THE DOS AND DON'TS OF DENIM-ON-DENIM

The Canadian Tuxedo may have been a popular choice in the early aughts (think Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears on the red carpet at the 2001 American Music Awards), but a more pared-down version of denim-on-denim is back in. While doubling up on denim might be the opposite of what we’ve been taught about fashion, it isn’t that scary, we promise.

Below, find our do’s and don’t’s for wearing denim-on-denim.

1. Do: Start slow

You don’t have to jump on the denim-on-denim bandwagon with a chambray shirt and jeans right off the bat; start slow. Try a chambray dress to ease yourself into this trend.

2. Don’t: accessorize with denim

A denim top with jeans is one thing; a denim hat, scarf, purse and shoes become excessive.

3. Do: mix weights and washes

Monochrome makeup and outfits may be in for spring, but dark denim on dark denim can be too much. Similarly, the same weight of denim can be too heavy (visually and literally). Instead, mix your washes.

4. Don’t: load up on the belt buckles and cowboy boots

While the Canadian Tuxedo may bring to mind images of cowboys and Westerns, avoid pairing your denim with a ten-gallon hat unless you’re dressing for Halloween or are an actual cowboy.

5. Do: dress up your denim

To avoid veering into the aforementioned costume territory, dress up your denim-on-denim with a nicer pair of shoes and luxe jewelry.

6. Don’t: be afraid to mix lengths

You don’t have to cover yourself in denim from head to toe. If that’s a little too intimidating, try mixing up your hemlines.

7. Do: mix patterns

In the same vein as mixing washes and weights, mixing patterns on your denim can break up the monochrome. Distressing and patchwork both create a fresh take on the classic contrast.