How to Wear the Denim on Denim Trend
Double denim — also known as denim on denim — simply means mixing and matching different denim separates, to create a head-to-toe outfit. This is a lasting trend that can be worn fashionably in a variety of ways for casual wear, and even out on a date. But the denim on denim thing can be tricky if you don’t know how to wear it right. Here’s my guide to how to pull together denim separates to create stylish looks, including outfit ideas and styling tips to help you look up-to-date in double denim.
Wear Dark Wash Jeans With a Lighter Denim Shirt
If you’ve got a shapely lower body, you probably already know that dark wash jeans are reliably slimming to your bottom half, especially in a fitted skinny or slim cut silhouette. Darker rinses of denim visually slenderize your frame, just as lighter shades draw attention to the body areas they cover. So if you’re curvier below the waist, the most figure-flattering double denim ensemble for you is one that combines lighter denim on top, with a dark wash jean (or other denim separate) on the bottom.
Tip: For fuller figures, shop for a perfect-fitting denim shirt that skims your frame, not a baggy one. A too-large shirt can make you look bigger than you actually are. Showing some skin also helps you look slimmer, so roll up your shirt sleeves and choose a jean that hits at the ankle.
Get more outfit ideas for how to wear denim like a fashion expert.
Wear Tone on Tone Denim (Great for Petites)
Want to look taller in jeans? Try wearing a tone-on-tone double denim outfit. This look is great for petites — you’ll love the way it helps to visually elongate your figure, by creating an unbroken column of color. Just be sure to go for a medium or darker wash of denim in both you separates, to keep this look modern and not dated. Another way to update this denim on denim outfit is to choose a slim-fitting jean with distressing and ripped details.
A statement handbag and chic patterned flats are the perfect finishing touches to upgrade this outfit for city wear.
Tip: For an extra boost to your height, try wearing nude platform heels with this outfit. Curvy petites can add balance by wearing a statement necklace over the shirt, to draw attention upward on the body.
Learn how to wear trouser jeans to the office.
Wear Coated Jeans With a Denim Vest
Here’s how to wear coated jeans for an ultra-fashionable casual look. Leather-look coated denim in a skinny silhouette gets dressed down stylishly with a denim vest in a vintage wash. Wear a long-sleeved tee with this outfit when the temperature dips, and switch to a slim white tank top when it’s warm. This outfit is perfect for concerts and parties when you want to show off your cool-girl style.
Tip: A look this edgy calls for fierce shoes that match its attitude.
Ankle booties are an obvious choice. Or try gladiator sandals, either flat or with a heel.
Learn about the flattering jeans.
Wear a Chambray Shirt With Printed Denim Shorts
Here’s a fresh way to wear denim shorts for summer that’s a step up from the usual tee-shirt and cut-offs look. I’m so into this double denim outfit that you can wear with sneakers for casual city wear this summer, or with fierce heels and pearls for a warm weather date. Simply match an oxford-style denim shirt with a comfy pair of printed denim shorts, roll up your shirt sleeves, and you’re good to go.
Tip: To make this outfit a bit dressier, wear your hair in an unfussy updo and add sparkly earrings and jeweled flats.
Get more outfit inspiration for what to wear with denim shorts.
Wear a Denim Shirt With White Jeans
Double denim doesn’t have to mean head-to-toe blue. White jeans are a summer fashion mainstay that never goes out of style. You’ll look fashionable in distressed skinny white jeans paired with a classic chambray shirt. Rips and tears on the jeans, and rolled-up sleeves on top show strategic hints of skin that keeps this look sexy for summer.
Tip: White and gold is always a chic combination for summertime.
Dress up this double denim outfit with an armful of skinny gold bangles, or one statement cuff bracelet.
Get more ideas for wearing white jeans.
Wear a Jean Jacket With Printed Jeans
Printed denim is a great way to introduce texture and interest into a denim on denim outfit. For instant style, layer a cropped denim jacket over slim-fitting patterned jeans. Choose a jacket in a similar shade to your pants, to create overall balance as pictured here, instead of a jarring difference between your top and bottoms.
Tip: Depending on the jacket style you choose, you could easily wear this look to work or out on a date.
A denim jacket with some sheen will dress up printed jeans, while a classic vintage jacket is a nice way to dress down this look.
Get more tips for wearing printed jeans.
Is There Any Way To Make Double-Denim Attractive? I Vote No
Isabeli Fontana is an insanely beautiful human being. This Brazilian Vogue cover is pretty awesome. And yet, I still can’t get past the double denim. I don’t think there’s a model, designer, or photographer on the planet that could make me look at a denim shirt and say, “I would totally buy that.”
Listen, it’s possible that I’m haunted by an all-denim family photo my mother made us participate in back in the 90s. I’m pretty sure that there was a Blossom-inspired hat involved. No, I will never share that picture with anyone. I don’t care how much money is offered.
Even without that image scarring my psyche, though, who looks good in a denim shirt? With denim pants? No one. Not even one of the most beautiful women on the planet wears a cross between her cleavage. It never looks good.
If someone would like to show me photographic evidence to persuade me otherwise, they’re welcome to try. I’ll probably send you a link to Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in their matching denim formal wear. You know what I’m talking about. But honestly, the fact that double-denim is hideous is a universally accepted fact, right?
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
