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Splurge or Save on Easy White Jeans Outfits

So many of you enjoyed last week’s splurge or save outfit that I thought it would be fun to do another one, and I think I have a tough one. I am a firm believer that great style is available at all price points…if you know where to look and how to put yourself together. I’ve seen tacky outfits that cost a fortune and budget outfits that look like a million dollars. So let’s see how we do on this two splurge or save white jeans outfits, which I would both happily wear.

This look begins with a great pair of white jeans. The secret to finding your best pair is to choose a style and shape that flatters your body. It’s often helpful to size up in white jeans and look for ones that are the most opaque. They’re a great starting point for many stylish looks all spring and summer. I now wear these Thinstinct shorts under all my white jeans.

chambray shirt and white jeans outfit with straw tote and cross slide sandals
CHAMBRAY SHIRTWHITE JEANSTWO-TONE HOOP EARRINGSTORTOISE RECTANGLE SUNGLASSESCROSS STRAP SLIDE SANDALS BASKET TOTE BAG

I added a pale chambray shirt which is a quintessential item in my own wardrobe year-round. I prefer lighter washes when the weather warms up, and this often comes hand-in-hand with a lighter-weight fabric.

white jeans outfit with chambray shirt and basket tote
CHAMBRAY SHIRTWHITE JEANSTWO-TONE HOOP EARRINGS TORTOISE RECTANGLE SUNGLASSES CROSS STRAP SLIDE SANDALSBASKET TOTE BAG

A pair of easy slide sandals (which are both reviewed as very comfy), a basket tote, two-tone hoop earrings, and rectangle tortoise sunglasses finish the look. This outfit would be great for running errands, shopping at the farmers’ market, or where ever a casual day takes you.

The splurge outfit comes in at $1,942, and the save look comes in at around $300. I would have a hard time spotting this save outfit. Did you? What was the clue for you?

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58 Comments

  1. Katelyn K says:

    Wow, so close.

    I recognized the Prada sunglasses (sure wish they were within the budget but havev them on affordable search alerts on many sites) then figured the other items were also in the splurge category. The splurge earrings are actually not all that much of an expense and are adorable (hummm may find their way into my shopping bag). The shirt was another giveaway as it drapes beautifully and the fabric appears of a higher quality than the save item.

    I sure wish we here in SE Florida could wear white jeans. I’d wear either pair but truly prefer the higher waistline in the save vs the splurge. White jeans are so crisp and clean and scream summer. Alas, it’s just too hot here to wear them for 11 out of 12 months so not a practical purchase unless traveling to colder climates. Crisp linen is a must have and I discovered Anthropologie has this same style in 100% comfy stretch linen. Need to visit this option soon as it’s 100 humid degrees here today (panting and sweating).

    1. Humidity makes it seem so much hotter! Hang in there

  2. I know to always check the price of the bag first!😉

    After seeing your post I wore this basic outfit to my hair appointment today. (Sneakers instead of sandals because it’s gray and gloomy here.) The receptionist, I swear, said to me as soon as I walked in how much she liked my outfit. She said I looked so classic and chic. Made my day! Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. That’s amazing, Sarah. Thanks for letting me know

  3. My eye can be fooled especially in a photo but the feel of a fabric, the drape, the finishes on buttonholes tells the true story most of the time. The fit and comfort of “good” shoes is a necessity for these 83 year old feet. In fact I’ll bet if you take these totes in your hands you’ll know instantly. Not that I think it’s sane to pay thousands of dollars for bag.

  4. I love white jeans. Had a mishap with tomato sauce but used Shout and Dawn dish detergent and all is well. So happy because they are my favorite jeans.

    1. Good to know that combo works!

  5. I know these jeans ( personally)and went with the spluge! Usually I am all over the place with these splurge vs save.

  6. Another good one, Jennifer! The details which most affected my pick/lucky guess were the more trendy square toes on the sandals and the unobtrusive stitching on the design on the bag. But once again, you demonstrated great style is more than a price tag!

  7. It was the earrings and the emblem insignia on the tote bag that revealed ‘the splurge’ to me but because not seeing and touching the garments in person I would have been duped. That being said; I do enjoy these exercises as particularly in this stage of my life, I often mix high and low ends together for numerous reasons. -Brenda-

    1. I like to mix high and low items too

  8. Sydney Haskell says:

    The bag stood out with the design better than the Save bag. But on the street I would not be able to tell as I am just now learning labels from you and the other ladies. I could wear my new no iron navy striped long sleeve shirt from Nordstrom Rack. I have white jeans, sandals and a navy crossbody bag. No straw bag. But $32 on Amazon is a good price for a summer bag for me to buy. I love Save and Splurge posts! I am sure it is extra work for you but I love guessing and also putting together a similar look from my closet! Thank you for all you do Jennifer!

    1. I’m so glad you like these too!

  9. The squared toe and heel on the sandals gave it away for me.

  10. The cut of the chambray shirt gave it away for me. The splurge one had more of a “fit” cut, while the save one was too boxy. Kudos to you for doing this!!!

  11. Teresa Landers says:

    No trouble with a side by side comparison – the detail of the decoration on the tote was a give away. Otherwise, very difficult to guess there was significant price difference. Great job!

  12. The squared toe footbed on the splurge outfit was the tip off for me. I’ve only seen this detail on more expensive shoes.

  13. Great post! “I’ve seen tacky outfits that cost a fortune and budget outfits that look like a million dollars” — that is SO true! Thank you for providing these tips and for the “splurge or save” posts. For me, it was the handbag that gave away the splurge today, but I’ll admit it was a tough one!

  14. I did guess right but I had to look several times. haha The square toe on the shoes did it for me. Bad feet here, like you, so shoe details are important to me. FYI: I love your posts and look forward to them everyday. I enjoy the variety of topics you discuss, we never know what is next! LOL

    1. I hope I’m not too unpredicatable 🙂

  15. Great comparison! The bag and the shoes tipped me off. I think cheaper shoes often have the label in a generic (rather than matching) color, often sewn, glued, or printed under the heel (why).

  16. The handles of the tote gave it away. As far as the sandles, I have paid over $100 for fitflops. Used to be the only ones I could wear when plantar fascititis flares, but now I love the Oofoos!

  17. I love the splurge or save posts, like a mystery to unravel! The earrings gave it away for me-very classy. I like the look of the Chico’s jeans, but jeans are so hot in the summer! It is going to be in the upper 90’s here this weekend 😓