a conscious coupling
While working on putting outfits together from a client’s closet, I came across her chambray shirt. It was a great darker wash that offered maximum potential with many of her items. The question was, would she be game to try denim on denim? The look has been around for well over a year now and it’s still trending strong. Denim on denim has taken root and should be something to create in your own wardrobe if you haven’t already stepped out in this conscious coupling.
FACT: There was more denim than ever before at New York Fashion Week in September.
So why is denim so popular? Mainly because the possibilities are endless. Putting together a denim-on-denim outfit can immediately up your ante in the style sector. It’s not hard and can be done on a variety of economic levels. There are just a few things you need to steer clear of, pitfalls that can cause the look to go all wrong. Aside from making sure your denim doesn’t bunch loosely over your tall boots (one of my pet peeves), avoid these two mistakes:
1. Don’t pair denim that is the same weight and wash.
Consider your shape and use the wash to your advantage. Lighter washes will attract attention and darker washes will recede.
2. Don’t wear busy accessories that compete with the effect.
You’ve already made your statement with the concept of all denim. Accessories should now quietly finish your look.
Here are a couple of looks for beginners:
Pairing your denim jacket with a pair of grey or black jeans is an easy place to begin with this look. The subtle grey denim has a tapered leg and the t-shirt stays tonal to the denim. The denim jacket looks completely effortless and popping a cool tennis shoe works great here. Notice there are no other accessories competing with the denim.
This is the same recipe but with a more luxe look: classic black shades, a pointed toe flat, black denim, a dark denim chambray shirt, and a red lip.
This look is incredible. The mix of washes is on point which the belt adds just enough punctuation without detracting. She is wearing classic shades but no necklace. And the nude heels reinforce her strong nail color–so chic!
A little leopard makes this double denim look work. The washes are subtly different and the accessories remain quiet. The punctuation marks are the bag and the adorable shoes. I also love the soft makeup and feminine pink lip!
Once again, leopard is the complement to the denim in this case, but the top and bottom have more contrast. The hat and shoes are tonal to the overall look so the bag takes center stage.
Another great example with a leopard bag as the emphasis of the look
Now that I’ve pleaded my case, let’s take a look at finding a great “hue pairing”. Pay close attention to the blues and greys in your denim. The best looks stay within a color range and vary in saturation. This is different than the weight of the denim. The shirt below has more grey than blue and is a light weave fabric. All three of the selected pants below would go with the chambray shirt because they all have the hue in common – the saturation is darker and the fabric is heavier in all three instances. This particular look would be great dressed up with a classic black pump and a red lip.
Finally, since it’s Friday Fun Day…
1 Comment
FABULOUS !!!