Rethink everything you thought you knew about wearing denim-on-denim

Date: September 8, 2024

For years, wearing denim-on-denim outfits was the ultimate fashion faux pas. The 'Texas tuxedo' or 'Canadian tuxedo' was looked down on by fashion experts—just ask Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, whose coordinating denim awards show outfits were the topic of much red carpet ridicule in the 2000s. However, as often happens with fashion trends, the tides turned and it became acceptable to wear denim-on-denim once more.

At Trendsend, we believe that you should wear what makes you feel good, regardless of the trend cycle. We also believe very strongly in the power of a great pair of jeans and the superstar versatility of a denim shirt or jacket. If you asked us, those two pieces are an absolute essential for every single wardrobe, no matter your personal style. Everyone can wear denim, and basically everyone does!

Ahead, learn how to make denim-on-denim outfits chic and casual for the everyday and special events alike.

Easy ways to wear denim-on-denim

If matching your denim shades still stresses you out and reminds you of the Fashion Police era, try a darker bottom with a light denim top or jacket, like deep indigo jeans with a chambray shirt, or a darker wash top with a lighter denim pant or short. If you’re layering, a white, black, or gray T-shirt is a simple way to break up the head-to-toe feel. (You can also swap the blue denim for white or black denim, though that’s kind of cheating.)

Wearing the same (or a similar) shade of denim elongates your silhouette by creating one visual line of interest and is the most eye-catching way to wear all the denim. Dark denim looks edgy and sleek, while lighter denim feels cool and retro. For beginners, a medium wash denim is the easiest entry point, but when in doubt, ask your Trendsend stylist for tips!

A denim dress is one of our favorite ways to dip your toe into the trend, since you don’t have to deal with mixing and matching shades or figuring out proportions. Just pull it on and go—no guesswork required. If you’re really feeling the denim-on-denim look, toss a matching jacket over the top and live out your Western Barbie dreams. For work or a weekend brunch, try a denim midi skirt and ladylike denim jacket combo for a twist on business casual.

How to style denim-on-denim outfits

Belts can play a major role in breaking up a full denim-on-denim outfit. We love a classic brown or tan belt paired with a chambray shirt and matching jeans; it feels a little vintage ‘70s but totally timeless. Keep the shirt fitted and tuck it into the jeans for a sleek silhouette.

Layering pieces like sweaters and jackets also add a little zip to a full-denim outfit. Try wrapping a knit sweater around your shoulders or your waist to break up the blue fabric or style your denim with a leather jacket.

Accessories can also liven up the denim, so don’t be afraid to add a bright pop of color to your outfit. This season, we’re all about vibrant scarlet red, which happens to look amazing with blue jeans. A hat, bag, or shoe can go a long way in transforming a denim-on-denim ensemble. If you’re worried about looking too country, stay away from Western-style boots and opt for sophisticated loafers, sandals, or sneakers instead.

Learning how to wear denim-on-denim gives you so many more styling opportunities with pieces that are already in your closet. Invest in a few strategic denim pieces for the season, then have fun mixing and matching them with things you wear and love on the regular. See you on the red carpet, blue jean babe!