White Trousers Are The One Celebrity Trend You Need To Copy This Summer (And It Couldn’t Be Easier)

You probably own a pair of white jeans, but whether or not you’ve worn them recently is another matter. There’s nothing wrong with them, they’ve just been having a minor flop era ever since white skinny jeans were endorsed by Melania Trump. Over the past few weeks, however, A-listers have been wearing their white bottoms a new way. The memo? Jeans are out, trousers are in.

The key appears to be a soft pair of white trousers in cotton or linen that can look as easy as they feel with the right styling. Actor Maya Erskine, who was photographed outside Jimmy Kimmel Live, wore her loose-legged trousers, cropped just above the ankle, with a white tee, a denim overshirt and caged jelly shoes from The Row, putting forward an easy-to-wear yet effortless take on the trend.

Another approach is a more tailored pair of trousers that has become a one-way ticket to looking the right kind of put together. The Frankie Shop’s Dillon Pleated Pants have repeatedly sold out this summer, but you can find similar pairs at & Other Stories, COS and Uniqlo.

Sienna Miller, meanwhile, has proved that all is not lost when it comes to white jeans – if they’re tailored in all the right places. Also appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live (maybe the wardrobe department issued a memo?), she wore a pair with a high-waist and reverse pleats from Khaite. Styling them with an ecru tank top, white sneakers and a straw tote from Sézane, it’s the perfect base outfit that could be dressed up with an oversized blazer and slingbacks or down with a string of beads and flip-flops.

Influencer Lizzy Hadfield has been wearing a range of white trousers this summer, from a vintage linen pair to jeans to pyjama-style bottoms. ‘An ivory shade is always best, not a bright white,’ she tells Grazia, adding that she has a golden rule when she's wearing the colour from top-to-toe. ‘If I have an ivory pair of trousers, I’ll team it with a bright white T-shirt. The aim is to avoid looking like you’re off to a cricket match.’

Thandi Maqubela, a legal director and influencer, looks for a nipped-waist with belt loops, as well as a wide-leg silhouette, citing her favourite brands for white trousers as John Lewis, Loewe and Toteme. ‘In the context of work, I’ll accessorise with a black belt and wear with a white or striped shirt and kitten heels. For a more downtime look, I’d go with a good quality T-shirt, or a black oversized shirt with the sleeves rolled up, worn with flip-flops or square-toe shoes. Add a bit of jewellery for interest, a great bag and you’re good to go,’ she says.

Shop: The Best White Trousers

Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).