We’re undeniably back to the denim craze this year, so finding that perfect pair of jeans has just become even more essential. Denim-on-denim is not exactly a novel style idea, but it’s definitely one of the chicest things you can wear for this season. However, to avoid the Justin/Britney debacle (the early 2000s were crazy, y’all), it’s important to know a few tips that can keep you from looking like a silly mishmash of clashing things, and take you instead to the realm of high fashion and impeccable taste.
Avoid denim accessories
It’s simply too much, especially if your outfit is already made of denim. Hair accessories, jewelry, scarves, bags – stay away from all of that. Jeans jackets and pants will always be modern, but as soon as the craze passes those accessories are going to look even more off-putting and lacking in taste than they do now. Stick to either minimalistic approach of slim necklaces and bracelets, or maybe go for something big and colorful if you want your outfit to be fun.
Don’t go monochrome
A same-colored denim outfit just looks really weird. Monochrome is one of our favorite fashion tricks, but not when it comes to this trend, and it definitely won’t do you any favors. Make sure that whatever pieces you’re wearing have at least three shades of difference between them.
Light + dark
Having said that, matching contrasting denim can be absolutely spectacular. Go for white jeans and a blue denim jacket, or black jeans and a blue shirt. It doesn’t even need to be that contrasting, feel free to experiment with light wash and dark wash denim, and enjoy the visual interest it creates for your outfit.
Find your staple
Probably the most important rule of all – find your perfect pair of denim jeans and make sure that they fit you like a glove. Skinnies are always popular, but you can also pick a straight-leg (looks good on everyone), or a boot cut. Boyfriend jeans are generally particularly comfy, or maybe you want to go for that retro, mom-jeans vibe. Let’s face it, it makes your butt look pretty damn great.
Goes well with leather
Denim and leather are basically like the perfect couple. Like a great relationship full of complementary attributes, they go smashingly well together and are a great choice both for beginner and expert fashionistas. Leather can also give you a bit of an edge, and you can create a variety of looks with this combo. Put on a leather jacket over your denim jeans + shirt combo, smudge your eyeliner, leave your hair in a messy bun, and you’ve got a perfect little grunge look on your hands. Want something more polished? Leather shoes and bags are the perfect accessories, so pair light denim with a big brown leather handbag and a cute belt.
Distressed denim
Stylish rips can make even the most boring pair of jeans look totally cool, and it’s another way to give everything a little more complexity. However, we recommend that you stick to distressed denim only for one garment. If your jeans are ripped, make sure your jacket isn’t and vice-versa. Also, if you want to transform an old pair of jeans to make them look trendier, find a fun tutorial.
Don’t look too costume-y
To look back on Justin and Britney, if you want the perfect example of how not to do denim-on-denim, it’s right there. As one of history’s biggest fashion flops, Britney looks pretty terrible, but Justin manages to top her by far with his damn cowboy outfit. Accessories that look like they came off the clearance rack at Claire’s, Britney’s dress that looks like it was sewn together by a blind monkey with no sense of proportion, and did we mention the goddamned cowboy hat that Justin is sporting? It’s clear that they were going for some sort of a country vibe, but we recommend that you avoid that because you will end up looking like you’re going to a costume party, and not in a good way. Denim is, in a lot of ways, simple and sleek. A busy outfit with too many accessories and clashing details is exactly the thing you want to avoid.
For our final note, we wish to encourage you to really make sure all of your garments are the perfect fit because saggy denim is anything but attractive. Other than that, experiment. Don’t like some of these rules? Break ‘em! Get creative and trust your fashion instincts to know what looks good.
Mia Taylor is a fashion and beauty enthusiast from Sydney and writer for www.highstylife.com. She loves writing about her life experiences. Travelling and enjoying other cultures and their food with her husband is a big part of her life. She is always on the lookout for new trends in fashion and beauty, and considers herself an expert when it comes to lifestyle tips. Twitter | Facebook
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