Few other items have earned the stamp of being a "life-long staple" across various zip codes, ages, and even sartorial preferences, quite like denim. Whether in the form of baggy bottoms, an oversized jacket, or a mini dress, denim pieces are perennial crowd-pleasers, that is, until they're styled altogether 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 in the spotlight—who could forget the buzz surrounding Britney Spears or Beyoncé's red-carpet looks in the early aughts? Over time, we've seen countless iterations of this outfit formula, ranging from flawlessly executed to undertakings we hope never to see repeated.
Yet even with so many double-denim styling examples in paparazzi shots and runway shows, successfully incorporating this specific trend into your life can be, well, challenging. Luckily, that's where social media comes in handy. After spending hours scrolling, it's safe to say that women across various countries have found ways to rewrite the denim dress code for this era that brings new potential to this otherwise precarious ensemble. 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, fashion girls from every major city are proving the continuous appeal of the Canadian tuxedo with unrivaled dexterity. However, 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 Darker Washes
WEAR: Oversized 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-era 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 Portion
WEAR: Oversized Denim Jacket + Denim Jacket + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Ballet Flats + Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: Another way to make the traditional double-denim outfit formula feel more daring is dialing up the volume of your pieces. One way to do that is by pairing baggy denim jackets on top of each other (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 simple 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 + T-Shirt + Dark Wash Denim Button-Down + Light-Wash Jeans + Ankle Boots + Suede Hobo Bag
Styling Notes: Besides adding layers or playing with portions, there's another way to give this "tired" outfit formula a whole new life: mix-and-match your denim washes. 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 all around.
Styling Tip #5: Create Visual Contrast
WEAR: Dark Wash Denim Button-Down Shirt + 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: Forego 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 different shades of denim outside the conventional indigo blue—e.g., lightly distressed washes or alt-neutrals such as white—will allow you to switch up your traditional Canadian tuxedo sans effort.
Styling Tip #7: Invest in Unique Denim Separates
WEAR: Trench Coat + Denim Vest + Wide-Leg Jeans + Suede Pumps + Suede Hobo Bag
Styling Notes: In addition to paying attention to the wash of your denim, you can make this trend feel distinct to your own style by embracing unique denim separates. Don't be afraid to invest in non-traditional 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 look 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 embracing a double-denim suiting moment. Frankly, there's no more classic way to wear a Canadian Tuxedo than by styling a denim blazer with matching flared jeans, a sleek shoulder bag, and '90s-inspired mules. Cult-classic combo, right here!
Styling Tip #9: Embrace Looser Silhouettes
WEAR: Denim Button-Down Shirt + Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans + Yellow Pointed Pumps + Brown Statement Belt + Brown Shoulder Bag
Styling Notes: Although no one can argue that double-denim suits stand the test of time, if you want something that's a bit edgier, you'll want to recreate the ensemble above. Embracing looser silhouettes in the form of extra-baggy wide-leg jeans or oversized button-down shirts is 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: Embracing volume through creative layers and baggier silhouettes isn't the only way to give your Canadian tuxedo a contemporary spin. If you're feeling more creative, consider playing with your hemlines through unconventional pairings. 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 "cringe-worthy" denim trend can be quite chic (with creative styling, of course). But if we were to impart any last nuggets of wisdom when figuring out how to style a Canadian tuxedo, it would be the following: embrace them for every setting. Don't be afraid to wear double-denim looks for those more "special" occasions, such as a night out with friends or a casual date night. Baggy jeans paired with a bustier top and an oversized jacket will always be the going-out ensemble of choice among denim connoisseurs or chic people alike, period.
