Wearing denim on the top and bottom of an outfit is often thought of as too much denim, especially when the washes are the same shade of blue. Too cowgirl, too stiff, too matchy-matchy, too casual, or too something else. Yet it’s a look I see in Europe every season, and one I wear too. There’s also an iconic integrity about it that does not date. So for those who like to wear double denim, here are some outfit ideas.

From casual to smart casual, it’s on to the outfits. Feel free to throw in greys, more white, and non-neutral denim because there is no need to stick to blue. I do though, like the neutral statement that double denim can make.

1. Black, White and Blue

This is the easiest of the four looks to pull together. Combine a white top with black jeans and throw over a blue denim jacket. These are trendy relaxed straights, but choose any silhouette. Black boots are a nice extension of the black jeans and bookend the model’s hair. White footwear would work well too. Add jewellery, scarf and bag if this feels too plain and minimal.

2. Pretty Chambray with Skinnies

Remember that chambray tops needn’t look like hard-edged and rigid denim shirts. They can be shaped like blouses, and soft and pretty. Here, a pretty chambray blouse is paired with classic skinnies. Its fluidity creates an effective contrast with the body-con bottoms. A semi-tuck hints at a waist for structure, and the snakeskin boots are a fun wild touch. I can see this work well with sandals, mules, ballet flats, and loafers too.

3. Trendy Retro

Wide crop jeans make for an excellent on-trend wardrobe essential. A dark wash is especially versatile because it can be dressed up or down. Here they’ve been combined with a Modern Retro neck-tie blouse that’s tucked for dressy polish and structure. The similar wash of both denim pieces give the effect of a streamlined column of colour that looks like a dress. Heels further amp up the dressy factor. I love the denim blouse!

4. Trendy Classic

This is my favourite of the lot because it’s the dressiest and I adore the off-white components. On-trend slim wide cropped cream jeans are combined with a blue denim blazer that looks as classic as it does fashion-forward. I suspect there is some sort of camisole or tee under the blazer. The denims look less matchy-matchy and the gold hardwire breaks up the expanse of denim. The cream booties look like a marvelous extension of the bottoms, and the structured bag is the dressy cherry on top. Add jewelley, eyewear and watch as desired.