White denim is so chic for autumn - Zara Tindall already proved it with her timeless outfit formula of jeans and a waxed jacket

This is an easy way to give white jeans an elegant seasonal twist rather than packing them away until next spring

Zara Tindall watches the celebrity golf classic at Mannings Heath Golf Club on May 20, 2013
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

I live in comfortable jeans in autumn and even though dark washes like indigo and black are always popular, I can't help feeling a bit rebellious this year. Light denim is my favourite and there are ways to make these tones feel more seasonal.

Even white denim can be incorporated into autumn outfits and Zara Tindall showed us how many years ago. She went to watch the 2013 Celebrity Golf Classic tournament and although this took place in May, we all know that the British weather doesn't always follow the seasons.

Zara was dressed warmly enough for this time of year in white skinny jeans, low-top trainers and a waxed field jacket as she watched her husband Mike Tindall playing. British clothing brands like Barbour and Holland Cooper specialise in these beautifully crafted countryside jackets and so we're always spoilt for choice.

Zara Phillips attends the celebrity golf classic at Mannings Heath Golf Club on May 20, 2013

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/Getty Images)

Recreate Zara's Outfit

Even though the equestrian royal's exact jacket isn't available anymore you can get a similar aesthetic at a range of price-points and you don't even have to get a waxed jacket. Barn jackets and utility jackets are everywhere right now and they also add an outdoorsy feel to an outfit and tick boxes for practicality with plenty of pockets.

The waist belt on Zara Tindall's outerwear added extra definition and there was even a hood that would come in handy if it rained. This design was the classic green-brown tone that goes well with so many other shades, particularly neutrals.

Zara Tindall watches her husband Mike Tindall (out of picture) in the celebrity golf classic at Mannings Heath Golf Club on May 20, 2013

(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

It wasn't too much of a stark contrast against her jeans but it balanced out the bright white. To take white denim into the new season, it helps to pair it with tones that we often associate with the colder months. Earthy greens like khaki and olive are an autumn/winter fashion colour trend for 2026 and they're warm and muted.

Zara completed her golf-watching ensemble with what look to be Converse low-top trainers in white. The royals prefer sleek trainers when they're not actually doing sport as they work well with jeans and trousers but also with dresses and skirts.

They're just a bit more elegant and the King's niece picked white trainers that blended in with her jeans to create a leg-elongating effect. To make this outfit more autumnal I would probably swap to brown boots with a sturdy cleated sole to complement the practicality and colour of the jacket.

White jeans don't have the variation in colour that blue denim does so they tend to look smarter and you can lean into this. Zara Tindall is a big fan of blazers and a heritage-style tailored jacket and heeled boots would still give that countryside, autumn feel but in an elevated way.

Emma is a Royal Editor with nine years of experience in publishing. She specialises in writing about the British Royal Family, covering everything from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her extensive royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!

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