White jeans: classy or trashy?

Like men with pony tails and Victoria Beckham, white jeans have definite opinion-splitting properties. And though That's Not My Age has been championing coloured jeans of late, when it comes to summer, I'm a sucker for white. Living in London, I realise this isn't the most practical of fashion options - a single journey on the Tube and I look like I've been rolling in the gutter - so the rule has to be, one wear, one wash. Which reminds me, I still haven't decided whether to vote yes or no to AV on Thursday. Do I want a crappy concession to Proportional Representation, or is it best to stick to old-school politics? If you know the answer to this question, please let me know! Anyhow. Let's get back to a more important issue: white jeans.

Something happened over the weekend that shifted the emphasis from classy to declassé:



I know, I know, Pippa Middleton has a cracking arse with it's own Facebook page and yes, the neutral handbag and Tory Burch pumps look nice, but to me, the blue blazer and white trousers combo says The Only Way is Sloane Square. What's the difference between the most eligible woman in Berkshire and Shane Warne's latest conquest?



When it comes to white denim a relaxed approach is best. That's Not My Age recommends: a looser straight-leg shape or a flare (I have both) over a skinny-fit, flat summer sandals and a simple cotton shirt/knitted top over Fake Bake and a shaggy hair-do. Actually, come to think of it fake tan and white denim is a lethal combination - Liz Hurley must be a one wear, new pair kinda girl. But it doesn't have to be like that. This photograph of Lee Radziwill epitomizes timeless style:



And soon-to-wed Kate Moss knows how to do easy chic:



One of my friends asked if it's true you have to spend more on white jeans (?) To which the answer is - unless you're Liz Hurley - no. My five-year-old Gap flares are still going strong, though I've noticed a high-waisted version that would make a neat update and I bought my other straight-leg Acne jeans in the sale. My only advice is to avoid chocolate, red wine and spray tan.


So, white jeans: classy or trashy. What do you think?