Three Ways to Wear White Pants

White pants aren't as intimating as you think. And forget about that "you can't wear white after Labor Day" myth.

Swap out your traditional black slacks with a refreshing white pair for the ultimate outfit update. The look will have you seasonally appropriate and undoubtedly on trend. Think of this crisp cut pair as a blank canvas. The relaxed silhouette and sporty-chic drawstring makes them perfect for the weekend while their refreshing white color makes them suitable for the office and cocktail hour. Here, we break down three entirely different ways to wear your white bottoms—each more stylish than the next and with the same Boss pants (Boss, $325; hugoboss.com for stores).

1. White on White The trick to nailing an all-white look is to play with textures. A silky shell under a soft cotton jacket is the first step. Next, up the ante and add a textured-to-perfection snakeskin heel. The monochrome look is perfect for day while the sexy slingbacks will seamlessly carry your look into night time territory. Shop the Look: Helmut Lang jacket, $295, saksfifthavenue.com; CH Carolina Herrera shell, $280, at CH Carolina Herrera, 310-276-8900; Vince Camuto bag, Leather, $158, vincecamuto.com; Massimo Dutti slingbacks, $175, massimodutti.com

2. Comfortable and On-The-Go Sneakers are a must-have for spring—and this perforated, metallic pair is It. Teaming these casual chic pants with stylish sneaks makes for the ultimate off-duty look. Layer a slouchy sweater over a tailored blouse for added contrast. And keep your oversize bag at home to give off that easy-breezy look. Shop the Look: AYR sweater, $150, ayr.com; Trademark shirt, $138, trade-mark.com; Time's Arrow wristlet, $225, bergdorfgoodman.com; Tory Burch sneakers, $165, toryburch.com

3. Off to the Office Adding a pop of color to a neural ensemble will instantly brighten up your work day. Orange is the key player here. So opt for add-ons and accessories that will compliment the shade rather than steal its spotlight, like a subtly-printed blazer and a simple-structured satchel. Last but not least, go for anything-but-basic pointy-toe flats—they will lend a polished edge to your work wear. Shop the Look: Rebecca Taylor jacket, $575, rebeccataylor.com; Noon by Noor blouse, $580, noonbynoor.com; Aldo bag, $55, aldoshoes.com; Vince flats, $325, vince.com

See the full feature in the May issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download now.