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Outfit Formula: Column of Denim with Spring Accents

January 25th, 2012 by
Wearing a column of colour, which means wearing the same or a similar colour both on the top and bottom, accentuates the mighty unbroken vertical line. The denim on denim trend is a great look in my book and that’s precisely how the column of colour is created in this ensemble. 

Here are the components of the outfit, and you’ll probably already have some of the items. So shop your closets and start experimenting. 

Jeans and Denim Shirt 

Choose any style of jeans. I’ve chosen a tapered leg because they work with all heel heights and most styles of footwear. Choose any style of denim shirt. Chambray, which is thinner than denim but has a similar textural effect, will also work. Wear it untucked to create the unbroken line. The washes of jeans and shirt do not need to be exactly the same, but keeping them fairly similar is the point of the column of colour.

Bright Blazer

Choose a blazer in a bright colour and wear it over the denim shirt. The contrasting effect of the blazer breaks up the textural continuity of the column of denim. You don’t need to choose a blazer style if that’s not your thing. Cropped jackets, short trench coats and moto jackets can work just as well. You also don’t need to choose a bright colour. I chose brights because they are trending and feel especially fresh for Spring. 

Patterned Shoes 

Solid shoes will look great, but patterns pack more punch. Choose heels or flats, pumps, booties or ankle boots. I’ve chosen a low heeled retro Mary Jane, a rugged punk flat boot, and bombshell high heeled pumps. All three styles can be mixed and matched with any of the pictured blazers, creating very different moods.

Neutral Handbag 

I like the idea of a neutral handbag with this combination because it compliments as well as tones down the colour. I’ve chosen a modern classic shoulder tote, a trendy silver satchel and retro satchel. As with the shoes, each of the handbags can be mixed and matched with the blazers to create a different mood. 

I’d stick to wearing my watch, wedding ring and specs as accessories, but you can wear the accessories of your choice. That’s always the point of these outfit formulas. I sew the seed of an idea, you take the next step by making the concept reflect YOUR style.

I wore an Autumn version of this outfit formula while attending Fashion Week in 2010, which was with black blazer, cream footwear and bright handbag. I’m going to swap things out this Spring and add in more colour.

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Related posts:

  1. Denim on denim: shirt and jeans in the same wash
  2. The Trusty Denim Jacket and Skirt Formula
  3. Denim on denim: denim shirt with white jeans
  4. Denim on denim: faux pas or fab
  5. Denim shirt ensemble: dressy skirt

Posted in Ensembles, Outfit Formulas

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69 Comments on...
Outfit Formula: Column of Denim with Spring Accents

That reads very fashion forward and trendy to me! I can’t wait to see your visuals come spring, and everyone’s on the forum. I feel shy about denim on denim, it was a look I rocked as a tween.

January 25, 2012 at 3:15 am

I have a peculiarity that I care more about how something looks from the back than from the front. When you arrange a column of color from the front and then add that third piece, then from the back you are very broken up. So I fuss with jacket length a lot, depending on the bottom piece and, yes, the brightness or noticability of the print. I also don’t wear jeans as part of any Look. And I haven’t let go of my couple of well-fitting denim jackets yet but they are pulled out of the wardrobe and on a Let’s Decide rolling rack. I only wear denim when I want to feel unnoticed and escape attention.

January 25, 2012 at 4:03 am

I’ve been wearing double denim this winter for weekend wear, and I really like the addition of the bright topper and shoes. I’ll give it a try!

January 25, 2012 at 4:33 am

I love it when you give formulas for outfits, Angie! Your Chanel formula inspired me to buy a striped tee, for example, that I have used a lot, even if I haven’t used the exact formula you described. For this formula I’m wondering about the length of the shirt vs the blazer/jacket. In your outfit the blazer seems to be just a little shorter than the shirt. Would it also work with a shorter jacket? I have problems visualising this.

January 25, 2012 at 4:39 am

I love the idea of this with patterned shoes and a bright blazer. What fun! In fact, I’ve had my eye on that Gap blazer, although a red blazer would be a HUGE step for me to take. But what the heck, I’m on a roll. Have you had it on anyone yet?

Thanks for another “formula”, Angie. I love them.

January 25, 2012 at 4:46 am

Love this look! I think this would be a great formula for a “smart” casual look on Fridays. Lots of food for thought, Angie!

January 25, 2012 at 5:16 am

I am not prepaired to sport brights on a blazer yet (no brights in my wardrobe at all, except a few summer items), but have just bought a good weight cotton cardi in a bright green like your middle one blazer(I don’t know why, but this colour captured my attention and my love at first sight as beeing easiest to match my own items).
It has navy elbow patches so I thought on my very own (before reading your great post here:-) to wear it with a light blue chambrais shirt, navy chinois pants(or dark ink blue jeans), and black patent loafers for springy outfits.
So glad, you posted this.

January 25, 2012 at 5:33 am

I like it. I think I’ll be doing this *before* spring, since I have a couple of jewel-tone velvet blazers, and I like styling them casually. This formula is a great way to do that!

January 25, 2012 at 5:49 am

This is a great casual look! I might try this on the weekend!

January 25, 2012 at 6:11 am

I’ve never been able to get behind the denim-on-denim look, and I’m not the biggest fan of chambray shirts in general, so I shall pass on this look. I really love all the accessories you’ve chosen though!

January 25, 2012 at 6:26 am

Angie, thank you for this new formula! It looks very bright and fresh to me and I can’t wait to try (or mangle) it using the items I have. Looks like I might need to do a bit of shopping, too!

January 25, 2012 at 6:40 am

I absolutely LOVE this look and want to copy it for spring. Does the denim shirt need to be a particular length to work for this (i.e. do you need to be sure it’s not too long)? And I assume the shirt should be somewhat fitted and not to boxy to work?

January 25, 2012 at 6:55 am

Love this!! So right up my alley for weekend wear!!

January 25, 2012 at 6:57 am

I can tell by the number of things I don’t have in my closet for this, that I won’t be sporting this outfit any time soon. I think it would look great on a fashion forward lady, such as yourself Angie. It is a bit too ‘wow’ for me, even if I had more than just the jeans from the formula to work with lol. I will watch from the sidelines :)

January 25, 2012 at 7:00 am

I love trying these formulas and can’t wait to shop my closet. The patterned shoe is a hole. I’m looking forward to seeing forum members sport this look.

January 25, 2012 at 7:08 am

LOVE this formula. I am now a woman on a mission… chambray shirt, bright blazer and colorful shoes…. or bust! You’re making me pine for spring.
At this point the only components I have are the jeans and a white bag. I guess I could count my oxfords as patterned shoes… but I’m feeling the need for something bright and fun!

January 25, 2012 at 7:19 am

This is totally me, and I can’t wait to try it! But I’ll need to find the perfect denim or chambray shirt first. Also, I don’t own any patterned shoes or a bright jacket, so I might have to interpret with bright shoes, bright scarf or belt, and a patterned jacket instead!

Thanks, Angie!

January 25, 2012 at 7:23 am

Those ASOS shoes are amaaaaazing! I wish they came in a pump with a higher heel!

January 25, 2012 at 7:31 am

This looks really fun! I’m going to have to look for a denim shirt when I’m in the US next week. I also need to look for a colored blazer, or make one. I am in love with those mary janes, too. :-) The floral doc-looking shoes are pretty great, too, although I think those might be a bit much for me.

January 25, 2012 at 7:49 am

I think the pop of color with the blazer is throwing me off. I do like your fall version with the dark blazer, so I know I like the “column of denim.” I’m not sure I’d pull off the bright blazer as I could a dark one.

January 25, 2012 at 7:54 am

My casual capsule is sadly lacking, so I’d LOVE to give it some freshening up with this formula.

January 25, 2012 at 7:57 am

P.S. I want all the shoes :D

January 25, 2012 at 7:59 am

I love this look !! It is sorta my uniform although I swap the bright blazer for neutral and add a bright bag:)
Thanks Angie…I am done with winter and ready for spring!

January 25, 2012 at 8:04 am

I decided decades ago that I absolutely HATE chambray. Too much ironing! I’ll pass. I have a fitted denim blazer that I wear with dress pants and a nice top. That’s my way of dressing down, and that’s as down as it gets for me. I will never wear a denim top or jacket with jeans or even with denim trousers. Ain’t gonna happen ever.

January 25, 2012 at 8:06 am

I am in a fashion funk and really needed this. Can’t wait to play with this formula. Will try this with my red blazer!

January 25, 2012 at 8:08 am

I love formula posts! This one I particularly gravitate towards, although I lack a bright blazer…..can’t wait to see versions on the forum!

January 25, 2012 at 8:10 am

I really don’t wear jeans, but those black-and-white shoes are loudly calling my name. Are they comfortable? Anyone have any experience with these?

January 25, 2012 at 8:20 am

I love the the column of denim and this formula as a whole and would probably wear it every day, especially with those great shoes! Outstanding.

January 25, 2012 at 8:38 am

I love this formula and will be working on this. Great!

January 25, 2012 at 8:55 am

This sounds great and so simple. I can do this one.
I have a question, do you ever wear denim on bottom with a denim jacket?

January 25, 2012 at 9:35 am

I always feel so ambivalent about denim, yet I really like your Autumn version, Angie! And I esp. love the shoes you’ve featured.

Sidebar: I’m not ready for spring, not feeling it at all. I’m seeing all these easter pastels and it’s now still light out at 5 p.m., and it’s making me feel icky. It was only last week we got our first rain/snow.

January 25, 2012 at 9:46 am

I’m in! Will be trying lots of variations on this look for sure.

January 25, 2012 at 9:48 am

Just what I needed to see on this chilly winter day! And, oh my gosh, those shoes are absolutely scrumptious!

January 25, 2012 at 10:17 am

Great idea. I’ll try to put this together soon.

January 25, 2012 at 10:18 am

Angie, I have this Ralph Lauren denim suit, with tapered pants with gold running thru the denim and jacket with large gold buttons with gold also running thru the material that I want to wear together, but feel it’s too much denim. Any suggestions?

January 25, 2012 at 10:48 am

Beautiful – I can completely see myself wearing something like this even though I previously wasn’t a fan of denim on denim. Must. Walk. Away. From. All. Those. Cute. Shoes.

January 25, 2012 at 11:01 am

Yay! A formula post!
Like Taylor, I do this a lot with a dark blazer and red handbag, and solid shoes. Adding a colorful blazer and patterned shoes would be radical!

January 25, 2012 at 11:11 am

Great outfit. And now I know the difference between a Chambray and a jean shirt. I love the pattern shoes but I don’t think I can pull off the bright blazer.

January 25, 2012 at 11:12 am

Deconstructed fashion! Really helpful post with all the details on each piece. It is especially helpful to me to see each piece separately so that I can figure out how to make it all work together. I needed to see more examples of denim with denim and this was very useful.

January 25, 2012 at 11:47 am

This weekend I was wearing a new chambray (fitted) shirt and boyfriend jeans, when my husband asked “Who are you, Farmer Brown?”. The shirt and jeans were close in color, but pay attention to the jean style! I think this might have worked better with dark, slim jeans but then you lose the column look. Doubt I will attempt again, but love Angie’s 2010 look.

January 25, 2012 at 11:50 am

oh yes too scrumptious! Next question, how does an “edit” er and minimalist deal with the shoes… I am online shopping NOW :-)

January 25, 2012 at 12:17 pm

Well, that is Saturdays look sorted, thank you!

January 25, 2012 at 12:25 pm

Very intriguing. I always thought I hated denim on denim, but I can see this combo work. I’d probably still choose a chambray shirt myself. ADORE the bright blazers, and the red one already made it into my shopping cart, let’s see if I’ll click to buy ;-)

January 25, 2012 at 12:28 pm

Oh oh oh! Great formula. You KNOW I am going to be all over this Angie!

January 25, 2012 at 12:35 pm

I wish they had those colorful stripped pumps in a flat. Love those to death! Now I need to be on the lookout for a colorful longer type blazer. This will be another great go to formula!

January 25, 2012 at 1:38 pm

I like the idea of this, but with less color. LOL
If my new gold shoes work out, I could see those with the dark wash straight leg jeans that I recently found. I am already kind of on the hunt for a denim shirt and blazers- if everything falls into place I will give it a try.

January 25, 2012 at 2:55 pm

I have a feeling I’ll be sporting this formula quite often. Thanks for elaborating on all the separate elements, Angie, that’s always so helpful for me.

The bright-coloured blazers feel like such a breath of fresh air right now. And I especially love how the patterned shoes pack extra punch. That’s the extra touch I probably wouldn’t immediately have thought of myself. I’m going to have a squizz at this asap.

P.S. Those striped pumps are so much fun!

January 25, 2012 at 3:25 pm

Love this formula. Can’t wait to wear a version (maybe I will tomorrow!) Thanks for the idea :)

January 25, 2012 at 4:34 pm

Interesting! The concept sounds somewhat out of my comfort zone, and I don’t actually own a denim or chambray shirt at the moment…but if I did, I’d be game to give this a try! Perhaps with my turquoise jacket and a red or white handbag. When I finally find the animal print loafers that I’m determined to track down this year, I may well wear those. Otherwise it would have to be my cream and black ballet flats.

January 25, 2012 at 5:06 pm

I immediately went off and created my own version of this formula; pale denim on denim with a lavender blazer and snakeskin shoes:

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=42798891

January 25, 2012 at 5:07 pm

I will likely create the column of denim, but I will use an inky blue ruffle top that matches my darker wash jeans –pretty much the same shade. (I guess it will be a column of dark inky indigo) I will add a bright yellow cardigan, as my blazers are mostly jewel toned or dark, rather than bright. Thank you for the inspiration. I have been on the lookout for colourful shoes for a while, so hopefully they will materialize soon.

January 25, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Sooooo useful. Love this post. I’m wearing it tomorrow. Chambray blouse, dark denim skinnies, leopard pumps, and a vibrant tomato red blazer. How awesome is that??? Thanks, Angie, you’re the best.

January 25, 2012 at 5:23 pm

I love this formula and I already have all the pieces. I can’t wait to try out this look! Thanks for the idea Angie!

January 25, 2012 at 6:09 pm

Another FAB formula.
The first thing I thought was the items I missed for this formula but then I realized that I can do it with slight permutations once the weather allows it.
I haven’t been very friendly with my denim shirts lately and his will bring them back to play.Thank you for always giving us new ideas.

January 25, 2012 at 6:24 pm

I can’t wait to see your interpretations of this formula, ladies!

Shannon, the fit of the shirt needn’t be tailored at all. In fact, all my denim shirts are roomy. They have a nice contour to them though – so they are shaped. I like a regular versatile shirt length with a round hem.

Sigrid, a cropped jacket should work just fine underneath a column of colour. I’m glad that the Chanel-inspired formula worked for you :)

I love the sound of your versions Taylor, Suz, Kyle, Jenava, Michelle and Lydia.

Brenda, perhaps you could provide a visual of the suit you are referring to. Then I can make more accurate suggestions for how to style it.

Sandy, I don’t wear my denim jacket over my jeans, but it is a trend.

January 25, 2012 at 6:26 pm

I always love your formula posts, Angie – they always give so much food for thought. I was mentally shopping my closet for this look but – alas – I don’t have enough ingredients for this recipe. I own jeans and a tan handbag but I am lacking in the department of a bright blazer, patterned shoes and even a denim shirt. I cannot find a denim shirt I like for over a year now. I have tried the ON one you pictured in your post but I did not like the quality of it: it is not chambray really but regular cotton in chambray color, pretty flimsy too.
I may order this Gap blazer in red…

January 25, 2012 at 7:11 pm

I do like this formula. I have always had a thing about wearing denim on denim but I can see how this works well. I don’t wear many collared shirts but a collarless chambray shirt could be a great addition to my wardrobe. I am definitely going to consider this and I lobe that this could work with quite a few variations.

January 25, 2012 at 7:13 pm

I need to do this NOW, before our version of spring (humid and HOT) rolls around, making blazers a mad-as-the-March-hare idea. Thanks for posting this pre-spring, Angie! :-D

No denim or chambray shirts in my closet for the last couple of years, but I’m going to try Lydia’s idea of indigo cotton. Perhaps a patterned red jacket, red crochet shoes and navy tote, darkening the overall palette a bit since I’m going for a winter story here.

January 25, 2012 at 9:08 pm

wow, everybody loves this post!
blue on blue, I’m in. My only blazer is black, however. let me SmyC and see what I come up with. Love the idea!

January 25, 2012 at 10:08 pm

I bought a denim shirt recently and have been wondering how to combine it with jeans–this post is well-timed for me :) I don’t have all the elements to make this a colorful look, but I can try something like your NY outfit. I remembered that picture because I love your expression, but I forgot it was denim on denim.

January 25, 2012 at 10:12 pm

Another excellent outfit formula, Angie!! I don’t have a colored blazer, but I plan to try this with a bright cardigan.

January 25, 2012 at 11:27 pm

I love this look, I wear it often but now I know why it works for me!!

Thank you Angie x

January 26, 2012 at 12:12 am

Oh I adore this formula! I will absolutely be wearing this once the weather warms up a bit. I have two bright blazers both through YLF meetups, and would love to get a couple more :D I’ve worn my denim jacket with jeans once or twice, but couldn’t get behind that look quite as much; now, pairing chambray with denim, THAT I love to do! I never thought of adding a brightly colored topper, though I’ve worn my white blazer over a chambray/denim outfit. The patterned shoes are a brilliant touch!

January 26, 2012 at 2:42 pm

Yay, I will definitely try this (making mental notes right now). Thank you, Angie!

Coincidentally, I didn’t see this blog entry before I decided on a denim on denim outfit today. It’s not the formula you posted today, but a variation on an earlier denim on denim formula, which also impressed me. Chambray blouse, grey-navy striped pullover, blue jeans, grey boots, black and cream bag. It felt very fresh to my eye because I hadn’t worn this type of look much. And the blues look and feel very calming, too.

Next I’ll go for a brighter element :) You know I love brights.

January 26, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Thanks so much for a great formula, Angie! I would very much like a denim on denim look BUT I could never quite figure out when I was looking at a denim shirt and jeans with a similar wash. Usually a chambray short is much lighter than a regular jeans color and I probably put too much thought into it and totally skipped the whole look. The Eddie Bauer medium wash chambray appears to be a slightly darker wash than other chambray shirts. I would totally love to have the ASOS doc type lace up boots w/blazer but at over 60, I’m just not sure. It’s just that the boots are so darn cute!!!

January 26, 2012 at 9:16 pm

I linked to this link after looking at the express blazer in bright colors. I can’t decide if I like tthe column of color because it feels a little 80′s dated to me. I guess it’s a look that’s been out so long that it’s come back. Does anyone else feel that way?

January 27, 2012 at 7:49 am

Coming back to say I just ordered those Rocket Dog pumps! Angie, I suspect you of posting them just for me! ;)

January 29, 2012 at 9:59 am

I had a sneaky suspicion that you would like them, Mary. I hope they work out :)

January 29, 2012 at 11:47 am

I have a maroon suit, that I wanted to wear with a pink shell or blouse underneath and suede maroon pumps. Is that too much maroon? If so, what color shoes would you suggest? I do like columns of color outfits, but I’ve never worn it with so much color.

March 15, 2012 at 9:55 am

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