How to Style White Pants: 10 Fashionable Pairings You’ll Love

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White bottoms can be a tricky thing to wear: They stain easily, turn see-through when wet, and are sometimes intimidating to style. 

But if you know what you’re doing, this type of pants can become one of the most versatile pieces in your closet. Thanks to their neutral, timeless vibe, you can pair them with bold prints and a range of shirt colors, making it easy to pull together a polished look. 

Not sure how to style white pants? We’ve put together 10 outfit ideas that are equal parts effortless and eye-catching. 

10 outfits to wear with white pants

If you’re wondering what goes with white trousers, you’ve come to the right place. These versatile outfit ideas strike a solid balance between casual and stylish, ideal for everything from coffee runs to fun nights out. 

1. Nautical charm

Style white pants with a striped navy and white shirt for a maritime vibe. Choose a high-waisted, straight-leg cut to keep the look timeless, and complete the outfit with tan loafers and a navy blazer over the shirt. This ensemble works great for casual Fridays at the office or a weekend night out with friends. 

‍Pro tip: Add a navy blue belt to ramp up the outfit’s nautical theme. 

2. Monochromatic elegance 

Create a monochrome style you can’t get enough of with wide-leg white jeans, an ivory blazer, and a cream sweater. Add pointed-toe flats in beige or another neutral shade, then accessorize with a matching clutch for a classy head-to-toe look that’s equal parts polished and cozy.

‍Pro tip: Incorporate textures like linen or knitwear to add depth to monochrome outfits. 

3. Bold contrast 

Make a statement by styling corduroy pants in white or cream with a simple black shirt. Depending on the season, pair a T-shirt or fitted black turtleneck with black ankle boots and a leather jacket. This outfit strikes the right balance between laidback and luxe—ideal for dinner dates, drinks, or any outing where you want to look cool without trying too hard. 

‍Pro tip: Add a pop of color with a bright handbag or statement jewelry.

4. Pastel perfection 

Embrace soft, summery tones by pairing white pants with a pastel blue shirt—tucking an oversized button-down into flowy white trousers will do the trick. This fresh, airy combo is perfect for beach getaways, sunny strolls, or any occasion that puts relaxed elegance on the menu. Finish the look with tan loafers and a beige crossbody bag. 

‍Pro tip: Boost this outfit’s relaxed vibe by rolling up the sleeves on the button-down shirt. 

5. Urban edge 

If you’re looking for a chic city look, here it is: white leather pants, a black blazer, and a bold graphic tee. Choose a straight-leg or skinny cut to keep the silhouette sleek and street-ready, then finish the outfit with black sneakers and a black mini backpack—the perfect ensemble for dinner, drinks, or whatever the night has in store. 

‍Pro tip: Want to switch it up? Swap the graphic tee for a striped shirt or a pop of bright color for a fresh twist. 

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6. Bohemian rhapsody 

Channel boho vibes by pairing white pants with a patterned shirt—think polka dots, florals, or even paisley. Wide-leg or flared trousers add a free-spirited feel, especially when styled with loafers, a fringed bag, and a stack of layered necklaces. The end result is an easygoing look made for weekend markets, music festivals, or any carefree kind of day. 

Pro tip: Tie this outfit together with a beige or tan belt. A wide, hip-slung style adds just the right vintage touch. 

7. Office chic 

White trousers make surprisingly good work pants for professional settings. Pair them with a light blue shirt (a crisp button-down or silk blouse is best) and top it off with a navy blazer. Go for straight-leg or slim-fit styles, finishing the look with beige pumps and a structured portfolio bag for meetings and presentations. 

‍Pro tip: If it fits the workplace dress code, add a silk scarf in a bright color or a bold print. Tie it around your neck for a classic touch, or loop it through your bag or ponytail for a more modern spin. 

8. Summer breeze 

High-waisted white cargo pants make for a fresh summer outfit. Pair them with a lightweight, form-fitting tank to balance the pants’ volume, then slip on sneakers or flat sandals to finish off the look. 

If there’s a breeze in the forecast, layer with a blue denim jacket. You’ll be hitting the sweet spot between casual and polished, perfect for patio lunches or garden center strolls. 

Pro tip: Tuck in the tank top and throw on a baseball cap for a touch of off-duty style. 

9. Weekend comfort 

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Style white sweatpants with a cozy sweater in a neutral tone like oatmeal or soft gray. Choose a slightly oversized knit, balancing it with tapered joggers that have a structured waistband for a more put-together vibe. When it’s time to hit the town for errands or a bookshop browse, throw on tan sneakers and a crossbody bag. 

‍Pro tip: White sweatpants work great for travel days, offering the right mix of comfort and style for everything from road trips to long-haul flights. 

10. Evening glam 

Pair white pants with a lacy or sheer black top for a night-out look that turns heads. The texture adds just the right amount of drama, while high-waisted, slim-fit trousers streamline the silhouette. Style it with black heels and a metallic clutch for a look that really gets glam right. 

Pro tip: Add extra sparkle by trading the clutch for a small sequined purse or a mini shoulder bag with metallic hardware. 

What to wear with white pants: Essential tips

When styled thoughtfully, white pants can take your wardrobe to a whole new level. These tips will help you build outfits that flatter your body and reflect your personal style.

Choose the right fabric

Look for white pants made of high-quality, opaque materials like thick cotton and denim. A little stretch goes a long way—these fabrics hold their shape and stay comfortable throughout the day. If it’s warm outside, try linen trousers in a relaxed fit to keep yourself feeling (and looking) cool. 

Manage sheerness

Opt for white jeans or pants with full lining or heavier fabric to prevent see-through moments. And while it might seem counterintuitive, white undergarments can actually be more visible under light fabrics instead of less. Nude or skin-toned options are your best bet for minimizing visibility beneath white pants. 

Pick the right shade of white 

Not all whites are the same. Choose a hue that complements your skin tone: Crisp, bright whites tend to suit cooler undertones, while creamier, off-white hues flatter warmer complexions. If you’re unsure, hold the pants near your face, then go with the shade that makes you glow. 

Flatter your body type

The way your pants fit makes all the difference. High-waisted, wide-leg white jeans will elongate your frame and balance proportions, while mid-rise pants with a bit of stretch offer comfort and contour for curvier figures. Thoughtful details like back pockets, seams, and contrast stitching are an effective way to subtly sculpt your shape. 

Layer with intention 

Layering is key to making white pants work across seasons and settings. In cooler weather, add a blazer or chunky sweater in navy or other neutral tones. For warmer days, try a tucked-in striped tee, a light blue shirt, or even a black denim jacket. Play with textures like ribbed tanks or linen button-downs to add dimension and depth. 

Style white pants your way, from casual to chic

Styling white pants takes practice, but the payoff is worth it. This neutral staple pairs well with every shirt color, from classic blue to bold black. Whether you’re dressing for a casual summer picnic or a polished work event, white pants and jeans will pull the look together. 

Ready to create your own white pants outfit? ThredUp has all the ingredients for creating white pants outfits for ladies, from affordable denim to striped shirts and brown loafers. And our AI-powered Style Chat feature makes finding outfit inspiration that fits your vibe easier than ever. With thousands of preloved pieces dropping daily, your next look is just a click away.

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