This Jeans-and-Sandal Formula Is the Key to Looking Polished All Summer
White jeans with black sandals is an outfit formula I'll never grow tired of. Discover why I think it's the ultimate summer combination.
Getting dressed in the summer calls for a fresh perspective. With no oversized coats or chunky knits to hide behind, each element of an outfit carries a heavy load. Suddenly, the pressure is on every item to hold its own, both in style and functionality. That’s why I find it invaluable to curate a summer capsule wardrobe built around simple, impactful pieces that work hard individually and play well with others.
Amongst my most relied-upon staples, two pieces continue to stand out: white jeans and black sandals. Making for an outfit combination I don't think I'll ever tire of, this foolproof formula is a pillar of my summer dressing.
White jeans bring a crispness to warm-weather outfits that feels instantly elevated. They’re fresher than classic blue denim, more polished than shorts and surprisingly versatile. Pair them with a linen shirt, a silk cami or even a white tee; white jeans have a way of making everything feel more intentional. But the real magic happens when you anchor them with black sandals.
More polished than summer trainers and more practical than light-coloured footwear, black sandals offer just the right amount of contrast to make an impact when paired with white jeans. They ground the outfit, creating a striking yet wearable look that feels balanced and modern. The combination of clean white and inky black adds subtle dimension.
It’s a formula I come back to across the summer months, dressed up with heeled leather sandals or kept casual with a flat pair. Perhaps best of all, this pairing allows you to do more with less.
Read on to discover the best white jeans and black sandals to shop now.
SHOP WHITE JEANS AND BLACK SANDALS:
Toe-ring sandals are going to be one of summer's most important shoe trends.
These elegant heeled thong sandals have just made their way to the top of my wish list.
These look just as good with black ballet flats.
The small-buckle detailing is very Gen Z.

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer and has worked in the fashion industry since she graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of the Arts London. Natalie’s experience in the industry spans journalistic and styling roles that have seen her work for publications including British Vogue, Conde Nast Traveller, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK.
With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news for Who What Wear UK. Reporting on a daily basis, Natalie focuses on trends on and off the runway, as well as street style and celebrity fashion. Natalie also creates content for Who What Wear’s social channels including TikTok and Instagram on a weekly basis.
-
Winter's Just Around the Corner—13 Standout Zara Finds I Predict Will Sell Out Before the End of the MonthAffordable funnel-neck jackets, argyle knits, and rich-looking flats inside.
-
My Stylish 56-Year-Old Mom Is a Picky Shopper—31 Chic Under-$100 Nordstrom Finds She Approves OfFunnel-neck coats, Fair Isle knits, and Levi's jeans inside.
-
I'm a Gen Zer Who Loves Parisian Fashion—33 Affordable Finds That Give French Cool GirlExpensive-looking cardigans and elegant winter coats ahead.
-
I Just Introduced My 56-Year-Old Mom to Revolve—37 Cyber Monday Deals She and I Agree OnExpensive-looking winter finds ahead.
-
I Just Saved $767 on an Elevated Winter Wardrobe (Thank You, Amazon)Can't get over these Cyber Monday deals.
-
If Chic Jeans-and-Boots Outfits Are the Goal, Don't Miss These Standout Picks From Zara, Madewell, and NordstromBring on a stylish fall-and-winter closet.
-
Every Celeb From J.Lo to Kate Middleton Knows to Put on This Classic Outfit When They're Unsure of What to WearDon't worry. This look will save you every time.
-
It's Almost Ridiculous to Believe These 27 Anthropologie Black Friday 2025 Finds Won't Sell OutScore 30% off French-girl trench coats, cashmere sweaters, and more.

