How to Match Clothes With White Pants

WORK, DRESSY, CASUAL

A pair of white pants is an indispensable basic for any wardrobe. Always fresh and clean looking, they are a versatile piece that can easily go from the office to the boat to a cocktail party. White pants can be worn during any season to any event, depending upon the style and what you pair them with.

Instructions

1. Pick a shade. Anyone who has ever shopped for a wedding dress knows that the number shades that fall under the category of "white" can be staggering. You need not collect a pair of pants in every shade though. A pure white pair for spring and summer and a winter white pair for fall and winter is quite sufficient. Winter white has more of a yellow tone than pure white, but is not as dark as a cream. Although the fashion police no longer restrict pure white to the warm months, winter white pants will look more seasonally appropriate when the leaves begin to turn. White pants will match just about every color of shirt that you own, but traditionally spring and summer colors complement pure white, while traditionally fall colors match better with winter white. For example, pair the pure white pants with a shirt that is pastel pink, pure black, or bright green. Burgundy, brown and forest green will set off a pair of winter white pants nicely. When matching outerwear such as cardigans or jackets, follow the same rules of color, or find an exact match. Dressy white pants look stunning when paired with a perfectly matched suit jacket in the same shade as the pants.

2. Choose a material. White pants are made in virtually every material so your choices will only be restricted by the weight appropriate for your season. Jeans and mid weight cotton can work year round while silks and linens are best for summer and spring. Save corduroys and wools for colder seasons. A pair of pure white corduroys will not get much use, nor will creamy winter white linen drawstrings. Pay attention to texture when matching the tops. A nubby wool is paired more often with jeans than with silk. As a general rule, textures should complement each other in weight and the way the fabric hangs and flows. Jeans, however, go with everything. If you want to experiment a bit, the pairing of contrasting textures, when done properly, can be used to make a high fashion statement.

3. Decide on length and cut. A pair of white capris with an empire waist tank top is a perfect look for summer. Capris may also be paired with more fitted tops, such as halters. The key here is balance. Empire waists work with capris only when the bust is fitted and the shoulders and collarbone are exposed. Loose fitting, billowy tops and bulky items like sweaters look best with fitted pants of a long length, such as pencil jeans. Conversely, wear your linen drawstring pants with close fitting t-shirts and tanks. Generally, loose cuts are for summer and fitted cuts are for winter.