If you're simultaneously obsessed with the latest micro-trends and too intimidated to test them out, you've come to the right place. This is Ways to Wear, a monthly series where editor Eliza Huber offers a dose of outfit inspiration centered around current trends that feel intriguing yet overwhelming at the same time. Consider it your guide to actually wearing the coolest items of the moment, no matter how puzzling they might appear at first.
If I had to pinpoint one item on my Instagram feed that I've spotted the most thus far this summer, I'd name white trousers without a second of hesitation. For reference, the people I follow are primarily involved in the fashion world or the industries surrounding it and mostly live in Europe—specifically France and Italy. Their outfits are, therefore, quintessentially French and Italian, and in the summer, that means they wear low-key yet dangerously chic ensembles that, nine times out of 10, involve white pants.
Despite how laissez-faire their looks appear online, they tend to be harder to re-create than you expect. It's probably because of that whole je ne sais quoi thing that comes naturally to people born there but not so much for those who aren't. Driven by my own frustration, I decided to put my white-trouser selection to the test, using my skills in the styling department as well as my Instagram-induced knowledge of French and Italian fashion. The result? Seven summer outfits that are centered around the warm-weather bottoms that would fit right into either country between June and August. Below, see how I did and shop the pant trend that French and Italian women swear by during the summer months.
Outfit 1: High-Neck Tank + Wide-Leg Linen Trousers + Ballet Flats
The easiest and most European way to wear white trousers is to stick with an all-white color palette. It looks elegant every single time and allows for whatever accessories you wear to pop. For this take on the monochromatic look, I paired a high-neck ribbed tank with wide-leg trousers, brown ballet flats, gold drop earrings, and my new favorite Bottega Veneta Sardine bag, which has gold hardware that matches my earrings.
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I also have this top in black and couldn't recommend it more.
If you're in the market for linen pants, these are the ones to buy.
Hello, cute flats.
Everyone I know is buying these earrings, and I absolutely cannot blame them.
Perfection looks a lot like Bottega Veneta's Sardine bag.
Outfit 2: White Halter Top + Matching Drawstring Pants + Sneakers
Keeping on with the monochromatic looks, this matching set feels very Mediterranean. I recently wore it all around Italy, from Milan to Imola, and have gotten dozens of compliments on its effortless qualities. I love it styled like this with Adidas Sambas, but it could easily be dressed up with kitten-heel sandals, a chic cuff, and some stellar earrings.
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I've worn this set too many times since I got it a month ago.
Including to the Miami Grand Prix and on an eight-hour flight to Italy (and back).
Yes, these are back in stock. And yes, they are as good as everyone says they are.
Outfit 3: Striped Poplin Shirt + White Tank + Linen Trousers + Clogs
Of all the ways that white trousers are styled on Instagram, this is probably the general combination I spot most often. Super casual and comfortable yet put-together, this copy-worthy ensemble—a striped button-down shirt, a white tank, baggy linen pants, and clogs—defies the odds in more ways than one.
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A striped poplin shirt is just as essential of a styling piece as a white one.
When in doubt, style your white pants with a matching tank.
These are an 11/10. No notes.
Nothing pairs better with white pants in the summer than Birkenstock's iconic Boston clogs.
Outfit 4: White Waistcoat + Matching Trousers + Thong Sandals + Shoulder Bag
Gray and black waistcoat suits are all I saw anyone in Europe wearing in the winter months, but in the summer, it's all about white alternatives to the trendy, tailored combo. To stylize the duo, I always add bold earrings and a contrasting handbag, which, in this case, are both by Bottega Veneta. After all, just like anything else, there is a such thing as wearing too much white. For even more color, I slid on a pair of burgundy thong-style sandals.
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Gorgeous tailoring is paramount to Italian style, so this super-tailored vest is perfectly on theme.
There's no denying how sleek these pants are.
I bought these in one color, but what I should've done was buy all three.
This could very well be the perfect everyday bag. The size fits all of the essentials and then some, it has an adjustable strap, and it features a large middle pocket that makes finding my keys, wallet, Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, and more impossibly easy.
Outfit 5: Sporty Vest + Lightweight White Trousers + Sneakers
I'd usually credit Londoners for coming up with fresh, cool ways to make sporty look chic, but when it comes to athletic vests, Prada Sport is always the brand I think of. For one time only, I'm giving credence to the Italians. Here, I took a pair of super-lightweight COS trousers and styled them with a navy-blue Adidas vest from the '90s, Adidas x Wales Bonner Japan sneakers, and my favorite Prada 1995 Re-Edition bag. Comfortable, nostalgic, and smart, this outfit—if I dare say so myself—checks off every summer box.
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Sporty vests don't get close to enough credit. They're beyond easy yet so chic.
If you need to be comfortable, a pair of drawstring linen pants will always be a safe bet.
If you're looking for a pair of sneakers that not everyone has, I'd like to offer up this retro pair from Alohas.
Anytime an outfit doesn't feel dressy enough, add a great bag. It makes all the difference.
I wear these earrings with everything and everywhere.
Outfit 6: White Button-Down Shirt + White Pull-On Pants + Ballet Flats
If you're going on vacation this summer, this white-pant outfit should 1000% be in your carry-on. A simple white button-down shirt, white pull-on trousers, ballet flats, and a great bag will pair perfectly with any travel destination. Plus, each item can be worn separately as well, so you really get multiple outfits in one.
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A cool button-down shirt goes well with everything, white pants included.
These $70 pants belong in your closet. Just trust me. They do.
Ballet flats are everywhere right now.
Introducing the earrings that broke the internet.
No, I'm actually obsessed.
Outfit 7: White Tank Top + Matching Low-Rise Trousers + Mules + Scarf
I know it's risky, but I personally love an all-white going-out look in the summer. The color scheme is too often reserved for daytime activities only, but if you own a chic monochromatic top-and-bottom duo like this one from Buci, it simply must be shown off during the latter hours of the night. Just don't forget to put a Tide stick in your purse in case of spill-related emergencies as well as a napkin on your lap at dinner.
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This is far from your average tank top.
An editor favorite.
This scarf will turn any outfit into a showstopper.
If I had to guess, these will be sold out soon.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.