When I was in college I did a two month study abroad trip in London with my sister. At the end of our trip, my parents came to visit us and bring us home and my dad got off of the plane wearing blue jeans and a denim shirt. I was so embarrassed, and told him he should never wear that combo again. And then his luggage got lost so he was forced to wear the same outfit the following day. Insulting.
Well now, all these years later, I'm eating my words (and I've apologized to my dad) because denim on denim is so trendy and is one of my favorite combinations to wear.
Today I've teamed up with Old Navy to share three ways to wear the denim on denim trend, since it's just such a great basic combo and can be worn by itself or used as a base to add layers or accessories. Plus there are so many different denim options there these days -- dresses, tops, overalls, boyfriend jeans, skinny jeans, flared jeans, jackets...pretty much any style you could ever want.
I've style three outfits that are more of a "base," but then we'll talk about ways to amp them up if you'd like (or if your weather is cooler than mine).
. . . .
First up, chambray around the waist. This is one of the easiest ways to incorporate the trend into your look without feeling like you're in head to toe denim. It's also a great way to add some visual interest and a layer without a lot of bulk or extra warmth, when you don't want it. This light wash Old Navy chambray button up goes with everything, and is thin enough to tie easily around your waist.
It's an easy look for day time or weekends when paired with sneakers and a tee or sweater. But you could step it up with a leather jacket layered over your top, or a big statement necklace and ankle boots.
Next, denim dresses and jackets. I love all the chambray dresses that are out there right now, like this pretty embroidered one from Old Navy. And although it's more of a day time dress, it's easy to dress it up for a girls night (or date night) with a little jacket and some pretty shoes. I typically would have gone with a leather or cropped cotton jacket, but a light wash denim jacket is an unexpected denim on denim option and I love how it looks.
This look could also transition to fall and winter very easily by adding a big chunky scarf, or cardigan layered under the jacket. Add some tights and boots, and you have a perfect cool weather denim on denim look.
And lastly, the classic denim on denim pairing. Jeans and a chambray shirt is my favorite denim on denim look and is so easy for anyone to wear. I typically like to keep my shades of denim pretty different from each other to create a nice contrast, and did it here with my favorite Old Navy chambray and Old Navy slim boyfriend jeans.
You could do absolutely anything with this outfit since it's such a simple and clean palette -- add a colorful scarf, a long, chunky cardigan, or a brightly colored wool coat...or maybe a pair of leopard print heels, or a giant statement necklace. Any of those would be great for date night. Or dress it down with bold sneakers and a baseball hat. The possibilities are endless!
And again, no matter what kind of denim you're pairing, just remember to keep your shades different to create contrast in your outfit.
DETAILS:
OUTFIT 1: SIMILAR SWEATER | | SIMILAR JEANS | | CHAMBRAY SHIRT
OUTFIT 2: CHAMBRAY DRESS (SIMILAR HERE + HERE) | | SIMILAR JACKET
OUTFIT 3: CHAMBRAY SHIRT | | BOYFRIEND JEANS (SIMILAR HERE + HERE)
photos by rad and happy / created in partnership with old navy
