Fashion Clothing 15 Denim-and-White Outfits That Prove This Classic Combo Never Misses Here's how to take things beyond your basic jeans and a tee. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on March 23, 2022 @ 12:57PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Getty Images/InStyle It may be hard to remember in a panic, or as we stare at the pile of rejected clothing accumulating in the corner, but on days when we have no clue what to wear, classic outfit formulas can come in handy. There's the famous sweater-and-jeans combo that we tend to associate with fall or striped tops paired with breezy shorts, which completely nail summer's nautical vibe. Denim-and-white outfits are also on our fashion emergency list. Aside from being made up of items we likely already own, this look works year-round and can be worn for numerous occasions, both fancy and casual. Plus, even though it's a timeless styling trick, denim-and-white outfits continue to have a cool reputation. Major fashion houses often send their own versions down the runway, adding new, playful twists, such as green sandals and knit jackets. The mix even made an appearance at Louis Vuitton's Spring 2022 show. Getty Images And was spotted again for Fall 2022, this time at Dior. Denim-and-white outfits are a combination that simply won't quit. The good news is, it's possible to get creative with this look, making it work for your personal style preferences and different aesthetics. Light Academia Is the Latest Style Aesthetic to Dominate the Fashion World Getty Images So, if you're looking for an ensemble that easy to pull together in a flash, or are struggling to think of a fuss-free yet flattering combination, we've rounded up a 15 denim-and-white outfit ideas to get you started, ahead. I Agree With Gen Z: Skinny Jeans Are Over 01 of 15 Try Something Traditional Getty Images When in doubt, don't overthink it. Despite being so simple, a white collared shirt paired with jeans and sneakers still feels fashion-forward and sleek. 02 of 15 Switch Up Your Top Getty Images This outfit idea is pretty easy to transition as temperatures rise and fall. For the summer months, just swap out your long-sleeved button-down for a white tank top, or your jeans for denim shorts. 03 of 15 Add a Denim Jacket Venus Williams. Getty Images If you're looking for a way to spice things up, go for a denim-on-denim look and add a coordinating jacket. 04 of 15 Or, Slip On a Blazer Emily Ratajkowski. Getty Images This piece will help pull your denim and white outfit together and, depending on the material or fit, can add a preppy academia or '90s-inspired spin (we're partial to leather picks). RELATED: 14 Blazer Outfit Ideas That Will Have You Saying 'Wait, Why Didn't I Think of That?' 05 of 15 Make It Personal Getty Images If the goal is to stand out from the crowd, find a way to incorporate personal style. For instance, if you're someone who enjoys the light academia aesthetic, do the preppy thing by adding a tie and a trench coat to your look. 06 of 15 Go With a Denim Skirt, Instead Camila Mendes. Getty Images While the more common approach to this outfit idea is a white shirt and jeans, you can always switch it up with various bottom options. A denim miniskirt styled with a white crop top is a somewhat unexpected take and will help you nail today's Y2K trend. 07 of 15 Wear a Statement Shirt Getty Images You don't have to stick with plain old button-downs and T-shirts. A white embellished sweater will help to make this look a bit more exciting. 08 of 15 Embrace the Paper Clip Top Hailey Bieber. Getty Images Or any other skin-baring or cutout design. The addition of baggier bottoms will help to create balance and nail the model-approved mix of casual and sexy. RELATED: Paper Clip Tops Are the Latest Strange But Super Sexy Trend Models Are Loving 09 of 15 Enhance Your Outfit With Splashes of Color Madelaine Petsch. Getty Images Use your denim-and-white outfit as a foundation, letting bolder, colorful items — like a yellow jacket or a pair of bejeweled heels — steal the spotlight. 10 of 15 Go Dark Candice Swanepoel. Getty Images Tired of blue denim? Try a pair of black jeans instead, styling them with a dark top. The pop of white can be provided by your shoes, creating an eye-catching going-out look. 11 of 15 Or Light Getty Images If you have white denim bottoms, create a monochromatic look by adding a white top. Whether it's a button-down, tank, or even a white denim jacket, it's a no-fail, seasonal outfit idea that can be spiced up with footwear of your choice. RELATED: 9 White Jeans Outfits to Wear as We Head Into Warmer Weather 12 of 15 Rethink the Uniform Getty Images Jeans and a white tee may be our go-to, but inverting that idea works just as well. A distressed or printed denim jacket can instantly toughen up a loose pair of white pants. RELATED: 10 Outfit Ideas That Will Change the Way You Look at Jean Jackets Forever 13 of 15 Invest in a Denim Dress Getty Images If you're stumped about how to style a denim dress, go the athleisure route. Throw on a cap, crew socks, and a pair of white sneakers, and you're essentially ready to head out the door. 14 of 15 Make It Easy Jennifer Garner. Getty Images Another quick denim and white outfit idea? A pair of overalls and a white top. The addition of sneakers will help make this 2-piece look feel laid-back and casual, but if your goal is to dress it up, just swap out your running shoes for boots or heels. 15 of 15 Stick to a Scheme Winnie Harlow. Getty Images If you're unsure how to accessorize your denim-and-white outfit, repeat the colors and materials throughout your look. Throw on a denim hat or carry a denim purse. Match your white shirt with your white shoes. Even if nothing matches perfectly, the coordination alone will make it feel intentional and fun.