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December 21, 2024

How To Wear Denim on Denim: Ace This Vintage Style

Double denim is a striking vintage trend that’s making a major comeback. Born in the 1970s and popularized throughout the ’80s and ’90s, this style is now a modern staple.

Learning how to rock this look is worth your time. Jeans are one of the most common types of pants in your wardrobe, and incorporating other denim pieces unlocks endless outfit ideas.

Learn how to wear denim on denim with our styling tips and highlight your unique aesthetic.

Why should you be wearing denim with denim?

Double denim is effortless and timeless. Whether it’s a classic Canadian tuxedo or a denim button-down and skirt, this street style is a simple, chic solution to your outfit dilemma. Here are a few reasons to adopt this trend:

  • Enduring appeal: While it definitely evokes ’80s/’90s vibes, denim on denim is a timeless pairing that always looks on point.
  • Flexible and versatile: From summer drinks to winter shopping trips, this style suits any season and numerous settings.
  • Casual comfort: Jeans are our go-to choice for a laidback look, and adding more denim makes the whole outfit relaxed.
  • Personal flair: Double denim instantly showcases style and personality, and with so many types of washes and cuts, you can customize your look to suit you.

If you love 1980s rocker flair or simply want a quick, casual look for your next lunch date, this style is for you.

9 effortlessly cool denim-on-denim outfits

Grab your favorite blue jeans and get inspired with our double-denim outfit ideas. Experiment, flex each suggestion to your wardrobe, and build something bold. 

1. Vintage and classic

A woman in a classic jean jacket, straight-leg jeans, a tucked-in plain white tee, dark sunglasses, black heels, and a black handbag.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

The Canadian tuxedo looks equally good on men and women—denim on denim styled in the classic 1980s way. Pair a classic jean jacket with straight-leg jeans and a plain white tee. Add some dark shades for edgier vibes. 

This look is perfect for endless casual occasions, including lunch with friends, concerts and festivals, and quick errands. It’s also easy to modify—swap in a pair of flare jeans to achieve a more 1970s style.

2. Oversized and chic

A woman in a denim shirt tucked into a pleated midi skirt, sunglasses, white sneakers, and a black handbag.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Looking for a fashion-forward take on this relaxed look? French tuck an oversized denim shirt into a jean skirt—we prefer a pleated mini, but a midi looks great, too. This chic statement will keep you comfortable and fashionable during girls’ night out.

Achieve a similar flowing silhouette with a denim trench coat and fitted top paired with a jean skirt. Our advice: choose a thin, oversized shirt or coat that drapes loosely and elegantly.

3. Quirky and casual

A woman in relaxed boyfriend jeans, a jean jacket, a graphic white tee, white sneakers, and a denim handbag.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Let’s embrace some youthful energy—a patchy denim jacket with relaxed boyfriend jeans and a matching denim crossbody bag is an eye-catching look for get-togethers and travel. 

Make this style your own by thrifting a secondhand jean jacket and making it your own. Grab a jacket in your favorite denim wash and cut, and add personal patches that tell your story.

Pro tip: Add a few patches to your crossbody bag, too, to tie it into the final look.

4. Modern and monochromatic

A woman in wide-leg jeans, a denim jacket, a white graphic tee, a black beanie, and white platform sneakers.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Play with different denim washes to create an asymmetric monochrome masterpiece. Grab a top and a bottom that are roughly the same color but a different fit. For example, pair a slim cropped jean jacket with baggy wide-leg jeans, both in medium wash. While the top and bottom contrast, the color brings them together to make a chic, matching ensemble. 

We also recommend a dark wash denim crop top and palazzo jeans. For a little extra flair, add strappy heels.

5. High-contrast and bold

A woman in white jeans, a black denim jacket, a tucked-in black tee, a black beanie, and black and white sneakers.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Let’s play with different denim washes again, but we’ll go for contrasting colors this time. Try a white denim trucker jacket and a pair of versatile black jeans. Add a leather handbag and casual hightops to enhance the alternative vibes. We love this edgy look for a relaxed movie date.

While any two washes look good, dramatic contrasts work best. Opt for black and white or acid wash and raw.

6. Laid-back and sporty

A woman standing on asphalt wearing waist-hugging curvy jeans, a fitted tucked-in denim shirt, white sneakers, and a denim baseball cap.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

This is one of our favorite denim-on-denim outfits for women—chic, feminine, and bold. Pair waist-hugging curvy jeans with a fitted denim shirt and studded denim baseball cap. Wear this with your favorite white sneakers for a bright, clean splash.

We love the light wash on top and dark wash on the bottom, but go ahead and get creative. Reverse the color combo for something a little more eye-catching, or match washes to simulate a jumpsuit look.

7. Distressed and edgy

Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Distressed jeans add an extra layer of ’90s charm to your denim ensemble. Pair them with a waist-defining crop jacket for a rebellious look, and don’t forget a fitted tank top or tube top.

Rock this look on any fun, casual occasion—our favorites are thrifting trips and drinks with friends.

This outfit works equally well with snug high-waisted flares and baggy, low-rise puddle pants, so choose whichever retro vibes suit your style.

8. Colorful and unexpected

A woman wearing a pastel pink denim skirt, a white cropped turtleneck, a blue denim jacket, white sneakers, and a pink handbag.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Denim isn’t just blue and black. If you love bold aesthetics or want a Canadian tuxedo that isn’t the norm, experiment with different colors. Try an orange denim jacket with white jeans to put a twist on a classic look.

We also love pairing unique colors with the traditional. A pastel pink denim skirt with blue jeans adds a little personality while keeping it subtle.

9. Summery and playful

A woman wearing a denim midi dress with a black belt, a denim jacket, sunglasses, and white sneakers.
Source: Image generated by ThredUp’s AI-powered Style Chat

Embrace a breezy, country aesthetic with a denim midi dress and a cropped jean jacket. Opt for neutral heeled sandals if you’re wearing this for a special occasion—if you’re walking long distances, grab some versatile white sneakers.

Aim for a similar wash to align them into a cohesive set. We like a classic medium wash, but a light wash with a wide-brimmed hat looks great in the summer.

Pro tip: To decorate your dress like a pair of jeans, add a thick belt with an alluring buckle to your waist.

Build endless jean-on-jean outfits with ThredUp

ThredUp is the perfect place to create your ideal denim-on-denim outfit. Thrift classic blue jeans and sleek denim jackets in any size, color, or cut and assemble the ultimate denim capsule wardrobe.

Check out our dedicated Denim Shop, an extensive collection from trusted brands like Levi’s and Madewell. Sort by your preferred style and denim wash, and zero in on the perfect jeans.

Can’t decide between jeans and a skirt? With Style Chat, you can see your dream look on an AI-generated person. Describe an outfit, tweak the prompt until you love the results, and add suggested items right to your cart.