Design & Style

4 Tips for Creating a Denim-on-Denim Look

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 1 min read

Wearing denim-on-denim—pairing a denim jacket or shirt with denim jeans—was once considered a major fashion faux pas in some circles. However, the denim-on-denim look has been around since the ’60s, and there’s a reason it’s a mainstay in the fashion cycle. Wearing an all-denim outfit is a great way to create a casual yet bold, fashion-forward look.

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4 Tips for Wearing Denim-on-Denim

If you want to incorporate a double-denim look into your personal style but aren’t sure where to begin, here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. 1. Choose similar washes. It can be tempting to pair different shades of denim (like white denim jeans and a dark-wash jacket) to draw attention away from the fact that you’re wearing an all-denim outfit. However, choosing similar shades of denim can create a cohesive, unbroken look that will draw eyes up and down your entire outfit, elongating your silhouette.
  2. 2. Explore different silhouettes. There are many ways to experiment when playing around with different denim looks. For your top, you can try anything from a shrunken denim jacket to a denim-inspired chambray shirt to a black denim blazer. For your bottoms, consider less-common pieces like loose-fitting jeans, denim shorts, or a denim skirt. If you’re ready to foray outside the world of separates, a denim dress or denim jumpsuit are fun, bold statements.
  3. 3. Add pops of color. While denim is usually a shade of blue, it is considered neutral and pairs well with almost any color. For example, try wearing a red T-shirt and red lipstick with your blue jeans and denim top to create a cohesive, bold look. To learn more about pairing colors, check out our color theory guide here.
  4. 4. Accessorize. Since your all-denim look is a cool, neutral canvas, adding simple accessories can tie the look together. A watch, some jewelry, or a fun hair accessory can breathe life into a denim-on-denim outfit. Fashion risk-takers can create a triple-denim look by adding a denim purse, a denim hat, or denim shoes.

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