny, choose a soft and billowy pair. If you're heavyset, structured fabrics are your best bet.

References

• Kate Torralba; fashion designer; Manila, Philippines