Whenever I wear a double-denim outfit, there’s almost always someone who comments on how “brave” I am for wearing such a bold look. Okay, I understand the reservations some people might have around the “Canadian tuxedo”—most of which relate to a certain Justin and Britney look c.2001 or, alternatively, the memory of a questionable teenage outfit they’d rather forget—but I find that double denim is one of the coolest and easiest looks you can wear for mild spring weather.
If you love co-ords and boilersuits, or embrace the tonal-dressing trend, then I’m certain you’ll love double denim. For me, it’s an easy pairing that requires relatively little effort and thought and has just the right amount of old-school charm. My favourite way to wear double denim is a simple pair of straight-leg jeans, a denim shirt and a knotted red neckerchief for a little Wild West twist. But of course, there are so many other ways to work this look.
I’ve rounded up five different denim-heavy ensembles in order to help you nail double-denim dressing but in your own unique way. We’ll be taking some stylish inspiration from Sylvia Mus, who’s jumped on board the denim midi skirt bandwagon, and Who What Wear’s own Emily Dawes, who riffs on retro styling with a denim waistcoat and loose leg jeans. Ready? Scroll down to shop my favourite double-denim looks for spring.
Style Notes: You can’t go wrong with the classic, ’80s-inspired charm of a denim-jacket-and-jeans pairing, as seen here on Oluwaseun. Styling-wise, we recommend sticking to a boxier-fit jacket and straight-leg jeans for a contemporary spin.
Style Notes: Double denim doesn’t always have to mean jeans and a shirt. Here, Franny Fyne shakes things up with a loose-fit jacket and ankle-length denim dress. It’s exactly what we want to wear on a mild spring weekend.
Style Notes: A denim midi skirt is a good way to work the double-denim look in autumn. We’ll be taking our cues from Sylvie Mus and adding an oversized denim shirt, hoop earrings and heeled mules.
Style Notes: As affiliate editor Emily Dawes proves, with the right pieces you could even pull off triple denim. Just add a waistcoat to your regular jacket and jeans combo.
Style Notes: The perfect in-between seasons outfit, this look might be simple, but wow is it effective. Swap out the loafers for sandals and the ditch the trench once the weather warms up.
I always find mid-blue denim like this is easier to double up on without making too bold a statement.
Keep things classic.
Jeans that you’ll actually want to wear because they’re so comfy.
Easily one of the best trench coats on the high street right now.
Wear with ankle grazing jeans and so many others.
Style Notes: Chances are you’ve seen denim midi skirts doing the rounds on Instagram, and for good reason. Trendy but still classic, they look good with everything from knitwear to shirts and blazers to cropped jackets. Add a silk scarf to your denim skirt look for a Parisian touch. Not ready for open-toe shoes? Wear with knee-high boots instead.
If you hadn’t heard, Raey is one of the most coveted outerwear brands right now.
A skirt that can be easily carried through the seasons.
Sun, is that you? Be prepared for spring (and eventually summer) with an easy flatform mule.
The kind of elegant, everyday tote that is well worth the investment.
A subtle nod to the western trend without going the whole hog.
Style Notes: Ok, this might be my favourite look of the lot. We know flared jeans are having a moment right now, and they look particularly good with a heeled ankle boot. Add a neutral knit and simple jewellery to let the trench really pop.
Between the belted waist and the indigo wash, this spin on the classic trench is all kinds of flattering.
You’re going to need to a cosy knit you can rely on when the weather gets chilly (and you know it will).
A high-rise, flared silhouette that’s slim through the thigh.
Leather and denim is a combination that will never get old.
It looks great on its own, but you can also customise Missoma’s chain with clip on pendants.
Style Notes: Who said double denim looks had to be all blue? Go monochrome by sandwiching black jeans between a white denim jacket and trainers. Summer-ready accessories complete the look perfectly.
You can treat this as a shirt and wear alone, or layer it over T-shirts milder days.
From the perfect wash to the superb fit, ASKET’s considered organic denim should be on your wish list.
Because nothing says “spring” quite like a raffia basket bag.
Edgy black denim deserves a laidback trainer.
Lift your look with a pair of colourful sunglasses that are anything but boring.
Style Notes: Make the Canadian tuxedo work for the evening but opting for a darker wash and adding polished accessories like a satin bag, sparkly earrings and barely-there heels. Perfection!
This deep indigo wash looks so expensive.
Set to be your most trusted jeans.
An effortlessly cool barely-there sandal.
Sorry dated clutch bags, there’s a new kid in town, and mini satin bags are the contemporary way to do evening accessorising.
Your favourite everyday hoops re-imagined for evening.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
