Fashion

How to do double denim

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...
Image may contain Clothing Apparel Human Person Shoe Footwear Pants Adam Fidusiewicz Long Sleeve Sleeve and People
Mike Blackett

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.

Above: Jacket, £135. Vest, £64. Shirt, £72. Jeans, £85. All by Tommy Hilfiger. Shoes by Russell & Bromley, £175. Watch by Thomas Sabo, £179.

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.

Above: Coat, £89.90. Jacket, £292. Jeans, £250. All by Jacob Cohen. At Harrods. Tie by Hackett, £90. Shirt by Marks & Spencer, £35. Shoes by Burberry, £395. Socks by The London Sock Company, £12. Umbrella by Undercover, £125.

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.

Above: Shirt, £180. T-shirt, £69. Jeans, £185. All by AG Jeans. Shoes by Russell & Bromley, £175. Glasses by Oliver Peoples, £230. Document case by Smythson, £450.

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.

Above: Jacket by Burberry Brit, £1,695. Tie by Burberry London, £115. Shirt by Topman, £28. Jeans, £465. Shoes, £555. Both by Billionaire. At Harrods. Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, £178. At Sunglass Hut.

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.

Above: Jumper, £180. Jeans, £180. Both by 7 For All Mankind. Shoes by Dune, £79. Watch by Thomas Sabo, £179.

Brands featured:

Originally published in the April issue of GQ.