How to Wear Denim-on-Denim

by Lesley Kennedy (Subscribe to Lesley Kennedy's posts)
Posted Apr 5th 2010 at 5:45PM

Mix washes and textures to avoid the Canadian tuxedo look. From left, denim on denim looks from Ralph Lauren, Gap and Banana Republic. Photos: Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images, Gap, Banana Republic

Denim jackets have been studded, fringed, bedazzled and adorned with many a Duran Duran pin. They've been shrunken and oversized; cuffed and sleeveless; dark, faded, bleached and dyed. They may get a new twist each season, but they always, always seem to be in style.

But pairing your jean jacket with jeans? Now, that's a tricky one. Two words: Canadian tuxedo. Shudder. But we saw denim tops paired with denim bottoms on a deluge of spring runways – from Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic to D&G and Chloé. And have you seen Gap's latest campaign? It's all chambray shirts with jeans, denim vests with jeans, denim biker jackets with jeans. Oh, yes, denim is having it's day.

And, sure, the models look cool, but how does the average woman rock the style without looking like a walking fashion faux pas?

"The trick with denim on denim is to make sure you're mixing up both the fabric weights and the washes," says Olivia Doyne, Gap's director of engagement marketing and public relations. "For example, you could pair a light wash, lightweight chambray Western shirt with a medium wash skinny jean."

Jackie Connolly, market editor for Lloyd Boston, admits the denim on denim look is tricky, but says, if done properly, it can come off as undeniably cool.

"If the idea of head-to-toe denim makes you feel a bit uneasy, you're not alone," she tells StyleList. "But if you're determined to follow this trend, try pairing your jeans with a denim top -- make sure it's not the same wash as the pant -- and throw on your favorite blazer. It will add a modern twist to this tonal look while breaking it up a bit."

Here are some denim details to look for while shopping for spring:

The jacket racket: "Deconstructed and heavily washed denim is in right now, which gives jackets a vintage feel," says Lizzie Ross, women's merchandise manager for Old Navy. "Both shrunken and classic silhouettes are still current. Gray denim is the newest trend in colors."

"Denim jackets are a great alternative to the everyday blazer," Connolly says. "Don't be afraid to try something new -- white denim always looks crisp and fresh. A distressed denim version gives off that '80s vibe. But if that acid-washed look gives you flashbacks, try a more classic version with a cool pair of shorts or a skirt."
"This spring, we're obsessed with new silhouettes including the denim motorcycle jacket, the denim blazer, and the denim vest," Gap's Doyne says. "White denim is also another big trend so we've introduced a white version of our classic jean jacket."

Beyond jackets and jeans: "The denim vest is making its mark this spring," Connolly says. "It's a fresh take on the jacket and can be worn over a tank, a tee or even a long sleeve top at night, instantly creating a cool downtown vibe. Or pair it over a button-down shirt for a more preppy take."

"Denim shorts are a trend not to be missed, especially the roll-up style," Ross tells StyleList. "These are great paired with something unexpected like blazer or pretty floral top -- it is the perfect juxtaposition. We're also seeing denim a lot in accessories this spring – bags and shoes are adorable in denim."
"Denim tops are also on trend this season -- button-down versions have been spotted all over," Connolly says. "The denim dress has also been seen everywhere -- Forever 21 has a great strapless version. Slip on a cardigan or blazer and you're all set."

Ready to try on some more trends for spring? Check out these tips on how to wear shorts with tights.

Read All Comments

Filed under: Denim, Designers & Brands, How to Wear
Tags: banana republic, BananaRepublic, denim, denim on denim, denim shorts, DenimOnDenim, DenimShorts, gap, jean jacket, JeanJacket, jeans, lloyd boston, LloydBoston, old navy, OldNavy, ralph lauren, RalphLauren, spring 2010, spring 2010 trends, Spring2010, Spring2010Trends, style guide, StyleGuide, the gap, TheGap, womens blazers, WomensBlazers

Style Around the Web

ImaxTree

Make Up Tips For Girls With Glasses - Refinery29
How Celebs Work Red Into Their Wardrobe - FabSugar
Celebrity Wardrobe Malfunctions - The Daily Beast
Deodorants that Actually Work - Daily Candy
Would You Wear Long-Sleeve Shirts As Skirts? - The Frisky
Tricks That Guarantee Gorgeous Hair - Daily Makeover
Celebs Have Us Seeing Stars - People Style Watch

READER COMMENTS

(14)Add A Comment

naheerah, 4-14-2010, 1:00PM

a canadian tuxedo lol i love fashion but, i would've wore my denim on denim without the presence of this article i dont wait until some fashion "god"tells me its okay to wear something. True fashion is being your own trensetter "i mispelled the word on purpose" . Never be a sheep be a sheep dog

Reply »

Parissa, 4-08-2010, 6:40AM

There are SO many other things in the world to be concerned about ... wearing denim-on-denim isn't one of them! There are several things, however, that DO concern me about this article and photos: first of all, the health of these young models as they are WAY too thin and the message they send to young girls; and, secondly, the fact that hard working young women would be encouraged to purchase 'jeans' that are already partially ripped and stitched for BIG BUCKS, when, if they just purchased a pair of decent jeans ~ in good repair ~ and allow natural 'wear and tear' they will get a much more natural look for a LOT less money!

Reply »

amanda, 4-08-2010, 7:17AM

Ahhh...a voice of reason....

Reply »

Terry, 4-08-2010, 7:18AM

Yup, these models look just like all of my friends. Get a grip designers!

Reply »

Carl, 4-08-2010, 7:54AM

You have got to be kidding me. I know NO one that is as skinney and looking like a twig as the models. How about putting the cloths on someone who has a figure that can be touched.

Reply »

Helen, 4-08-2010, 9:12AM

All these kind of articles do is tell women that the only women who look good in what the call "new styles" are these models. First of all I wore denim on denim in the 70's and so did all my friends. Every new pair of jeans that my mom bought me was layed down on the sidewalk and splashed with bleach because that was the style then. Torn jeans were also the style, but, my mom would have killed me if I had torn them. Even in the 70's denim on denim wasn't a new style because the only thing that the "hippys" wore in the 60's were jeans and if you watch those old movies from the 50's with Marlon Brando,James Dean and others all they wore was jeans with jean jackets. I'm 54 and still Iove my jeans.

Reply »

Fran, 4-08-2010, 9:26AM

They mentioned loooking "silly"... since when? I remember having a Jean Jacket was the goal of every American Teen /Young Adult. (and, no!, it wasn't that long ago)There's nothing "Silly" about wearing a good Jean Jacket over a cute top or even a cotton Blouse & the right fitting jeans. Buff it up with jewelry,heels, & a striking scarf or leave it plain. Either way, jean on jean looks good.
More & more I see how much Designers & Fashion Reporters twist reality.
The last thing a teen today needs is to feel "Silly".

Reply »

Gordon, 4-08-2010, 9:42AM

The denim-on-denim look would be best modeled by a vivacious, full-figured, and fit woman. An emaciated, pouty looking model is just the wrong look for this fashion. Its gives it that "just sucked the life right out me" holocaust fashion look.

Reply »

Daci, 4-08-2010, 1:03PM

If I were that skinny, I would try to hide it with what I wore.

Reply »

Elle, 4-09-2010, 8:57PM

Denim on denim "tricky"? Since when? How old is this reporter? My friends and I have been doing this for decades. It's all in the details. The look is successful when you pair your own jewelry, scarves, boots, belts and bags, etc to make the look uniquely yours. By the way, this look can be achieved without appearing anorexic. In fact it looks better if you have some curves.

Reply »

Claire75, 4-23-2010, 10:54PM

All I can say is, http://denimsurgeon.com

Reply »

barbadosbb, 5-25-2010, 10:10AM

First, being of Canadian heritage, the term is offensive.
Second, today's so-called "styles" look ridiculous on everyone, including the models hawking them.
Matched clothing -- even jeans --looks much more "put together" and, more importantly, much more forgiving in appearance for those of us who do not look like Holocaust survivors. Envision a size 14 (the average woman) in those tiny jackets & spray-painted jeans... that's "fashion?" Spare us!
The mix-and-match-from-a-Dumpster-styles available today have completely turned off many over-40 women from buying clothes at all. I used to be a "clothes horse" and spent $1Ms a year to look nice. With what is available today, me and most of my friends are just recycling what we have in our closets from 6-10 years ago. Given the afore-mentioned Dumpster styles are all that is available (either that, or for our moms -- the polyester 90s crowd), we just don't shop anymore. The industry has lost a large segment of their market -- the ones with the money to spend! -- and doesn't even care.

Reply »

William Bischoff, 5-25-2010, 11:30AM

I wish designers would actually come up with something unique which normal women in normal sizes could wear and be proud of the way they look. We all know the "average" sizes these clothes come in, and they are NOT what these skinny models are wearing. So let us see what "we'' would look like in the styles. ALSO, why do the designers design these inappropriate clothes which they KNOW teens, and pre-teens will have to wear, because that is ALL THAT IS IN THE STORES? The so called "mom jeans" are ridiculed so much that no young girl wants to wear them, in spite of the fact that they DO LOOK MUCH BETTER ON WOMEN THAN THOSE WHICH FIT JUST ABOVE THE CROTCH AREA, WITH FOUR INCHES OF BELLY HANGING OVER THEM. Most public schools have dress codes, when they don't use "uniforms". These dress codes don't allow for pants that fit "below the waist". I can't buy the approved type pants for the girls in my family, because they ''don't exist" in the stores. I feel about children sized "low rider jeans", skinny jeans, and "short" shorts worn above the "panty line", like I feel about the little girls doing the suggestive dance moves of pop singers. It isn't appropriate. Moms should stop "buying into" all this so called fashion, which does nothing but demean women. I also hate buying clothing made up and marked with sizes which are actually two or three sizes smaller than the person to whom they are being marketed. Clothes are far too expensive, to buy a 100% cotton shirt in a size medium junior sizefor a 12 year old, and after washing it, as directed, it fits the five year old baby sister.What happened to "Sanforized" and "Colorfast"? Fabrics are such poor quality these days, that shrinking isn't the only problem with them, either. People can't afford to buy all new clothes every month or two because they are made to shrink, fade and fall apart.

Reply »