Finding the Right Fit

Although they look great with belts, your jeans should ideally fit tight enough around the waist that you don't need one to hold them up. Also, consider leg length when trying on sizes; if the legs only come down to about mid-calf, they'll likely look awkward and short. It's best if the leg bottoms of the jeans land at ankle height, tapering down all the way.

When considering how to style light wash jeans, determine whether your jeans work best with ankle cuffs or an unrolled look. In general, rolled cuffs look better with relatively thin jeans than with heavy, thick jeans. Even if your jeans are thin, avoid rolling the cuffs more than twice or you're likely to end up with a distracting and bulky look.

Keep your footwear in mind when deciding whether to cuff or not to cuff. Rolling your jeans draws more attention to your shoes, boots, sandals, or heels, which can help accentuate your outfit's color scheme.

Washing denim makes it shrink, so you can expect that your jeans will become a little tighter over time. If possible, avoid washing denim more than twice a month. Always use cold water when washing blue jeans to minimize shrinkage.

The Perfect Top

Light wash jeans evoke a laid-back vibe, so you don't want to complicate it by making the rest of your look too complex or upscale. Casual tops are ideal for pairing with light-wash jeans. A white crop top or tube top over light wash jeans is a simple but effective look you can throw on in a minute flat.

Pay special attention to the color and material contrast your top creates when you're considering how to wear light wash jeans. A well-constructed double denim look can potentially work for men and women alike, but it can also undercut the jeans' casual appeal. Similarly, a top that matches the tone of your jeans too closely tends to be visually uninteresting.

Bright colors and soothing pastels match well with women's light wash jeans. Try layering your look by using a light-color undershirt with a darker overshirt. For example, a white shirt with a cute green cardigan can help you nail the art-chick vibe.

For men, matching light wash jeans with a plain white T-shirt or simple graphic T-shirt is a classic summer choice. In fall and winter weather, try an understated button-down shirt or add a bit of extra visual interest with a light striped Breton top. If you want to experiment with a slightly more put-together look, consider a dark blazer or jacket paired with a light-colored undershirt.

Accessorize

The accessories you wear with your Union-Alls™ should match the silhouette for a cohesive look. Long-sleeved styles, which typically cover most of the arm, are beautifully accented by a gold watch or a single low-profile cocktail ring. The length of the leg works well with higher-sole shoes such as espadrilles, stiletto heels, and boots.

Men's light wash jeans look pleasingly unpretentious paired with a narrow brown leather belt and a gray or brass belt buckle. Simple brown loafers or black and white sneakers work well as footwear when you're dressed down. Matching your belt color to your shoe color helps give your look subtle balance.

Accessorizing light wash jeans for women's looks is similar, but you have a little more leeway in adding elements. A cute neckerchief works nicely with light wash jeans for country-girl style; try a scarf instead for a retro option. For a dramatic look that's more suited to urban professionals, consider a bright red purse that presents a sharp contrast to your jeans.