Duchess Sophie gives white jeans an autumnal twist with checked jacket - she's persuaded me to branch out from blue denim
Blue and black jeans are most people's go-tos for the season but the Duchess of Edinburgh showcased the versatility of white washes
Jeans are a wardrobe staple for many of us all year round but in the colder months we tend to gravitate towards dark washes. These tones feel more traditionally seasonal, though the Duchess of Edinburgh isn't ready to let go of light denim just yet.
She's inspiring me to try going for something different this year and recently styled a pair of white straight-leg jeans with an autumnal twist at the final meet of the Carriage Driving season. Duchess Sophie attended with her daughter Lady Louise Windsor and she paired her denim with a dove-grey jumper, scarf and a checked La Gazelle jacket.
The jeans were high-waisted and the straight cut is a versatile choice if you want to have fun with autumn outfit ideas. I personally love the drape and comfort of wide-leg jeans most but straight jeans are a close second, as they're slightly more streamlined without being restrictive.
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Straight-leg jeans like these are easy to dress up or down, making them one of the most versatile cuts out there. This pair from Mango are very affordable and have a mid-rise waist, with belt loops so you can accessorise them.
These Levi's jeans come in a variety of different washes including this classic white tone that will go with everything. The Ribcage Straight Ankle style is super high-waisted and hits at the ankle, creating a leg-elongating effect. Wear with a jumper and checked jacket to create a Sophie-esque look.
On sale and available in various fits, these jeans have a flattering high-rise waist and straight-leg silhouette. They're made from compact stretch fabric and have functional patch pockets on the front that also add more dimension.
Cosy knitwear is a wardrobe must-have for this time of year and this M&S jumper leans into this with it's ultra-fine air-yarn fabric and oversized silhouette. The longline hem can be left loose over jeans or tucked in loosely and there are ribbed trims. The shoulders are dropped and there's a sweeping V-neckline.
Right now it's still jacket weather and this design has a funnel neck for cosiness and buttons running down the front. It's made from knitted fabric and has an on-trend checked design in all neutral colours. Throw on with everything from jumper dresses to jeans.
The Speed Strike 2 design offers the comfort you get from hiking shoes with a more athletic style. They've got a full-grain leather upper for durability and they're also made with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry. The EVA foam footbed is removable.
Because of this, you can dress them up with a shirt and heeled boots or dress them down with an oversized sweater and white trainers and both styles work equally well. White jeans like Sophie's tend to naturally look slightly more smart because they don't have the variation in the wash you get with blue denim.
They have an almost trouser-esque look and this neutral colour complements pretty much any other shade whilst bringing some brightness. Against seasonal fashion colour trends like berry, khaki and chocolate, a pair of white jeans lifts everything and feels softer than black or dark blue.
The Duchess kept the rest of her outfit for the Final Meet relatively light too, going for a pale grey jumper that she wore loose over the waistband.
Tucking in jumpers, especially if they're more fitted, is a way to elevate jeans into something more smart-casual and accentuate the waist. We'd often see royals like the Princess of Wales doing this, though Sophie wasn't at an official engagement so her approach was more understated.
She still emphasised her waist by going for a cropped jacket that finished at the same point as her top. This La Gazelle Cotswold jacket was crafted from Harris Tweed and, according to reports, was bought by Sophie at another equestrian event, the Cornbury House Horse Trials, last month.
The combination of different greys and the subtle checked pattern brought some extra dimension to her ensemble.
Checked patterns are having a surge in popularity right now and the Duchess of Edinburgh finished off her outfit with her Meindl walking boots and a camel neck scarf. Everything felt balanced and minimal, which is very in-keeping with Sophie's day-to-day style.
When the weather gets colder she - and us - can still get plenty of wear out of white jeans by swapping jackets for coats and thicker knits. There's something very chic about an all-white winter outfit and monochrome is always a striking combination, so perhaps the Duchess's look was a useful reminder that blue and black jeans aren't the only option.
