White jeans are one of those fashion items I have a complicated love for. When styled well, they can look impossibly chic. But they’re also one of the easiest pieces to get, well, wrong. An awkward fit or misguided styling move can tip them into tricky territory. In particular, I’ve always found footwear to be a integral to making a white jeans outfit work.
Black shoes, while a classic default, can sometimes look too stark against white jeans, creating a contrast that leans more Saturday Night Fever than sleek minimalist. Brighter colours don’t always fare better, often feeling too brash or jarring against such a clean base. Even light tan, although sophisticated with cream and ecru tones, can sometimes look a little cheap with white for some reason. But recently, I spotted a combination that might just solve the dilemma entirely: Sabrina Elba wearing white jeans with rich brown sandals at Wimbledon. And suddenly, everything clicked.
Attending the tennis tournament, through thoughtful styling, Elba ensured her look felt the elevated part. Worn with a short-sleeve shirt, a brown belt, Bottega Veneta open weave bag and brown slider sandals., her jeans ensemble provided a welcome tonic in the sea of pretty dresses we've come to expect from the event. Every component just worked.
Unlike black, brown sandals soften the contrast of white jeans rather than highlight it. So, if you’ve ever felt unsure about how to style white jeans, this might just be the combination to try this summer.
Scroll on to shop my edit of chic white jeans and brown sandals.
Shop White Jeans and Brown Sandals
The perfect wide-leg jean cut does exist.
These look so much more expensive than they are.
I own these H&M jeans and really rate them, especially if you're looking for a straighter cut.
Simple but very stylish.
I hear amazing things about the fit of Agolde's Ren jeans from my fashion friends.
Zara's sandals are exceptional this season.
Barrel-leg jeans are still key this season.
The woven leather detailing is sublime.
White and cream looks effortlessly chic every time.
Suede plus brown was always going to equal something very chic.
