Among fashion's articles of faith, right after the importance of matching your belt to your shoes, was always this: don't do double denim. And when you saw Justin Timberlake sporting "the Canadian tuxedo" in the early aughts, well, yes, you probably thought, that rule is there for a reason. But then something changed.
Street-style bloggers found ways of using double denim to bring a workwear edge to a modern look. And it was good. Here's how to do it right...
Leading Light
Chambray is often mistaken for denim, although it is a lighter material. The classic Chambray shirt is a must-have and looks particularly good with darker denim or white.
Raw Deal
The denim jacket is no longer the reserve of the bad boy. Wear it in its raw form under a mac with a tie for a relaxed yet smart work look - though beware of colour run.
Suede of glory
Dress up distressed denim with suede snaffle loafers. In summer, turn the jeans up until they just touch the top of the shoe and wear with no socks for a casual vibe.
Dark materials
The button-down Chambray risks looking like a preppie cliché. Give it a modern Euro twist by pairing it with technical outerwear and dark denim.
Grey matters
Extreme bleaching and acid washes are a Seventies surfing trend that's back in a big way. Think Californian laid-back lifestyle and twin with darker denim-detail trainers.
Brands featured:
- Tommy Hilfiger. tommy.com
- Russell & Bromley. russellandbromley.co.uk
- Thomas Sabo. thomassabo.com
- Jacob Cohen available at Harrods. harrods.com
- Hackett. hackett.co.uk
- Marks & Spencer. marksandspencer.com
- Burberry. burberry.com
- The London Sock Company. londonsockcompany.com
- Undercover. londonundercover.com
- AG Jeans. agjeans.com
- Russell & Bromley. russellandbromley.com
- Oliver Peoples. oliverpeoples.com
- Smythson. smythson.com
- Topman. topman.com
- Billionaire available at Harrods. harrods.com
- Sunglasses Hut. sunglasshut.com
- 7 For All Mankind. 7forallmankind.com
- Dune. dunelondon.com
Originally published in the April issue of GQ.