The denim on denim trend, which means wearing denim items both on the top and the bottom, has become a mainstream look that we now see each season. In this case, I’m talking about wearing a denim shirt with denim bottoms, as opposed to wearing a denim jacket with jeans.
I like the combination of a denim shirt and denim bottoms, but have noticed that it’s quite the acquired taste, and not generally a pairing that my clients love at first sight. But over the years, I’ve managed to encourage more of my clients to wear denim shirts with denim bottoms by adding what I call flair to the outfit. By flair, I mean the ways you can break up the solid blue denim from head to toe. Here are five ways to do that:
- Wear black, white or grey jeans.
- Wear boyfriend jeans, cropped jeans or denim shorts to showcase more skin. More skin means less denim.
- Add high contrast belts and footwear.
- Wear a bib necklace.
- Wear girly shoes.
All three tops here can be matched with all the bottoms, as well as all the footwear, and either of the belts and necklaces. So pick your favourite combination.
The components of the ensemble:
- Denim Shirt: I’ve provided three washes of denim shirt because a blue wash that is different to the wash of your jeans creates a contrast that breaks up the blue. But keeping the wash the same both on the top and bottom is also fine. You can break up the blue by adding a belt and/or necklace. Scrunch the sleeves of the shirt to showcase skin, which again breaks up the large surface area of denim. Tuck, semi tuck or untuck the top.
- Denim Bottoms: Choose blue, grey, white or black denim. Non-blue neutral denim obviously provides a greater contrast to a blue denim top. Choose full length bottoms, cropped or short styles. More skin, less denim. I deliberately kept this formula neutral, and am not including coloured denim in the mix. But of course, that’s another option, and I vote pastel denim this season.
- Bib Necklace: A large bright necklace worn inside an open shirt collar, or over a closed shirt collar is a super way of breaking up the denim. Think colours, white, black or piles of pearls. The necklace is an ideal option for when you leave your shirt untucked.
- Belt: Belts are for Team Tuck or Semi Tuck. Patterned belts get my number one vote because they break up the denim in the most dramatic way. But so will a bright belt, either skinny or wide. For maximal effect, wear a belt and a bib necklace. For a more minimal look sport one or the other.
- Footwear: I like feminine shoes best with this ensemble because they provide a nice contrast to the masculine integrity of a denim on denim look. So think pointy toe pumps, dainty ankle straps and sandals, cage heels, or slipper flats, in neutrals and colours.
- Bag: Choose a style that tickles your fancy. I’ve chosen a satchel to give daytime clutches a break.
Add extra jewelry as desired. Throw on a jacket to break up the denim in a big way like I did in this outfit a three years ago. This denim on denim outfit on my pinterest board pairs two different denim washes with boyfriend jeans, massive white baubles and high heeled caged sandals. Great look.
Will you be wearing the denim on denim trend?
