“Today’s denim on denim trend is a paragon of a casual chic” – Harper’s Bazaar Online
The presumption that wearing denim on denim is tacky has been long gone for quite a time now. As of today, fashion has evolved to be more flexible when it comes wearing same fabric combinations and the denim on denim trend is an epitome of just how far fashion has come. And although it can be a bit intimidating especially for fashion novices, it seems like a trend that is here to stay. With the right fashion ensemble and an incorporation of a few simple fashion rules, anyone can pull it off and look absolutely amazing. This is why this article aims to outline some precepts integral to the double denim trend that would make the look more polished, put-together and sophisticated rather than forced and tawdry.
Though double denim seems like a complex style ensemble, it is actually fairly straightforward and pretty easy. The rudimentary thing one has to remember is to make sure that the colors and washes are in contrast with each other to ensure that one does not look like a walking canvas. This means pairing dark blue, black or gray jeans with light washed denim shirts or jackets. It creates an interesting illusion to your proportions and would make you look svelte. Additionally, you have to make sure that each of the pieces would fit you perfectly as pairing a really great denim jacket with ill-fitting jeans would not give you the desired look you want. Strike the perfect balance between a skinny and baggy—especially when it comes to your jeans as double denim works better on skinny fits rather than loose jeans. These are just some of the fundamental guidelines when it comes to wearing denim on denim. For a more in-depth guide, take a look at some of the rules below.
1.) DO play with colors if you are still a total beginner
Neophytes in working the denim on denim trend should try a safer route by pairing different shades of denim together. Do not delve into the shades of double blue immediately and try to experiment with different shades for a more flexible wear and an easier way to style. Try on some white jeans and a blue denim jacket or perhaps a chambray shirt with black jeans. Give your favorite denim colors a fresh new spin by mixing and matching them and look for the look you find most appropriate for yourself.
2.) DO NOT wear a denim outfit that is all the same weight or wash
Denim on denim looks good, but too much denim would look tacky. You do not want to run the risk of looking unsophisticated by looking too matchy-matchy. Diversify your outfit by incorporating different weights and various washes into one outfit; do not stick to the same weight or same wash such as wearing baggy acid washed jeans with loose acid washed jackets. Keep the entire outfit interesting by adding more denim hues.
3.) DO use denim shades to flatter and conceal body parts
Generally, the lighter the shade of the denim the more attention it draws to the parts that they cover while darker washes create the illusion of a slimmer figure. Depending on how your body is built, use this knowledge to your advantage and play with shades and find out which ones would suit you and your physique best. Most women would opt for a darker shade of denim jeans complemented with a lighter denim top or jacket as this is the most flattering way to go.
4.) DO NOT wear denim accessories
The denim on denim trend looks fabulous but inundating your ensemble with too much denim by adding on denim accessories would make you look like you are a walking advertisement for wholesale English laundry for their jeans section. Just keep the denim confined to your apparel and keep it out of your shoes, hats, handbags, scarves or any other accessory lest you overwhelm your ensemble with too much denim.
5.) DO distress
Distressed and ripped jeans have been making waves over the past decade and it seems like it is not going to fade away anytime soon. The distressed or ripped denim trend certainly adds a bit more interest to what would seem like an assuming pair of jeans and it lends itself well to the denim on denim look. So, take that old pair of jeans for a ride once more by adding more tears and rips which you can do yourself.
6.) DO not look to Westerns for inspiration
The denim on denim trend certainly brings a common image to mind: cowboys. And though the look may widely work for them, it does not necessarily mean it would look great on you as well—you would not want to look like a walking caricature of a cartoon cowboy. With that in mind, it is best to keep away from accessories such as cowboy hats, cowboy boots, Western belts and bolo ties when you are sporting the all-denim outfit for a more sophisticated and fashion forward look.
7.) DO dress up your denim on denim ensemble
Add a bit more flair to this wide trend by sporting luxe-looking items such as statement handbags, designer heels, a tuxedo blazer or an arresting red lip color that is sure to be a stunner. Do not be afraid to add these lavish accessories as the double denim ensemble makes for an interesting backdrop and these lush fashion accompaniments would do wonders to elevate your otherwise simple outfit.
8.) DO NOT emulate the mistake Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake did way back then
When it comes to how the denim on denim trend can go disastrously wrong, a common image that comes to mind is one of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears back in the day. In fact, this has become a rather iconic image for everyone to see just how ridiculous this trend looks when not done right. With this mind, be mindful that when it does go wrong—it would be almost impossible for you to get it this wrong.
These are just some of the tips to create excellent denim on denim ensemble—chi, sophisticated and unforced. Start experimenting with some of these tips on your denim wardrobe and sport the one that looks best on you.