I consider denim a wardrobe staple, so I stock plenty of it. However, denim can begin feeling boring because it’s quite basic. That’s when I start toying with denim on denim outfits. With so many denim trends happening right now, you might be confused on where to start, so I’ll be sharing a brief guide on wearing denim on denim in 2017.

YOUR GUIDE TO WEARING DENIM ON DENIM IN 2017

The trends this season give us several options for creating fresh denim on denim looks! One of my top styling tricks to wearing denim on denim in 2017 masterfully is to break up the outfit with color. I really wanted to highlight the denim itself, so I chose vibrant, flashy accessories over layering my outfit with other garments. Since my double denim outfit felt very monochromatic, I added hot pink boots to bring out the blue. I’m also loving the refreshing look of white accessories this season, so I opted for this Parisa Wang handbag – and it happened to be the perfect accent against my star prints. Finally, mirrored sunglasses were necessary for creating that ultimate cool-girl appeal.

If you’re in need of fresh ideas for wearing denim on denim in 2017, my best advice is to look for denim with exciting details, like prints, patchwork, and embroidery. You can really mix all these fun elements to pull off a chic and modern ensemble.

Go for Prints

Prints are a fun addition to your favorite denim pieces. I found this star-printed denim jacket at a vintage store for only $25! We’re seeing a huge resurgence of vintage trends, so thrift stores are some of the best places to buy one-of-a-kind denim garments. This jacket was perfect because the light-medium wash and the trendy star print that makes it feel so relevant. Prints look great against basic denim pieces and really add a festive element to what could be a boring outfit.

Try Patchwork

Patchwork denim has steadily rose over the last few years and it’s gotten to a point where wearing it feels normal rather than daring. Patchwork denim is a great addition to creating a modern denim on denim outfit because it’s already broken up! Today’s styles look extremely crisp and clean, which make them great for pairing with distressed pieces. Think a patchwork denim top with a cropped bottom that has drastic uneven hems or a patchwork denim jacket with frayed cutoffs.

Add Embroidered or Embellished Pieces

Like patchwork, embroidered or embellished denim garments can stand on their own because they add both color and texture. Embroidered pieces today feature florals and ethnic prints that come decorating classic denim jackets, skirts, and pants. Some jeans even come dressed up in pearls and jewels. When wearing embroidered or embellished denim pieces, I suggest letting that be the highlight of your outfit and streamlining everything else to a minimum.

Mix Up the Tonality

Mixing up the tonality of denim on denim is classic instruction that works, and that’s why you hear about it over and over again. Pairing a lighter wash with a darker one creates dimension while breaking up the look on its own. It also helps to think about how washes can accentuate or draw attention away from certain parts of your body. Darker washes are obviously slimming, so you can create the illusion of longer limbs by wearing dark skinny jeans – and then play up the proportions by adding an oversized denim top.

Remember that the key to pulling off trends is NOT being afraid to experiment with styling tricks. I wore my star-printed denim jacket like a top and pulled it off the shoulder for an edgy street style feel, and I really love the final result. Wearing it as a regular jacket buttoned up would have quickly looked less interesting.

What are your thoughts on wearing denim on denim in 2017?

– OUTFIT DETAILS –

Star Print Denim Jacket (Similar here)
Mid-Rise Jeans by Mott & Bow
Shoulder Backpack by Parisa Wang
Sunglasses by Quay x Desi Perkins
Hot Pink Booties by NA-KD
Classic Hoop Earrings by Jennifer Fisher

– SHOP THIS POST –

| Photography by Susan Hang – LE JOLIE |

For more styling tips, check out my guide to wearing the beret like a cool girl:

How to Wear a Beret in 2017 Like a Cool Girl

Or pulling off the ruffles trend this fall:

How to Pull Off the Ruffles Trend This Fall