Dirty white denim
A case for clothing that shows the marks of a life well-lived
It wasn’t until 2009, at the age of 23 and two years into my New York City journey, that I feel my personal style began to crystallize. In those early years, I was constantly experimenting with different styles I spotted on the streets. The city offered a thrilling paradox — I could embrace any look I wanted, which was both exciting and overwhelming.
I wanted to look like everyone who appeared confident in their style choices. The women on the Upper East side were glamorous and pristine, the models in Meatpacking were mysterious and sexy, the hipsters at McCarren Park were cool and confident. Frankly, I was none of these things, but wanted to be all of them at once.
Driven by a desire to emulate these self-assured beings, I found myself lost in misguided shopping sprees at places like Forever 21, seduced by the illusion of easy replication and affordability. This approach led to a wardrobe of disjointed, low-quality pieces and mounting credit card debt.
My style epiphany arrived while working at a charming Brooklyn restaurant. I’ll never forget my first encounter with a fellow staffer, dressed entirely in worn white — a faded tee, well-loved Levis, and scuffed Vans. He had an aura of unassuming confidence while vibing to Illmatic as he set tables.
This ethos permeated the space: an eclectic, time-worn building nestled amidst cobblestones, serving up comforting, unfussy fare, and a staff overflowing with creativity and wit. Within this restaurant, simplicity, beauty, purpose, and fun blended seamlessly.
Thus, my wardrobe began to mirror this ethos — a fusion of timeless classics with a dash of edgy patina, matching the principles guiding my newfound haven. Vintage denim and workwear-inspired garments became staples, expressing the enduring appeal of utility and simplicity.
Still today, one of my favorite outfit combinations is head-to-toe whites, artfully weathered with love. For me, there's no greater style statement than clothing that shows the marks of a life well-lived, each fray and fade a testament to the journey taken while wearing them. Have you ever seen a painter in their studio outfit? Perfection.
With that in mind, I have selected some beautiful whites for you to wear-in to your hearts desire! Mostly denim, but also a couple thin white vintage tees for you to create the perfect outfit. Have fun!
Vtg LEVIS 550 Jeans Mens 32x33 White 90s Made in USA Denim Pants Tag 34x34
We are kicking things off with a surprise – I am usually a 501 or 505 kinda gal but I’ve been wearing an oversized cropped 550 lately and I am really digging them. The trick is to cut the hem so the leg doesn’t taper as much, so buy them long.
Vintage Distressed 90s Gap White Denim Jacket
Oh this jacket could not be more perfect. What I like most is the shape and length. It would look great fitted or worn oversized because it's not too long. Can you imagine how cool a full white Canadian tuxedo would look. I feel faint just thinking about it.
Vintage white cotton sailor pants// size: M
I like these vintage sailor pants worn a size too big so they don’t sit so high on the waist and read as more of a baggy pant than a sailor pant. Give it a try! Give sailing a try too while you’re at it.
Bongo Off White Vintage Denim Cutoff Shorts
Perhaps we’ll do a whole post on BONGO one day, but for now please observe these perfect white cut off shorts. Pair with an oversized button-up, slides, a wide brimmed hat, and call it your summer uniform.
Levis Vintage White Straight Leg Jeans
You might think these are a little TOO worn in by the look of the coloring, but I feel pretty confident that they are close to perfect.
Deadstock Vtg 90s Cream Gap Jeans, Men's Unisex 28x28 Relaxed Fit Off-White Denim Pants
90s Gap denim is divine and not to be passed up. This pair has a lovely contrast stitching and a nice straight leg. You could get the jacket and these jeans to make the dreamiest outfit on the planet.
Vintage Ralph Lauren White Chore Barn Denim Jacket Size Large
Imagine your favorite barn jacket, now imagine if it was white. White just looks cooler for some reason. I suppose it takes a bit of confidence to show up in all white, which is why it’s my favorite costume – it forces me to be self-assured.
Vintage Y2K Interstate Jeans IS Girl Overalls Cream Size XS Baggy Skater Rave
I’ve had my white overalls for about 10 years now and I’ve never considered getting a new pair. They are perfect for summer frolicking and winter spelunking. Truly a versatile item for any wardrobe.
Vintage Y2K Dickies Carpenter White Pants
You might think that white pants are the worst for house work, gardening, painting, etc. but have you ever seen a perfectly destroyed pair of white pants? Don’t be scared! Wear your clothes!
Vintage Levi's 501 Jeans Size 36x32 White Denim
Oh these are just so classic. I have this same pair with the copper stitching and I get compliments all the time. Mine are completely stained and gross, which means I am on the right track to creating the perfect dirty white pants.
Vintage Gap Industrial Overalls Shorts Women's XS White Denim Carpenter Y2K 90s
Hot dog these are the perfect uniform for a sweltering southern summer. The best part about overalls is they kind of swim around your midsection which is all I want when it’s hot. Where them with or without a shirt!
New York Times Guggenheim Art Tee Large
This shirt has everything - perfectly worn in, high brow, low brow, art, skating, comics, what are you waiting for (I ask myself)?
Vintage Dolphin Nature Animal T Shirt Men’s XL White
One of my first posts was dedicated to animal t-shirts so it should be no surprise that I would suggest this perfect dancing dolphins shirt. I can tell this is going to hang so nicely and look very good tucked into your white 501s or 550s.
Vintage 20th Anniversary Woodstock 1969-1989 Tshirt XL White Unique Concert Tee
As long as it’s not a Woodstock ‘99 comemorative shirt I think we’re good, though I think ‘69 was also pretty disastrous. I like this shirt because it aesthetically feels nothing like the summer of love Woodstock mythology.
VTG 80s Hanes Raglan Blank Paper Thin Burnout Worn Sweatshirt Size M USA
Last one - a paper thin white sweatshirt for the colder months. I am dying thinking about this paired with the carpenter pants. It’s all just so good.
Thanks for joining me again for another week. Have fun and get your white clothes dirty this weekend.
XO - Kellyn (a.k.a. Best Friends)🍝
Might have to try this myself…though I can hear marinara sauce stains whispering in my ear😅
I always feel so brave putting on my white clothes. I have 2 kids. lol