Double Denim is currently one of the hottest fashion topics. If you are not familiar with the concept then double denim refers to the wearing of denim with denim. In other words teaming up jeans or a denim skirt with a denim shirt or jacket. This might not sound particularly daring but the fact is that some fashionistas really despise double denim whilst others think that it is super cool. Most of the controversy surrounds the issue of colour. The burning question being whether or not you can pair up denim styles which are the same shade.
90’s Retro
Dedicated followers of fashion are generally keen to seen in the very latest styles but there is something rather 90’s about wearing matching denim jackets and jeans. This is probably why some stylists recoil at the thought of co-ordinating double denim, especially if stone washed pieces are involved. Then there is the legendary Canadian Tuxedo.
Justin Timberlake
In case you missed the fashion faux pas of the century I had better explain. Back in 2001 Justin Timberlake turned up at the American Music Awards sporting an all denim ensemble which featured jeans, a denim tuxedo and a Stetson hat, all in matching stone washed denim. It was a barrage of blue that really didn’t work. He was hand in hand with Britney Spears who was wearing a denim dress. His outfit pretty much killed off double denim as a concept!
Contemporary Take
Double denim has made a triumphal return courtesy of a plethora of style icons who have managed to nail the look and bring it up to date. David Beckham, Kanye West and Rihanna have all pulled off the look with ease. Now double denim is everywhere but most of the most successful looks have involved teaming up blue denim of different shades or throwing in grey or black pieces. White shirts and t shirts look like a great way to pull the outfits together.
The Art of the Jacket
The success of the double denim look often seems to hinge on the choice of jacket. Not so much because of the colour but because of the style and the cut. The jacket has to fit well and suit you. If it does then double denim works whether you have chosen a classic Wrangler denim jacket, a Versace number or something more left field.
Fashion always divides opinion but never more so than on the double denim issue. There is a universal truth though, even with double denim. If something suits your physique and personal style then you can pull it off whether it is on trend or not. You can argue until the cows come home about the merits of different shades and how to put them together but in my experience a colour or style simply suits someone or it doesn’t.
Denim in any form isn’t going to go out of fashion any time soon so an investment in denim is a good one. If a particular look does temporarily become a no go area then just bide your time because it will be back soon enough!
Article by Sally Stacey