Forget Black Sandals—This Is the Elegant Colour That Makes White Jeans Look Their Chicest

By Kevin Harson19 July 2025

I’m not quite sure how I managed to go so long without them, but I only just acquired my first-ever pair of white jeans this month. For years, they somehow escaped my radar—probably because I’d written them off as tricky to style or too easy to stain. But now that I finally own a pair, I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but they’ve completely transformed my wardrobe.

My summer denim looks suddenly feel lighter, fresher and far more elevated than anything my trusty blue jeans could offer. The crisp white wash brings a brightness to my daily outfits that I genuinely didn’t realise I was missing. Naturally, as a white-jeans novice, I’ve spent the past few weeks trying them on with just about every pair of shoes I own—and it quickly became clear that the chicest combinations all had one thing in common: brown sandals.

Influencer @brittanybathgate sits on a bed wearing white jeans with brown fisherman sandals and a black tank top.

Softer than black but just as impactful, brown sandals bring a warm contrast to white denim that makes any outfit feel thoughtfully styled. Opt for a deeper, chocolatey hue and you’ll also be tapping into the rich brown trend that’s been bubbling away for several seasons now. With its depth and natural elegance, this shade gives any summer look a directional edge.

Need proof? Just look to Sabrina Elba, who was spotted at Wimbledon this month wearing the exact formula. She styled her white jeans with a bright white shirt, dark brown sandals, and a charming Bottega Veneta bag. The overall effect was fresh, clean and quintessentially summery—no loud prints or bold colours necessary.