Style+Beauty Editor

I Want White Jeans ... But Does My Butt?

Five ways to make a tricky trend work for you

-Lois Joy Johnson

If you've been idling in any jeans department lately, you'll have noticed stacks of white denim alongside the varying washes of blues. White jeans and I have been flirting for weeks now as I make eye contact, look away, look back and then grab them furtively under a pile of inky blues and head for the fitting room. The last time this happened I dragged the salesgirl in with me to get an unbiased opinion. Her comment: "Well, you're going to be wearing something over them right -- like a Tory Burch tunic?" As I gently inched her -- okay, I shoved her -- out the door, I realized the problem was not white jeans themselves but finding ... the ONES!

White jeans are my fantasy. They're Jackie O, Audrey H, shopping for jeweled sandals in St. Tropez; they're me starring in a Michael Kors ad stepping off my private jet. I've always had a thing for white jeans, and now here they are in every weight, cut and fabric. I just had to actually buy them -- and I did -- but only after trying on about a hundred pairs.

Here are the five things I know for sure and the five perfect white jeans I found:

• Before you even try them on check the back of the jeans- if they have any rear décor like sequins, flap pockets, giant embroidered hearts or studs, toss 'em. The rear view in white jeans must be minimalist--clean with angled pockets to shape and lift. Best rear view: James Jeans Hector High-Rise Bootcut Jeans ($163, couturecandy.com).
• Look for heavier denim that is soft but stretchy to sculpt jiggles and cellulite smooth on the sides of your bum and thighs. Joe's Jeans Muse High Waisted Jeans ($158, macys.com) mold and hold.
• Try on bootcuts or straight legs with higher platforms or wedges. They will make the experience painless and your legs will look long and model-y, not like the Pillsbury Doughboy's. Best straight legs: Banana Republic High-Waisted White Straight jeans ($98, bananarepublic.com).
• Look for a pair of boyfriend jeans that have at least a 9" rise and sit at the bottom of your waist but hug your hips, thighs and butt. You don't want a sleazy low-rise in a relaxed fit style. Levi's 501 Boyfriend Cut Jeans ($68, levi.com) are amazing worn rolled with heels or ballet flats
• Size does not matter. Cut out the size tag when you get them home. Every jeans brand bases sizing on its own fit model. A 27 from one brand probably will not be a 27 from another. And there will be variations of size within brands. Try on a lot. Cropped jeans lovers will adore Gap White Cropped Skinny Jeans ($59.50, gap.com) with their layered tees and gladiator sandals.

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