One of the questions I get asked a lot is what colors look good with light wash denim. I’ve done a fall-specific post about what to wear with light wash jeans, but this post is all about my favorite light wash denim color pairings for summer!
My Favorite Light Wash Jeans for Summer 2024
First, let me share my favorite light wash jeans in my closet. The FRAME Le Easy Flare Jeans have a relaxed flare leg silhouette with a comfortable high rise in a lightweight stretch denim. They’re spendy, but the comfort and versatility helps to reduce the cost per wear, and the classic style is one you can wear for years.
Another splurge-worthy style I’m loving lately is the Frank & Eileen Galway Gaucho Jean. They’re a mid-rise style with a wide-leg fit and a cropped, hand-distressed raw hem. The polished trouser waistband elevates your everyday looks, and the denim fabric is buttery soft and so luxe.
For a more budget-friendly option, the KUT from the Kloth Meg Fab Ab Cuff High Waist Wide Leg Jeans have a fun cuffed hem, and they’re lightweight and comfortable to wear.
And finally, the Gap Factory Mid Rise Classic Straight Leg Jeans are exactly that — a classic straight leg style with a versatile mid rise. They’re a nice option for ladies who aren’t into the wide leg and flare silhouettes. If you want a more premium option to those, I love my MOTHER Dazzlers in Riding The Cliffside.
What to Wear with Light Wash Jeans for Summer
The most obvious colors to pair with light denim are black or white, and they are actually my favorites. I mean, black and white go with everything, of course, but think I they both look particularly good paired with light wash jeans.
Black is instantly chic and sophisticated, so it provides a nice balance to the more casual vibe of light wash jeans. Plus, the contrast of the light and dark is pleasing to the eye. This is one of my go-to outfit formulas for summer. Add a pop of color in your bag, or go with a metallic to keep the look on trend. Or you can do both with the Capital Z Soul Sister Sling Bag in Silver.
FRAME Le Easy Flare Jeans (29) // ribbed tank (S) // Birks (39) // Capital Z Soul Sister Sling Bag c/o
Black Tops to Wear with Light Wash Denim
Conversely, white and light wash denim are a low contrast pairing, which looks crisp and clean in the summer heat. This outfit is a casual way to do white with light wash blue jeans. I love this sleeveless hoodie with the exposed seams and boxy fit.
FRAME Le Easy Flare Jeans (29) // Evereve sleeveless hoodie (M) // VEJA Esplar (39) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo
A more elevated way to do white and light wash denim is with a classic white linen button-up and light wash cropped wide leg gaucho jeans. The raffia slides and woven bag keep the look polished and classy.
Frank & Eileen Galway Gaucho Jean c/o (29) // Frank & Eileen linen button-up c/o (M) // Sam Edelman Bambi Slides (8) // woven tote
White Tops to Wear with Light Wash Jeans
This tie dye sweater combines both black and white (and grey) and pairs nicely with my Frank & Eileen gaucho jeans.
Frank & Eileen Galway Gaucho Jean c/o (29) // Evereve James Pullover (S) // Dolce Vita Selda Slides (7.5)
Taupe is also a nice neutral to wear with light wash denim. I think this is a rather elegant combo, and this textured sweater with the rolled edges is a great way to elevate these relaxed flare jeans.
FRAME Le Easy Flare Jeans (29) // Evereve Take Sweater Top (S) // Birks (39)
When I’m not in the neutral mood, pink is one of my favorite colors to wear with light wash denim. This LNA tank with the raw edges and cut-out detail pairs perfectly with these wide leg cuffed jeans. I added metallic leather flip-flops for a super casual, laidback summer look.
KUT from the Kloth Meg Fab Ab Cuff High Waist Wide Leg Jeans (6) // LNA Fallon V Cotton Tank (M) // beek Sunbeam Flip Flops (8) // NAGHEDI Nomad Hobo
Shop Pinks Tops to Wear with Light Wash Denim
And shades of blue are another great option. Along with the light wash jeans, this creates an easy monochromatic outfit. The rugby stripes on this navy boatneck top are a classic look that leans sporty, so I kept it casual with Birkenstock slides.
KUT from the Kloth Meg Fab Ab Cuff High Waist Wide Leg Jeans (6) // Faherty Rugby Stripe Boatneck Top (S) // Birks (39)
I paired a peacock blue short sleeve cashmere sweater with the light wash Frank & Eileen gaucho jeans on a cool, rainy day earlier this spring, and I wore white leather sneakers to keep my feet dry. I also like the juxtaposition of the luxe leather and the sporty sneakers.
Frank & Eileen Galway Gaucho Jean c/o (29) // old Vince sweater // Paul Green Hadley Platform Sneakers (8)
Shop Blue Tops to Wear with Light Wash Denim
Other nice color pairings with light wash denim are coral, yellow, lavender, as well as neutrals like oatmeal and shades of grey.
I hope this helps as you style your light wash jeans this summer!
