Getting dressed in the summer calls for a fresh perspective. With no oversized coats or chunky knits to hide behind, each element of an outfit carries a heavy load. Suddenly, the pressure is on every item to hold its own, both in style and functionality. That’s why I find it invaluable to curate a summer capsule wardrobe built around simple, impactful pieces that work hard individually and play well with others.
Amongst my most relied-upon staples, two pieces continue to stand out: white jeans and black sandals. Making for an outfit combination I don't think I'll ever tire of, this foolproof formula is a pillar of my summer dressing.
White jeans bring a crispness to warm-weather outfits that feels instantly elevated. They’re fresher than classic blue denim, more polished than shorts and surprisingly versatile. Pair them with a linen shirt, a silk cami or even a white tee; white jeans have a way of making everything feel more intentional. But the real magic happens when you anchor them with black sandals.
More polished than summer trainers and more practical than light-coloured footwear, black sandals offer just the right amount of contrast to make an impact when paired with white jeans. They ground the outfit, creating a striking yet wearable look that feels balanced and modern. The combination of clean white and inky black adds subtle dimension.
It’s a formula I come back to across the summer months, dressed up with heeled leather sandals or kept casual with a flat pair. Perhaps best of all, this pairing allows you to do more with less.
Read on to discover the best white jeans and black sandals to shop now.
SHOP WHITE JEANS AND BLACK SANDALS:
These also come in four shades of blue.
Be quick: I can't see these staying in stock for long.
The low-rise cut gives these a casual energy that makes them perfect for daily styling.
Toe-ring sandals are going to be one of summer's most important shoe trends.
Just a subtle flare.
These elegant heeled thong sandals have just made their way to the top of my wish list.
These look just as good with black ballet flats.
The chunky straps and thick sole ensure a comfortable stride.
These also come in 11 other shades.
The small-buckle detailing is very Gen Z.
-
Haters, Keep Scrolling—This Controversial Sandal Color Is Steaming Toward a ComebackI'm here for it.
-
Not Skinny, Not Wide-Leg—the Specific Denim Trend Frequent Flyers Always Wear to the Airport With Sneakers"Just right" jeans.
-
Put Down the Skinny Jeans—*This* Is the Denim Trend Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing With SandalsThey're not straight-leg jeans either.
-
On the Streets of NY, It Girls With Expensive Taste Know to Never Wear Skinny Jeans With This OutfitSwap in either of these denim styles instead.
-
Hold the Sneakers—These Are the Elegant Shoes Parisians Are Wearing With the Jeans of SummerElevated and chic. Period.
-
Wedding Guest Shoes, Solved—35 of the Chicest Neutral Options That Will Go With EverythingOne less thing to plan.
-
It's Shocking How Much Cooler This '90s Sneaker Trend Makes Jeans and a Blazer LookThey transform classic outfits.
-
I Couldn't Help But Notice That L.A.'s Coolest Dressers Always Wear This Shoe Trend With Black TrousersIf you guessed ballet flats, you'd be wrong.
