The spring summer catwalks were full of denim, double denim. No longer was denim a fabric just for the humble jean, designers held it up as the “ultimate” fabric of this spring summer season, fashioning it into just about every guise imaginable: Kenzo and Gucci sported dresses, there were long skirts at Chloe and Prada, and Sonia Rykiel went all out with an all singing, all dancing, jewelled all in one jumpsuit!
But how do you dress in head to toe in denim without looking like an 80’s throw back? Or worse, an extra from a Western movie?
How to wear double denim? Well here are my commandments to help you navigate a summer of denim!
1.Thou shalt buy only blue shades of denim.
Let me clarify, black and white jeans are totally acceptable, it’s coloured denim to stay clear of as they have had their day. Christopher Bailey at Burberry may have felt confident putting his models in an acid wash green denim jacket but I say stick to the original blue.
2.Thou shalt embrace double denim.
For total beginners the easiest way to do double denim is to mix blue denim with either black or white denim, e.g. white jeans & a blue denim jacket or black jeans and a blue denim shirt. This is an easy look that is totally unisex.
If you’re confident to try mixing shades of blue denim then the key is to put a white tee with it to break up the sheer denimness of the outfit.
3.Thou shalt wear different shades of denim.
Ensure there is enough contrast between your two denim items e.g. Dark denim bottoms and a pale denim top.
4. Thou shalt wear chambray.
Actual thick hard-wearing denim is great for boyfriend jeans, mom jeans, dungarees and jackets, but unless you are stick thin stay clear of it in a dress as it is unforgiving. Opt instead for chambray or a 100% cotton fabric woven to look like chambray (often cheaper!) which is a more flowing relaxed fabric & looks great in dresses, skirts and jumpsuits. I love this dress from Cos, £59.
5. Thou shalt embrace a pop of red.
There’s nothing like a pop of red to brighten up your denim outfit, so go for red lipstick or nails.
6. Thou shalt not wear denim accessories.
This summer may all be about denim, but too much can be over kill. If you’re doing a double denim look do not under any circumstances wear a denim hat, bag, scarf or shoes.
7. Thou shalt stay clear of Western style accessories.
Cowboy boots, cowboy hats in fact anything that looks distinctly like it’s costume for a Western movie should be avoided at all costs! Think Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake double denim outfits in 2001, if you can’t remember click here!
Enjoy your summer of denim!