Few items have earned the stamp of "lifelong staple" across zip codes, ages, and even fashion preferences quite like denim. Whether in the form of baggy bottoms, an oversize jacket, or a minidress, denim pieces are perennial crowd-pleasers—until they're styled all together as a Canadian tuxedo. While denim on denim is a time-worn trend, it's definitely one of the more divisive ways to style the staple. Nothing reflects the controversial nature of the Canadian tuxedo better than the shock and delight surrounding superstars donning double denim—who could forget the buzz surrounding Britney Spears's and Beyoncé's red carpet looks in the early aughts? Over time, we've seen countless iterations of this outfit formula, ranging from flawlessly executed looks to undertakings we hope never to see repeated.
Even with so many double-denim styling examples in paparazzi shots and runway shows, successfully incorporating this specific denim trend into your wardrobe can be, well, challenging. Luckily, that's where social media comes in handy. We spent hours scrolling, and it's safe to say that women across various countries have found ways to rewrite the denim dress code for this era that bring new potential to this otherwise precarious ensemble. Fashion people from every major city are proving the continuous appeal of the Canadian tuxedo with unrivaled dexterity—from suiting up in denim separates to give the styling formula a more professional spin to double-layering denim outerwear to give the pieces a downtown feel. If you're the type of person who cringes at the thought of wearing a Canadian tuxedo, keep reading. Ahead, we've rounded up 12 double-denim outfit ideas, styling tips, and shopping recommendations that will surely change your mind (and maybe even your life).
Styling Tip #1: Opt for a Darker Wash
WEAR: Oversize Dark-Wash Denim Jacket + Dark-Wash Denim Cargo Pants + Loafers + Shoulder Bag + Aviator Sunglasses
Styling Notes: If you're afraid that wearing a double-denim outfit will err on the side of being too aughts coded, consider opting for separates in a darker wash. Styling a dark-wash jean jacket with matching baggy cargo pants, aviator sunglasses, and flat boots will give this quintessential formula a contemporary feel.
Styling Tip #2: Play With Proportions
WEAR: Oversize Denim Jacket + Denim Jacket + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Ballet Flats + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: To make the traditional double-denim outfit formula feel more daring, dial up the volume of your pieces by wearing two denim jackets (as shown above) for a creative way to play with proportions. Conversely, you can get the same effect without wearing so many layers by swapping your straight-leg jeans for a barrel-leg shape. Either way, embracing volume will give your Canadian tuxedo a visually compelling update.
Styling Tip #3: Embrace Layering
WEAR: Sunglasses + Cardigan + Denim Button-Down Shirt + Straight-Leg Jeans + Cowboy Boots + Shoulder Bags
Styling Notes: One of the simpler ways to embrace a double-denim ensemble without getting too avant-garde with your styling is to turn to everyday layering items. For example, a denim button-down shirt and matching straight-leg jeans can be elevated with the addition of a cardigan tied across the shoulders, a trench coat layered on top, or even a tank top peeking out from underneath your shirt.
Styling Tip #4: Mix and Match Denim Washes
WEAR: Cropped Trench Coat + Dark-Wash Denim Button-Down + White T-Shirt + Light-Wash Jeans + Ankle Boots + Suede Bag
Styling Notes: Besides adding layers or playing with proportions, mixing and matching your denim washes will give this tired outfit formula a whole new life. By pairing a dark-wash denim shirt with light-wash jeans (or vice versa), you'll dial up the ante of your look without doing too much. It's a win-win.
Styling Tip #5: Create Visual Contrast
WEAR: Dark-Wash Denim Button-Down + Black Turtleneck + White Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Ankle Boots + Black Skinny Belt + Black Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: While styling contrasting denim washes together can make this dated outfit formula feel fresher, it's not the only way to create visual contrast. Rather than leaning into the casualness of the Canadian tuxedo, try dressing it up by pairing it with polished pieces—e.g., a black turtleneck, pointed ankle boots, and a barrel bag. It will create a distinct look that will surely capture everyone's attention.
Styling Tip #6: Forgo Traditional Denim Washes
WEAR: Brown Suede Jacket + White Denim Shirt + White Tank Top + White Denim Shorts + Black Shoulder Bag + Black Belt + Black Ballet Flats
Styling Notes: When you can't be bothered to mix and match your pieces but still want to wear something visually compelling, try forgoing traditional denim washes altogether. Embracing shades outside the conventional indigo blue—e.g., lightly distressed washes and alternative neutrals like white—will allow you to switch up your traditional Canadian tuxedo sans effort.
Styling Tip #7: Invest In Unique Separates
WEAR: Trench Coat + Denim Vest + Wide-Leg Jeans + Suede Pumps + Suede Tote Bag
Styling Notes: You can make this trend feel distinct to your own style with unique denim separates. Don't be afraid to invest in nontraditional denim items (such as a waistcoat or a corset top) because they can inject a dash of personality into your look. Bonus points if you finish your outfit with a few trend-forward suede accessories to seal the deal.
Styling Tip #8: Go for a Suiting Moment
WEAR: Dark-Wash Denim Blazer + Black Tank Top + Dark-Wash Jeans + Black Mules + Black Shoulder Bag + Black Sunglasses
Styling Notes: Call it reductive if you want, but you can't go wrong with a suiting moment. Frankly, there's no more classic way to wear double denim than by styling a denim blazer with matching flared jeans, a sleek shoulder bag, and '90s-inspired mules. It's a cult-classic combo!
Styling Tip #9: Embrace Looser Silhouettes
WEAR: Denim Button-Down + Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans + Yellow Pointed Pumps + Brown Statement Belt + Brown Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: No one can argue that double-denim suits stand the test of time, but if you want something that's a bit edgier, you'll want to re-create the ensemble above. Looser silhouettes in the form of extra-baggy jeans and an oversize button-down shirt are the perfect way to make the Canadian tuxedo feel cool again.
Styling Tip #10: Play With Your Hemlines
WEAR: Cropped Denim Shirt + Black Asymmetrical Dress + Wide-Leg Jeans + Black Pointed Pumps + Black Bowler Bag
Styling Notes: If you're feeling creative, consider playing with your hemlines through unconventional pairings to give your Canadian tuxedo a contemporary spin. For example, you can draw attention to the cropped hemline of your denim shirt by styling it over an asymmetrical dress or draped top and finishing the look with wide-leg jeans. Ultimately, it's all about creating that high-low hemline with different separates.
Styling Tip #11: Think Beyond Jeans
WEAR: Light-Wash Denim Shirt + Black Belt + Dark-Wash Denim Midi Skirt + Black Knee-High Boots + Black Carryall Tote
Styling Notes: Hemlines aren't the only thing you should reevaluate when deciding how to wear a Canadian tuxedo. Think outside the traditional double-denim pairing by ditching pants for a maxi skirt, dress, or even shorts. By styling your trusted denim shirt or jacket with different separates, you'll make this simple outfit formula seem innovative or, at the very least, far more exciting.
Styling Tip #12: Embrace Canadian Tuxedos for Every Setting
WEAR: Denim Jacket + Denim Corset + Baggy Jeans + Heels + Clutch Bag
Styling Notes: Hopefully, by now, we've proven that this cringeworthy denim trend can be quite chic with creative styling, of course. If we were to impart any last nuggets of wisdom for figuring out how to style a Canadian tuxedo, it would be the following: Embrace denim for every setting. Don't be afraid to wear double-denim looks for those special occasions, such as a night out with friends or a casual date night. Baggy jeans paired with a bustier top and an oversize jacket will always be the going-out ensemble of choice among denim connoisseurs and chic people, period.
