Every wardrobe has those go-to uniforms—outfits that feel like second nature yet still manage to make you look and feel polished. For me lately, that uniform has been the Canadian tuxedo. Yes, denim on denim. While I know it’s a divisive look—people tend to either love it or firmly pass—I’ve come to believe that, when styled thoughtfully, a double denim outfit can be incredibly chic, modern, and even elegant.
There’s something about denim that feels both timeless and endlessly versatile. It’s the one fabric that can move from casual to elevated depending on how you style it. Pair two pieces together, and suddenly you’ve created a look that’s bold in its simplicity. Instead of reading as “too matchy-matchy,” it becomes a statement of confidence. The key, I’ve found, is all in the details.
For this particular outfit, I leaned into pieces from Citizens of Humanity, a brand I’ve always admired for their cuts and fabrications. Rather than sticking to a perfectly matched set, I mixed denim in slightly different tones and shades. This subtle variation in wash adds depth and interest to the overall palette—it keeps the look from feeling flat or overly uniform. A lighter top paired with darker jeans (or vice versa) creates just the right amount of contrast while still feeling cohesive.
To balance the denim, I kept the accessories pared back and understated. The Row has long been one of my go-to labels for minimalist staples, and their shoes and bags were exactly what this look called for. Their clean lines and impeccable craftsmanship complement denim beautifully, grounding the look in sophistication. To finish it off, I added silver jewelry—sleek, modern, and very much having a moment this year. While gold will always be timeless, silver feels fresh right now, and I love the way it plays against blue denim.
The end result? A look that’s effortless yet refined. It’s casual enough for daytime errands, but polished enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to wear it to a casual dinner or a coffee meeting. That’s the beauty of a denim-on-denim look: it’s versatile, unfussy, and feels current without trying too hard.
Of course, I’ll be the first to admit that double denim isn’t for everyone. The look comes with baggage—some people still picture the overly coordinated versions from decades past and hesitate to revisit it. But I think that’s what makes the modern take so refreshing. Today’s approach is less about matching sets and more about mixing textures, washes, and proportions. A boxy, oversized jacket with slim jeans creates one vibe; a tucked-in denim shirt with wide-leg denim creates another. The possibilities are surprisingly endless.
And the best part? You probably already own the building blocks. Most of us have a favorite pair of jeans and at least one denim jacket or shirt tucked away in the closet. Try putting them together and playing with balance. Add in neutral accessories—leather sandals, sleek flats, or a simple crossbody bag—and you’ll be surprised at how put-together the look feels.
What I love most is that denim on denim feels like a statement without being loud. It’s understated confidence, a way of saying: I don’t need frills to stand out. The fabric speaks for itself. And when accessorized well, it moves easily through the day, adaptable to whatever the schedule demands.
So, what do you think? Would you wear a double denim look?
If you’re hesitant, start small—pair a light chambray shirt with your favorite blue jeans and see how it feels. Or try black denim jeans with a blue denim jacket for a subtle variation. Add in classic accessories, and suddenly you’ve created a look that’s as timeless as it is fresh.
For me, the Canadian tuxedo has become a daily uniform not because it’s trendy, but because it’s reliable, versatile, and undeniably chic. And honestly, isn’t that what great style is all about?
