fashion women

How To Wear Double Denim

Whenever we hear the words ‘double denim’, we think of three things – cowboys, the 80s, and Jean Claude Van Dam (why?!). But double denim is officially back in style, from a simple denim jacket with jeans to the head-to-toe denim look a la Britney and Justin circa 2001. 

When it comes to dressing in denim, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re thinking of rocking the look, you might be wondering - what are the denim on denim rules? Any style tips to avoid a stonewashed denim disaster? And really… is denim on denim ok?! 

We’re here to answer all your questions and more with our ultimate guide to wearing double denim. Read on! 

Denim on denim rules 

Usually, we’d say that fashion is all about individual expression and there’s no need to follow any specific rules… but the double denim look can be tricky to pull off, and having some tips to follow makes it much easier to wear. 

We’re aiming for a sleek, pulled together, modern look rather than an 80s mix and match mess up. Here are four simple denim on denim rules to follow to make your outfits real winners. 

1. Stick to similar washes 

Now, we’re not looking for a full-length acid wash outfit or top to toe dark denim. But the point of the denim on denim look is that it’s obvious that you’re wearing it – so mixing a black denim jacket with light blue jeans just doesn’t work. Choose pieces with similar washes to create a cohesive, streamlined style. 

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2. Mix and match your shapes

While it’s good to keep the colour palette simple, experimenting with different fits is a great way to add detail and drama to your overall look. Skinny jeans look fab with an oversized denim shirt or try a fitted denim dress under a baggy denim jacket, cinched in with a belt. 

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A denim jumpsuit is an outfit all on its own but could be elevated even further with a denim hat or denim bag. Very noughties!

3. Accessorise away

Head to toe denim can look a bit blocky, and that’s where carefully chosen accessories come in. Accessories will break things up a bit and give your outfit a polished finish to push it into trend territory. 

For casual outfits, you can’t beat a pair of box-fresh high-tops – the perfect partner to a denim fit. We love a lifted flatform high top for a bit of height. 

This vintage brown belt with statement will give your denim look a swinging 60s vibe, while an organic cotton floral bucket hat is a must-have for any festival fit. 

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4. Add pops of colour 

We’ve never met a pop of colour we didn’t love – whether it’s a vibrant t-shirt, a zingy clutch bag or a popping pair of shoes, that little bit of colour can add so much to a simple outfit. 

For your double denim look, colour can help break up similar washes. This soft purple v-neck top has a 90s vibe that we’re loving, while this bright teal bag has texture as well as colour – brilliant for bringing detail to your look. 

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You could also add colour pops through your makeup – a bright red lip, a metallic smoky eye or a rainbow manicure would all look banging with a simple denim style. 

Double denim trends 

The denim on denim trend has been around for a few years now, but it’s had a update for 2022 – here are some ways to bring the double denim look bang up to date. 

Channel the noughties

Denim was such a key part of the 2000s so if you’re loving the throwback look, it’s really easy to incorporate that noughties vibe. These denim Bermuda shorts are giving pedal pusher vibes, while low-slung straight leg jeans are very Y2K. 

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Look for vintage appeal

Denim has long-lasting style appeal, so it’s not hard to create a vintage look. This flared boilersuit is very 70s disco and encapsulates the 2022 style perfectly. 

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For a more classic vintage look, try the quintessential straight leg jeans with a sleeveless cropped denim shirt – very 50s French chic.

Wear it wide

Wide leg, pale wash denim was all over the Valentino catwalk earlier this year, and the loose, baggy silhouette feels very fresh and modern. This Wrangler wide-leg pair fit the bill perfectly, especially when paired with this contrast pocket denim shacket

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Midi is more modern

Although short denim skirts are having a bit of a moment right now if you want to impress the fashion set, go for a denim midi. Calf length denim styles were seen at Saint Lauren, Dior and Loewe – a demure length with a funky fabric feels very 2022. 

A mid-wash denim midi skirt has a modern vintage vibe while darker denim looks great cinched in with a chunky belt.

woman-wearing-levis-denim-midi-skirt-with-white-shirt.jpg 

Quick double denim tips

So, we’ve learnt that double denim doesn’t have to look 80s trashy and that denim on denim style is very on-trend in 2022. Here are some quick fire-tips for keeping your fit fresh and fashionable…

Switch up the silhouette – pair a form-fitting piece with something baggier, using a belt to cinch in the waist 

Baggy trousers rule – although skinny jeans will always have a place in our hearts, big and baggy is where it’s at right now

One wash only – don’t mix and match different denim washes. The key is to own the double denim look with tonal finishes 

A pop of colour is always a good thing – go red to keep it classic, neon-bright if you’re feeling fun or reach for the rainbow if you really want to make a statement!

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise – continue the denim theme with a matching hat or bag, or use a leather belt to break things up. And you can never go wrong with a pair of Cons!

Hopefully, we’ve convinced you that double denim has moved on since the Britney and Justin era. 

Still not sure? Look to style mavens like the Hadid sisters, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Zoe Kravitz and Rihanna who have all rocked awesome denim on denim looks. Time to dig out the denim jacket and pull on those wide-leg jeans!

For more inspiration, discover our advice on pulling off the ‘jeans and a nice top’ vibe and find the perfect outfit for whatever the occasion.  

Author Name
La Redoute,
04/04/2021