Sidewalk Style: White Jeans Edition
How to wear one of summer’s trickiest classics.
By
Rachel Cothran
Ana Chaley Croll, 26
Guest relations, Sofitel Lafayette Square
What she’s wearing: Reiss top; jeans by Blank!, purchased at Cusp; shoes from a trip to Greece; TKO watch, purchased from Gilt Groupe; thrift-store Whiting & Davis bag; Paul Frank glasses; and a number of layered necklaces—the skull necklace is from designer Eva Gozlan.
How would you describe your personal style? “My best friend describes it as ‘eclectic glamour.’ She also says I always look like I’m stepping off a boat in Capri.”
You do seem attracted to white, gold, and bold patterns and color. “I love white jeans. They’re a summer staple.”
Where do you shop for basics? “I love Mango—there’s one in Tysons—for basics. I like the cuts. I have tanks I bought there in 2004 that I still wear. Club Monaco, not for all of the preppier clothes but for the cuts of the basic tops—like a pretty three-quarter-length ballet top. And American Apparel.”
Any advice for women who want to amp up their look a bit? “I think it’s really important to dress to your body and to wear what’s right for the occasion. Those are my two philosophies on getting dressed. Even for work, where I wear mostly black, I still look like myself.”
Any favorite items in your closet right now? “I just bought a strapless silk jumper at the BCBG outlet. It looked ridiculous and confusing on the rack, so I tried it on. The ones that look weird on the rack are always either ridiculous or something that turns into my favorite purchase. It’s black with just a little gold hardware that makes it a little dressy. I wore it that night for drinks at Function.”
Rachel says:
These white jeans look great. A few rules for pulling them off: They’re best worn snug, so accept that and go with it. Just make sure the fabric is thick and sturdy enough—otherwise you’ll run into VPL (visible panty line) problems, and it’ll look generally unflattering. These pants look best with a dressy shoe, so chose either an embellished flat sandal or something with an elegant, thin heel like Anna’s. Pair them with a flowy, loose-fitting top and light, summery jewels. No boat to Capri necessary! More>> Shop Around Blog | Style | Find a Spa
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Category Tags: Sidewalk Style
Comments
Dear DC,
Not offended in the slightest! I am a 6, but by no means ’tiny’ :) Every woman should be comfortable in her body. There is a famous quote "Know first who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly".
Thank you for all of the comments, and Rachel, congratulations on your amazing work over time with this piece. Wishing you the best in your new endeavors.
a
Posted by: Achaley, Aug 11, 2010 12:11:56 AM
The article mentioned "Function"...fun place (1309 F St, NW), but the spelling is off--the place is called "Funxion". Healthy food restaurant by day, bar by night.
Posted by: Paula C, Jul 19, 2010 09:28:19 AM
I apologize! I never meant to be rude. I just found some similarities between Anna and my own body (size of arms, cheeks, thighs). I absolutely love my body and am more than happy to classify myself as thick as opposed to skinny/thin. Perhaps I am wrong, but I don’t like to classify myself in sizes but do enjoy to call myself thick or curvy. The girl in the photo didn’t seem to be a 4 or 6, and therefore I jumped at the chance to celebrate her curvy body. I apologize once again.
Posted by: DC, Jul 19, 2010 09:22:01 AM
Thanks, everyone, for writing in!
I’d hardly classify Anna as "thick" (maybe I just don’t love that word, even though you used it as a positive identifier, DC), though she does have curves - on a size 4 or 6 frame. Which is not to say that only thin women can wear this style. I would, however, say that it looks best on those with more muscular/firm bodies so that the snug fit looks flattering - and you can certainly be firm and a larger person.
And Sandra, those creases appear due to the nature of the fabric. In general, I think a structured fabric works best on most bodies.
Also, a quick note: this is going to be my last Sidewalk Style! I wanted to pass the street-style baton along. I’m glad you’ve all been reading and I hope to contribute other style pieces to the site in the future.
Rachel
Posted by: Rachel, Jul 08, 2010 11:09:44 AM
Check out the "Blank!"pants at Cusp - They are not actually jeans, but thinner cotton material (with cute zippers up the ankle!) hence the wrinkle effect when you sit. I would not say they are too tight in the slightest. No one wants baggy white pants!
Posted by: caa, Jul 08, 2010 07:13:46 AM
To Anna’s credit, I’ve seen these jeans in person, and the side seams are actually ruched a bit all the way from top to bottom, so they are supposed to look "creased". Anyway, I’m inspired. My new summer fantasy is to buy skinny white jeans IN Capri!
Posted by: Sheue Lin, Jul 07, 2010 11:26:17 PM
White jeans put the hep in your step; the click in your flick; the bop in your hop. I just love ’em. My honey says, Baby Doll, you have dance in your pants; summer sizzle that just don’t fizzle.
Sparklehoppin’!
TP
Posted by: Theona Padronne, Jul 06, 2010 05:38:30 PM
I have a thick body type like Anna and I love wearing "snug" jeans!! They make my boot look a-mazing!!! Skinny girls can’t have all the fun, us curvy/thick/fiercely real girls can definitely rock tight clothes.
Posted by: DC, Jul 06, 2010 03:06:57 PM
I love skinny white jeans in the summer! The girl in the photo though says it is important to "dress for your body" yet her jeans seem to be a bit tight (you can notice the jeans are creased on the sides, clear sign that they don’t fit). Rachel - How snug is too snug?
Posted by: Sandra Black, Jul 06, 2010 02:15:24 PM
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