6 steps to rock the double denim look this summer
While icons like Martin Sheen and Robert Redford embraced the double denim look with class back in the day, for most of us it carried too much risk of fashion failure - and maybe it still does! But these days, denim's versatility has liberated it from such rigid rules as avoiding matching sets. Denim is just too popular to be limited to solitary pieces. So, how about you give it a try? Read our article to learn how to! Denim has chameleon quality - and that’s what makes doubling up appealing. Still, properly pulling it off requires finesse. For expert advice on fits, washes and fabrics that ensure a look that's confident not cringe, here are some tips and trips on conquering the denim-on-denim outfits.
- Mixing vintage & contemporary
One simple method that's both stylish and versatile? Mix vintage (old) with contemporary (new) pieces. Don’t be afraid to blend pieces you find in thrift shops with the latest clothes you bought at a designer shop. An awesome vintage trucker jacket paired with sleek black new jeans feels really polished yet effortlessly cool. It’s a fresh, modern yet classic combo.
2. Mix-and-match different shades or colors
One can be a fan of colored denim to mix it up.Colored denim looks cool paired with a vintage-styled denim piece, as it adds visual interest while still feeling casually put together. Mixing hues keeps looks from reading too matchy-matchy. So, you can always vary the shades: in fact, contrast is key! But a common pitfall to avoid is matching all pieces in indistinguishable tones. Combine a light top with darker jeans, or vice versa. Light versus dark creates visual intrigue versus matchy monotony.
3. Formal or casual?
When opting for denim-on-denim, consider your desired formality, as jean shade significantly impacts the vibe. The lighter the jeans, the more casual the outfit feels but darker washes allow for greater versatility, skewing dressier or more relaxed depending on styling. When it comes to coordinating multiple denim items, avoiding identical denim is key! Because the same shades of jeans can appear like one piece and the goal should be to create an assembled look, not just a uniform. So, for denim-on-denim success, vary the tones or fabrics between pieces.
4. Dare to try monochromatic looks
While identical denim risks appearing matchy-matchy, monochrome need not be a faux-pas with the right execution: a well done monochrome outfit can maintain balance, for example if you opt for all black denim. However, as the second expert cautions, pulling off singular-colored denim successfully likely requires channeling a specific retro vibe like rockabilly. Subtle contrasts remain the safer path for most.
5. Don’t forget the fit…
Regardless of shades, nailing fit should be top priority with any denim outfit. According to the experts, fit is paramount when coordinating multiple items. You shouldn’t underestimate fit when it comes to denim - in fact, it's a priority. When layering jeans with shirts or jackets, the proportions must harmonize. Skinny silhouettes demand similarly slimmed tops, while low-rise bottoms require appropriately cropped layers up above. The takeaway? Denim pairings live or die by how well the cuts complement one another throughout. Juxtaposing mismatched fits will sink an otherwise sound concept. To fully conquer the Canadian tuxedo, matching dye job and wash matters less than achieving cohesive fit from head to hem.
6. … and the quality of denim!
While denim encompasses a range from workwear roots to modern mass production, we can’t stress enough the importance of durability for everyday wear. How the fabric stands up matters as much as fit. Namely because denim takes abuse over time from typical use. As evidenced by Japan's mastery, quality remains key for luxury denim - now and historically. Japanese denim's craftsmanship has reinvigorated the industry globally through its reverence for time-honored production methods. For denim-on-denim to truly stand the test of time - beyond trendiness - thoughtfully sourced fabrics born of proven methods will serve wearers best in the long run.
Above all, for today's denim duo don't be afraid to bend the guidelines. As society progresses creatively in all avenues, so too do fashion norms evolve. Like culinary risk-takers, the current culture encourages fashion experimentation. Think about it: almost any combination can be good for styling as long as you feel good in it. So for those keen to merge denim against tradition, feel empowered by the progressive landscape. With a discerning eye, rulebreakers may just start new trends of their own.
