Even during a heat wave, denim is part of most folks’ weekly or even daily uniform. It’s such a versatile and durable fabric, which makes it quite functional during a hot, hot heat. But what of wearing denim with denim, aka the Canadian Tuxedo? Is that appropriate for summer, or a fashion faux pas?
While denim-on-denim looks are currently trending, it’s far from a new style. Wearing denim together originally became a trend in the 1950s and culminated with none other than Marilyn Monroe sporting a version of this look in the 1961 film “The Misfits”. Over the decades, these traditional workman garments became fashion items popping up again and again in various iterations, from ‘90s oversized double-denim looks to the infamous Britany Spears and Justin Timberlake matching denim formalwear of the early 2000s. Nowadays, there are endless options for pairing up denim pieces for warm-weather looks. Let’s consider some denim-on-denim outfitting ideas for late summer into fall.
Obviously, jean shorts are the first garment that comes to mind for summer denim. But instead of the cut-offs of yesteryear, a more modern take is longer, more tailored Bermuda-style jean shorts. With a wider leg, they allow for more air flow, and a longer length provides extra coverage. H&M’s High-Waist Knee-Length Denim shorts come in a variety of shades from pale blue to black. I’d go with the Dark Blue option and wear it with a linen tank and a chambray button-up, like J.Crew’s Short-Sleeve Indigo Organic Chambray Shirt from the men’s department. Take advantage of a high-waisted, short, and oversized shirt by tying up the tails for a more fitted look with sandals. Or leave the shirt loose for a laid-back outfit with sneakers.
Another natural choice to build a denim-with-denim outfit in summer is to start with a jean skirt. A mini, like Levi’s Icon Skirt, available in four washes, hits mid-rise to mid-thigh in a classic straight silhouette that can be worn now and well into fall. For a summer night out, pair with a sleeveless silk blouse (to contrast the more casual and rustic aesthetic of the skirt), then drape over your shoulders an oversized jean jacket, such as Old Navy’s Oversized Jean Trucker Jacket in medium wash to combat the evening chill. Finish the look with an espadrille sandal and straw mini-bag. Come fall, style the same denim pairing with a long-sleeved, printed blouse, tights, boots, and a leather bag.
Of course, miniskirts aren’t up everyone’s style alley; however, don’t shrug off the idea of jean skirts altogether. Long denim skirts are just as suitable for summer as their mini counterparts and can make an outfit look edgier, especially in double-denim pairings. Think of wearing a midi/maxi jean skirt as you would jeans, but in a more unexpected way. Banana Republic Factory’s Pieced Denim Maxi Skirt with its nod to patchwork gives boho vibes tailor-made for summer. Pair it with a fitted denim vest in a matching shade, or better yet, contrast the standard blue denim with an ecru or white option like Universal Standard’s Women’s Denim Vest from Target. Wear a crochet bralette underneath or a cotton tie-dye tee and buckle up some thick strappy sandals for a hippy-inspired look.
Speaking of matching shades, a denim matching set is the “get out of jail free” card when it comes to denim-on-denim. You can’t go wrong with a top and bottom made to be worn together, like J.Jill’s Indigo Tencel Lyocell Tank and Cargo Maxi Skirt. This soft set exudes easy, breezy summer, especially when styled with a floppy hat and slide-on sandals. You can wear the tank with white jeans for a bonus double-denim look, or the skirt with a striped tee and jean jacket for three denim-on-denim outfits from one set. The math adds up to me. Transition this set into autumn by layering it with drapey cardigans, woolly socks, and hiking boots.
There are, of course, always your standard go-to jeans, especially if they are a loose or baggy cut. Skinny or fitted jeans are best put aside during summer. Pairing a loose-fitting jean with an oversized denim up top makes for an effortless, cool, and easy look. You can mix and match washes of denim to add dimension to your outfit or stick with one shade for a matching set feel. For summer, I like the idea of drawstring or pull-on jean, like Gap’s Denim Easy Cargo Joggers. These soft denims are lightweight and breezier than a zip-fly jean. Pair it with the brand’s UltraSoft Denim Big shirt for a breathable take on double denim for summer.
Of course, the idea of denim-on-denim isn’t for everyone, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still do a full denim look this season. Consider dresses, jumpsuits, or even overalls for a thrown-on-and-go summer outfit. Walmart’s Chouyatou Women’s Vintage Distressed Zip Up Jean Romper Shorts can make for a utilitarian chic ensemble. Wrangler’s Denim Shift Dress, with its boxy silhouette, can be easily worn with sneakers, and later, a mid-layer with a turtleneck, tights, and a blazer can be added. And lastly, there’s Universal Standard’s Casey Wide Leg Denim Overalls in sizes 00-40 that can be your weekend go-to from now until the end of the year.
It should be no surprise that denim in all of its forms is versatile and works not only as a functional garment, but also as a stylish one. When buddied up with other denim pieces, both the function and style are doubled, no matter the season.
