The white pants guide you actually need
White pants are everywhere this summer. Finding ones that aren't see-through is another story entirely.
I contributed to CNN Underscored's roundup on the best white pants for summer, and it gave me a good excuse to put my full recommendations in one place — womenswear styles across five different occasions, five different fabrics, and a range of price points.
Before you shop, the one tip that makes all of them work: always wear flesh-toned or light grey underwear beneath white pants, regardless of how opaque the fabric looks on the hanger. Unlined linen especially has a way of surprising you in direct sunlight.
Here are the five I stand behind:
1. The easy linen — J.Crew Soleil Pant in Linen ($98)
Pull-on, drawstring, wide leg — and available in three inseams, including petite and tall, which is rarer than it should be. Soft enough for the beach, versatile enough for a hot city day with a tank and sandals. Shop →
2. The white denim — Madewell Flare Crop Jean in Super Stretch ($99.99, on sale from $148)
White denim is a summer staple, but fit matters more than usual. Size up — you want to avoid any pulling or dragging across the upper thighs, and the elasticity in this style means it won't feel loose, just comfortable.
The hem should hit just above the ankle bone in a kick like this; any shorter and it loses the proportion. Comes in petite sizes, and pairs effortlessly with sneakers, a tee, and beaded necklaces for a weekend look. Avoid stiff, non-stretch white denim in the heat — you'll regret it by noon. Shop →
3. The elevated trouser — Tuckernuck White Crepe Erin Pant ($188)
The dressier option that doesn't punish you with a dry cleaning bill. Lined stretch crepe with a side zipper enclosure — just a natural drape on the body. The lining means sheerness is a non-issue.
I recently styled these with a structured sleeveless vest and pumps for a client's in-office summer look, but they work equally well with a tank and wedges or a going-out top and sandals… or with a simple cashmere sweater, as I wore recently on the Vineyard. Great for taller clients wanting a draped flare and easy enough to shorten if they’re a tad too long. Machine washable. Worth every penny. Shop →
4. The comfort hold — Spanx Supersmooth Stretch Twill Wide-Leg ($128)
A client staple for years, and for good reason. Fully lined, not see-through, with just enough elastic hold to feel pulled-together without any squeezing through the middle.
The trick with these is that they're a pull-on that doesn't look like one — functioning pockets, belt loops, clean wide-leg crop silhouette. I love the belt loops so you can pair a belt or scarf to finish them off. The comfort of leggings with the appearance of finished trousers. High-waisted with a smoothing panel if you want it. Elevated enough for a daytime meeting, easy enough for everything else. Shop →
5. The every-body barrel — Athleta Skyline High-Rise Barrel-Leg ($83, on sale from $139)
I have clients wearing these in sizes 4, 8, and 16 — and they look terrific on all of them. That's the best endorsement I can give. They read like denim, move like comfortable pants, and are lightweight without being sheer.
The barrel leg and patch pockets give a relaxed, cool look that still feels polished enough for work or a long travel day — I just packed these in multiple colors for a client heading to Europe for three weeks. A hint of sportiness without tipping into athleisure. Shop →
All five are shoppable in one place on my ShopMy site — no hunting required. Shop the full edit →
The full CNN Underscored roundup is worth a read too, particularly if you want the broader fabric and fit guidance. Read it here →
Wearing the Athleta Skyline High-Rise Barrel-Leg
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