Most people put their white jeans in the back of the closet the moment the weather turns cold. But that’s a shame, because white jeans in winter actually look great when you style them the right way. The trick isn’t about the color. It’s about what you pair them with.

Start with the right pair. You want thicker, sturdier denim, not the thin stretchy kind you wear in July. A straight-leg or wide-leg cut works best. Skip the skinny jeans. They cling, they look a little sausage-y in winter, and they don’t leave room for layers. If you live somewhere really cold, slip a pair of thin thermal leggings underneath. Pick a shade close to your skin so they don’t show through.

Now for the colors. Keep everything else on your body darker or deeper than the jeans. Black, charcoal, navy, camel, chocolate brown, olive, and burgundy all work really well. You want contrast. The white jeans become the bright spot in an otherwise warm, dark outfit. Avoid pastels, lace, and floral prints. Those read as spring and summer. Stick with solids or subtle patterns like houndstooth or herringbone.

Texture is where the whole look comes together. Pair your white jeans with a chunky cable-knit sweater, a soft cashmere turtleneck, a ribbed merino top, or a tweed blazer. The rough, warm fabrics next to the smooth denim make the outfit feel intentional and seasonally right. A leather jacket over a thick knit and straight-leg white jeans is one of the easiest off-duty looks you can pull off in cold weather.

Shoes matter a lot here. You can’t wear sandals or strappy flats. Instead, go for suede ankle boots, leather Chelsea boots, chunky loafers, or knee-high boots. Tan, taupe, black, and cognac are all safe bets. If your jeans are slim, tall suede boots that go over the hem look really clean. If they’re wider, ankle boots with a thicker hem hitting right at the top of the boot works better.

For outerwear, a long wool coat in camel or charcoal makes the whole outfit look polished. A black puffer jacket gives it a sportier, more practical edge. A trench with a fluffy knit underneath is great for milder winter days when it’s cold but not freezing.

Here are a few quick combos to try. A navy cashmere turtleneck with a long camel coat and suede ankle boots. A cream chunky knit under an oversized leather jacket with heavy boots. A fitted black turtleneck with a padded puffer in olive and chunky loafers. Or go all tonal: an ivory fisherman sweater, an off-white coat, and white sneakers with thick socks.

A few small things that make a big difference. A darker leather belt grounds the outfit and adds a little shape. Make sure your jeans are long enough to skim over your boots. It looks cleaner and keeps your legs warmer. And for care, spot-treat stains as they happen, wash in cold water only when you really need to, and air-dry. One good heavy pair for winter and one lighter pair for summer is all you need.

The “no white after Labor Day” rule is long dead. White jeans in winter look fresh, a little unexpected, and honestly kind of fun. You just need to build the rest of the outfit around them with darker colors, heavier fabrics, and the right shoes. That’s really all there is to it.