Denim on Denim

Happy day, dear reader!

Denim. Boy do we Americans love our jeans! Not just us, but the whole world loves denim. I am happy if I can wear it everyday, sometimes jeans, sometimes my jean jacket, chambray shirt, or tote bag. A daily denim fix may be the way my little bit of relaxed personality expresses itself.

Denim on denim… That’ s another story. Some love it. For others it’s a “Canadian Tuxedo” to be avoided at all costs. (Note, my apologies to Canada. I didn’t see any on our visit!) Once upon a time, denim was not the ubiquitous fabric it is today; now you see it everywhere from the soccer sidelines to the office. If you want to try the denim on denim trend, here are some ideas to try…

Vary the Shades

To rock your denim on denim, mix darker and lighter shades in your outfit. (Unless you want a jumpsuit look, which can also be darling!) Keep the lighter shade where you want the focus. If you love your booty, then go for a light or distressed wash on the bottom half. Less than happy with your hips and thighs? Dress that half in the darker denim and keep the focus up top! Combine patterns or textures, too. I love my chambray shirt with my old frayed Levi’s. They are similar shades, but the textures and drape are distinctly different. Denim mixes beautifully with softer and more feminine pieces in florals and lace to dress them down.

Find YOUR Denim

Like Find Your Floral last week, you need to find the denim that makes you happy. Are you more structured and formal? Look for a pair of trouser jeans in a dark wash, a pair of classic Levi’s, or keep an eye out for a denim blazer. If comfort is key, you may prefer jeans with stretch. Prefer no stretch? (That’s me.) Levi’s 501’s are still made with no stretch. It’s getting to be a challenge to find jeans that do not stretch. Not a trousers person? Denim dresses and skirts are a wardrobe staple for many women! Hunt for jeans with a great fit, and walk like you own the world. (I linked this picture because I LOVE this dress, not because Talbot’s has done me any favors… Although if they did want to gift me that dress, I’d find it very hard to refuse!)

Add Color

Yes, denim is often blue, but we are so accustomed to seeing denim, it fades out of our perception, and we rarely remember it unless it is embroidered, desperately distressed, or blinged. Plain denim behaves as a neutral. Since denim falls on the less flashy side, add color for a lift and to give the eye someplace to focus. A colored necklace or a scarf brings attention back to your face where it belongs.

Note: If you want a cute pair of embroidered or blinged jeans, it’s best to keep the embroidery and bling on the places you want to draw attention, and away from the places you do NOT want people to look! There are lots of cute jeans out there with embroidery on the thighs, but I don’t need anyone’s eye settling there, thank you.

Shoes and Other Details

Rather than throwing on your old running shoes or flip flops, bring your jeans up a level in a pair of dress shoes. Pumps are just as wearable with denim as they are with a skirt, and give jeans a completely different feel. I’ve worn red lace pumps to the theatre with my jeans. Not an everyday look, but it was perfect for a grown-up date with my hubby! Even a ballet flat will take your jeans from clean-the-garage to date status. Flats, heels… Anything goes! Boots work, too, but generally have a more relaxed vibe.

How about those cute young things rocking a combination athleisure and denim on denim… They look polished in jeans, a logo tee, jean jacket, and tennis shoes/trainers. How do they do that? Look at the handbag and grooming.Their sports shoes are spotless. The handbag is tailored and top of the line, and their grooming is impeccable. I don’t mean Instagram-made-up-within-an-inch-of-your-life groomed, but the look, when natural, is fresh, clean, and defined. No chapped lips, unruly brows, or dark circles to be seen. Many are rocking a bright lip. Sleepless night dark circles, old running shoes and a beat up diaper tote are not the finishing touches on this “look”.

How do you wear your Denim on Denim? Love it, or wouldn’t be caught dead? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below!

Stylishly yours!