French, Scandi, and British Women Will Cling to This Anti-Trend Jeans Outfit for Life

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

A woman standing outside in front of a silver doorway wearing black aviator sunglasses with an oversize denim jacket, black shoulder bag, baggy cargo jeans, and black ankle boots.

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

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

A woman standing outside on the sidewalk wearing an oversize dark wash denim jacket over another zipped-up denim jacket with matching baggy barrel leg jeans, a black bag, and white Tabi ballet flats.

(Image credit: @by.regiina)

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

A woman standing inside against a white background wearing sunglasses, diamond earrings, a medium wash denim shirt with a black cardigan tied over the shoulders, a black Fendi shoulder bag, medium wash straight-leg jeans, and tan cowboy ankle boots.

(Image credit: @taniasarin )

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

A woman standing outside on a sidewalk wearing black sunglasses with a cropped tan trench coat layered over a dark-wash denim button-down shirt, a white T-shirt, contrasting light-wash wide leg jeans, a suede bag, and black ankle boots.

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

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

A woman standing outside in a garage wearing a dark wash jean jacket over a black turtleneck sweater, white baggy wide-leg jeans, black pointed ankle boots, and a small black barrel handbag.

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

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

A woman standing in the street wearing a dark brown suede jacket over a white denim button-down shirt that's unbuttoned to expose a white tank top, black belt, and white denim shorts.

(Image credit: @hetty.appletonmiles)

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

A woman crossing the street wearing a long tan trench coat over a denim waistcoat, matching dark-wash wide leg jeans, suede pointed heels, and a dark brown suede bag.

(Image credit: @janneltherese)

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

A woman standing on the sidewalk wearing a dark wash denim blazer and matching flared jeans styled with black sunglasses, a black tank top, a black shoulder bag, and black pointed heeled mules.

(Image credit: @maryljean)

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

A woman standing inside her home next to a chair and mirror wearing a distressed denim shirt with ultra-baggy torn jeans, a brown belt, yellow pointed pumps, and a brown suede shoulder bag.

(Image credit: @shhtephs)

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

A woman standing on the sidewalk wearing a cropped denim button-down over a black asymmetrical dress, wide-leg jeans, black pointed pumps, and a black bowler bag.

(Image credit: @trendingwithtinsley )

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

A woman standing crossing the sidewalk wearing a light-wash denim shirt tucked into a dark wash denim maxi skirt with a black belt, gold bangles, a black structured handbag, and black knee-high boots.

(Image credit: @lefevrediary )

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

A woman standing on a sofa in a club wearing a large denim jacket over a denim bustier top with baggy cargo jeans, red pointed heels, and a gold clutch bag.

(Image credit: @sandrashehab)

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.

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Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Freelance Fashion Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.