11 Ways to Do Double Denim and Not Feel Like a Fool

You might think you know how to do double denim—a pair of jeans and a matching shirt, right?—but the classic Canadian tuxedo has just adopted an outgoing (and rather European) alter ego for 2018. The combination to be seen in now still revolves around a pair of jeans (in fact, any jean style is acceptable, including white jeans), but the update lies in the new twist on both the top and bottom half.

Rather than a simple button-down, new-wave jean freaks are eschewing blouses and tees altogether and selecting true-blue denim jackets instead, only to button them up, push or slouch them off shoulders and reveal a slice of collarbone. As for the bottom half, it's all about new, interesting styles. Sure, you can still go for the straight-leg, raw-edge jeans, but why not a cropped pair or culottes? There are so many ways to mess around with the double-denim look this year.

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1524652997284-image

(Image credit: @irinalakicevic)

Like almost all wildfire trends of late, the lineage of this can be traced back to Vetements. Creative Director Demna Gvasalia first ignited the idea in his brand's S/S 17 menswear collection (minus the shoulder exposure). Rihanna followed suit, translating the combination into party territory by swapping skinnies for a short denim mini. Her jean jacket of choice was a street style–approved £595 creation from Demna's other fashion home, Balenciaga, and it's unsurprisingly sold out. But that doesn't mean you've run out of options. We've selected some of the hottest Canadian tuxedo looks—keep scrolling to see how to do it and shop some vital pieces.

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1512737402498-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: If you don't want to look too obviously double denim, try wearing a chunky knit and a matching scarf to detract away from your Canadian tuxedo. 

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1512737409970-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Mix your denim up, and opt for a light pair of jeans on the bottom and a darker, oversized jacket on top. You could even try the mismatched boots thing for a super-"fashion" ensemble.

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1512737411508-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: The white jeans–and–classic denim jacket look is an ensemble everyone should be ready to pull out of their wardrobes come summer. Just keep it up to date with a pair of straight-leg jeans.

Related: Summer 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1512737408154-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Denim shoes might raise a few eyebrows, but we guarantee they're chic. Pair with your jeans and jacket, but wear your favourite midi dress to break up the monotony of blue.

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1512737406591-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Ripped, frayed-hem, and wide-leg denim can look just as great as straight-leg versions. 

Related: Fact: These Are the Best Skinny Jeans Money Can Buy, According to Our Editors

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1512737405045-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Feel that your denim needs to be livened up a bit? When it's cold, add a puffer coat, and wear it with bright shoes and a bold bag. Winner.

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1510144407345-image

(Image credit: Getty ImagesGetty Images)

Style Notes: Worried your Canadian tuxedo won't look luxe enough? Wear a pair of red court shoes and a white tee underneath for maximum sophistication. Just don't forget the sunglasses.

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1510144330292-main

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Make this outfit combo look ladylike by going for a jacket with an embellished collar. Even better, add a stylish hat and a pair of court shoes to give it a polished edge.

Related: £18 Jeans and £19 Heels: How Kate Is the Master of Cost-Per-Wear Economics

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1510144368057-main

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Denim jackets don't have to be oversized. Instead, opt for a fitted piece that will hug curves. Pair with culotte jeans.

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1510144401935-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Wearing an asymmetric denim jacket and tucking it into frayed-hem straight-leg jeans is just one super-simple but incredibly cool way to do this look. Just make sure to add a pair of floral boots (preferably Balenciaga).

how-to-wear-double-denim-221913-1510144386069-main

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: An oversized denim shirt can work just as well as a jacket, but its ability to be tucked in makes it more versatile. A darker shade on top and lighter on the bottom can look flattering too.

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Elinor Block.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.