Denim on Denim Is Forever a Classic Outfit Formula: 15 Fresh Takes to Try

It's classic.

Abby Bible wears a dark wash denim jacket, jeans, vintage brown shoulder bag, and red tinted lens sunglasses

@theabbybible / Instagram

After decades of relentless taunting, the Canadian tuxedo has returned to the trend cycle, as have many other ways to wear denim on denim. With Western style having a moment and comfortable denim staples never truly going out of style, it's a welcome trend, but everyone needs a few styling hacks from time to time to keep the look feeling fresh. Classic iterations, like straight-leg jeans paired with a denim jacket or shirt in a matching wash, are always a good place to start, but you should also feel free to get creative and pair any two (or more) pieces for your own double denim look. Whether you mix washes or play with trending pieces like midi skirts, vests, and handbags, there are so many ways to embrace denim on denim for a truly inspired ensemble. Read on for 15 ways to wear double denim that highlight the truly infinite possibilities of this classic outfit formula.

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Denim Bra

Mecca James-Williams wears a denim bra, patterned blue shirt dress worn open, jeans with frayed hem, and white open-toed mules

@meccajw / Instagram

Stylist Mecca James-Williams is an expert at making staple pieces feel multidimensional. Here, she nails a subtle denim-on-denim look with a Malia Mills bra top and Levi’s jeans, offset with a long shirt dress from Jacquemus. 

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Matching Selvedge Denim

Asiah James Cannon wears selvedge denim shirt and jeans with black boots

@xasiahx / Instagram

If you choose a coordinating denim top and pants, like in this selvedge wash, it tricks the eye into thinking you’re wearing a jumpsuit. 

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Denim Handbag

Nnenna Echem wears a light blue button-down shirt, light wash loose jeans, denim handbag, and silver flats

@nnennaechem / Instagram

Denim on denim doesn't only mean your top and bottom need to both include the material. Denim accessories are majorly trending, with handbags being one of the biggest—so pair one with your favorite light-wash jeans, then style them with a light-colored button-down, statement shoes like silver flats, and a bag charm for a fun yet cohesive look.

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Denim Corset and Jeans

Woman wearing denim corset top and jeans

@samimirovintage / Instagram

This statement-making look from Sami Miro’s vintage line is a great way to see how slightly mismatched hues can reinvent a denim-on-denim moment.

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Fresh Accessories

Abby Bible wears a dark wash denim jacket and jeans with vintage brown shoulder bag, red lens sunglasses, and black glove flats

@theabbybible / Instagram

One of the most classic Canadian tuxedo pairings is a denim jacket with jeans, but you can take it into unexpected territory with a styling upgrade or two. Some on-trend, statement-making accessories—like sunglasses with colorful lenses, a vintage handbag, or modern flats—can make all the difference.

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Denim Collar and Jeans

Molly Blutstein wears a white tank top, jeans, and denim collar

@accidentalinfluencer / Instagram

Here, influencer Molly Blutstein demonstrates the power of a good accessory, like this denim collar from Ganni. 

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Black Denim on Black Denim

Amanda Richards wears gray sweatshirt, black denim jacket and jeans, white sneakers, and scarf

@amandakater / Instagram

Double black denim may not be the most traditional take on the Canadian tuxedo, but it absolutely counts in our book. Try to find blacks with a similar wash for a less casual look. 

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Mix Dark and Light Denin

Kellie B wears a white top, light wash denim jacket, dark wash jeans and newsboy cap

@itsmekellieb / Instagram

Light denim on top of darker denim is a tried-and-true outfit formula. Keep the look casual with a white tee and sneakers

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Contrasting Denim Top

Woman wears multi-toned denim shirt, jeans, Stella McCartney handbag, black heels, and sunglasses

@andrea_kyriakou / Instagram

A contrasting denim top, like this oversized style from Mango, offers a fun pairing for any denim bottoms. 

Byrdie Tip

The more you can avoid cleaning your denim, the better. According to experts, if your jeans don't have an odor or any stains, consider them "clean" and save yourself the wash.

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Triple Denim

Yara Shahidi wears a denim corset top, jeans, and jacket

@yarashahidi / Instagram

If you feel like you've exhausted your double denim options, try adding a third element. Here, Yara Shahidi wears a denim corset top, jeans, and jacket all in the same dark wash for a put-together yet laid-back alternative to a three-piece suit.

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Denim Vest and Jeans

Close-up of woman wearing patchwork denim vest, jeans, and brown coat

@maria_bernad / Instagram

Both denim pieces in this outfit are inherently busy thanks to the patchwork, but when tied together with a brown longline statement coat, the look feels grounded. 

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White Denim on White Denim

Tashiya Rajasingham wears a white tank top, jeans, and denim jacket with neutral handbag, sneakers, and minimal jewelry

@ta.shiya / Instagram

Double white denim is an excellent way for minimalists to try out the trend. Here, Australian digital creator Tashiya Rajasingham paired hers with a white tank and sneakers for a genuinely monochromatic look. 

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Denim Shirt and Shorts

Close-up mirror selfie of woman wearing blue denim shirt and black denim shorts

@sarah_loves_this / Instagram

If you’re looking to bring the Canadian tuxedo into the summer, denim
shorts are a great place to start. Try mixing black shorts with a
chambray shirt for a casual yet put-together look. 

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Denim Skirt and Cropped Jacket

Woman wears a denim cropped jacket and midi skirt with black boots and handbag

Getty Images

Yes, double denim works in skirt form, too. Pair an ever-popular denim midi skirt with a cropped ombré denim jacket for a fun, bold look. 

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Denim Shirt and Mini

Aimee Song wears a chambray shirt, denim miniskirt with rhinestone trim, and small blue handbag

@aimeesong / Instagram

The denim miniskirt is an under-appreciated fashion staple, and it just may be at its most powerful when paired with a matching button-down. Complete the ensemble with blue accessories and makeup for the sweetest monochromatic moment.

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