How To Wear Double Denim The Easy Way

Love it or hate it, double denim is officially back in business. Or, shall we say, it never went out of style? Because despite our thoughts inevitably veering towards one infamous Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake look from the early aughts, Canadian tuxedos existed long before then, and continued to prevail after (albeit having had a sartorially bitter aftertaste ever since).

Is Wearing Double Denim On Trend In 2024?

If we are to invest any belief in street style pack and what retailers have to offer, fashion has firmly shifted its onus back to the double-whammy true blues - and it’s as versatile as ever. One only has to look to the Spring/Summer '24 runways for proof: at Alexander McQueen sculpted denim jackets were styled with micro shorts. Over at Balenciaga, signature oversized co-ords still reigned supreme while Chanel presented holiday-ready tunic tops rendered in the sturdy fabric. And elsewhere at Dries Van Noten, blazers and Bermuda shorts made a compelling point for the sophistication of denim.

Actor Simone Ashley has just cosigned the trend in New York. Spotted out and about on the promo trail for Bridgerton, Ashley wore a denim two-piece from Prada - Bermuda shorts that stretched to a few inches above the knee and a zip-up logoed blouson that she wore over a bra-style crop top.

Here in the Grazia offices, the Canadian tuxedo is no rare sight. 'If, like me, you’re often still staring blankly at your wardrobe five minutes before you need to leave the house – then double denim will be your new throw-on-and-go outfit saviour (minimal ironing required),' says Grazia’s shopping editor and denim expert, Julia Harvey.  Is there anything that you should avoid? 'Ideally, I’d look for matching washes for the full ‘Canadian tuxedo’ effect, but indigo denim jeans and a blue denim shirt also works well. To neaten everything up, tuck your denim shirt into slouchy denim jeans and finish off with a smart leather belt,' she continues.

Thanks to fashion’s ever-evolving whims, the jeans-shirt-combo is no longer the only styling option to dip into the blues. Why not embrace a denim maxi skirt, worn with the matching top and a fun kitten heel? Or, alternatively, if you feel like flashing some flesh, take your double denim look on a night out and settle for a denim miniskirt instead.

And if the double layering feels ever so slightly intimidating, consider white denim pieces your gateway to the world of Canadian tuxedos. You see, styling options come aplenty.

Here, we round up the best (and easiest) options to dabble double denim, according to the style set.

The Hot-Weather Two-Piece: Denim Shirt + Bermuda Shorts

The Canadian tuxedo has a summer edition, demonstrated here by actor Simone Ashley, who paired an unzipped denim blouson with high-waisted Bermudas.

The Boyfriend Fit: Baggy Jeans + Oversized Shirt

The baggy Canadian tuxedo is nothing to be afraid of. To avoid gargantuan proportions, wear the denim shirt unbuttoned and layer it a skintight vest.

Keep It Classic: Straight Leg Jeans + Denim Jacket

Nothing beats a classic double denim situation and if you like to keep things simple, this one is for you. Opt. forstraight-leg jeans and pair them with the matching denim jacket. Dial the look up with a pair of heels or subscribe to comfort with your favourite trainers.

The Evening Look: Denim Mini Skirt + Denim Shirt + Heels

Yes, double denim can work for a night on the dancefloor, too. Swap jeans for a denim mini and trainers for a slick pair of evening shoes. A pair of statement earrings will complete the outfit.

The Grown-Up Tuxedo: Denim Midi Skirt + Oversized Shirt + Long Boots

True blue times two can be as serious and grown-up as a tailored two-piece. Elongated proportions and elegant accessories are ultimately flattering and don't scream Y2K. Instead, they whisper quiet luxury.

The All-White Alternative: White Jeans + White Denim Shirt

And if double blues feels too Britney ca. 2001, do consider double denim in different shades as an alternative to the western-inspired look, such as ecru. But beware, this certinaly isn't red wine-friendly.

Henrik Lischke is the senior fashion features editor at Grazia. Prior to that, he held the role of commerce writer at British Vogue, and was junior fashion editor at The Sunday Times Style. A first-class honours Fashion Journalism graduate from UAL: London College of Fashion, Henrik is invariably on the lookout for the newest talent in fashion that is driving the industry forward, shining the spotlight on them whenever possible. He’s also got a passion for interior design and the arts.