Bringing Back Denim on Denim
The denim on denim phenomenon also known as the double denim has its roots in the early 1950’s but the movie Charlie’s Angels released in 1976 brought the style into the limelight.
The versatile trend resurges once in a while with top celebrities briging back the elegant Canadian Tuxedo with former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo strutting down the 2023 REVOLVE Festival in a head turining blue denim shorts and matching denim jacket. The hallmark couple: David and Victoria Beckam famous for their individual take on double denims adored the fit and posted on a story with the caption, ‘ I thought those days were over’.
The trend took a nose dive after the Britney Spears and Justin Timerblake fiasco in the 2001 AMAs (American Music Award) with top fashion critics and celebrities calling it ‘ugly’. The hate was directed towards their take on the style. With a touch of creativity and careful styling, we can revive this classic trend and make it relevant in today's fashion scene. Join me as we explore the art of bringing back denim on denim, reimagining its potential for a fresh and contemporary style.
l Embracing Different Shades and Washes:
One of the key aspects of successfully pulling off a denim on denim ensemble is playing with different shades and washes of denim. Pairing light-washed jeans with a darker denim jacket, or vice versa, creates an eye-catching contrast that adds depth to your outfit. Experiment with varying hues, such as indigo, faded blue, black, or even white denim, to add interest and dimension to your overall look.
l Mix and Match Textures:
To elevate your denim on denim ensemble, incorporate different textures into your outfit. Opt for a distressed denim jacket paired with sleek, dark-washed skinny jeans, or pair a chambray shirt with denim shorts. By combining various denim textures, you create a visually appealing contrast that adds visual intrigue and makes your outfit stand out.
l Layering and Accessories:
Layering is a fantastic technique to enhance your denim on denim look. Play with layering by adding a statement belt to cinch your waist, or layer a denim vest over a denim shirt for added depth. Accessorize with complementary pieces, such as a vibrant scarf, a bold statement necklace, or a pair of ankle boots, to elevate the overall ensemble.
l Contrast with Non-Denim Elements:
To avoid looking too monotonous in denim, introduce non-denim elements into your outfit. By pairing denim with different fabrics and textures, you create a balanced and visually appealing look. For instance, pair your denim shirt with a leather skirt, a floral blouse with denim jeans, or a knitted sweater with denim shorts. These combinations add an unexpected twist, breaking up the denim while still maintaining the essence of the trend.
l Tailoring and Fit:
Denim on denim can be a versatile and flattering trend when done right. Pay attention to the fit and tailoring of your denim pieces. Choose cuts and silhouettes that flatter your body shape and proportions. Opt for a well-fitted denim jacket or a pair of jeans that accentuate your curves or create a sleek, streamlined look. Remember, a well-tailored denim outfit exudes confidence and elevates the overall aesthetic.
l Minimalist Approach:
If you prefer a more understated approach to denim on denim, opt for a minimalist style. Choose one denim piece as the focal point, such as a denim dress or a jumpsuit, and pair it with a simpler denim counterpart. Keep the accessories and color palette minimal to let the denim speak for itself. This approach offers a contemporary and effortless take on the trend.
While embracing the revival of denim on denim, it's equally important to be mindful of certain "don'ts" to avoid any fashion faux pas. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
l Avoid matching denim washes: Instead of wearing the exact same shade of denim from head to toe, opt for contrasting washes to create visual interest and avoid a monotonous look.
l Steer clear of oversized denim: While oversized clothing can be trendy, be cautious when it comes to denim on denim. Avoid pairing oversized denim pieces together as it can create a bulky and unflattering silhouette. Instead, balance a loose-fitting denim piece with a more fitted counterpart.
l Don't overdo the accessories: Denim on denim is a statement in itself, so avoid over-accessorizing. Keep the focus on the denim pieces and opt for minimal, complementary accessories to maintain a balanced and polished look.
l Avoid excessive distressing: While distressed denim can add a touch of edginess to an outfit, too much distressing can overpower the overall look. Opt for one piece with subtle distressing and pair it with a more polished denim piece to maintain a well-balanced aesthetic.
Beware of matching denim finishes: When combining denim pieces, be mindful of matching finishes. Avoid pairing a heavily distressed denim jacket with heavily distressed jeans, as it can create a cluttered and uncoordinated appearance. Opt for contrasting finishes to create a harmonious blend.
