Double Denim is a Do

In the September 24 issue of People magazine, celebrity stylist Brad Goreski lists wearing denim on denim as number two of five top fashion trends. The bow tie-wearing fashionisto said, “This combo is an easy go-to for a comfortable outfit and a great base for layering.”

Denim on denim, or the Canadian tuxedo, as it is often called, is one of my personal favorite outfits. For anyone who is not familiar with the term, according to the Urban Dictionary, it’s an “outfit consisting of a denim jacket and denim jeans,” but it can also be used to describe any denim bottom and top combo on a man or woman. I have to confess in all my years of being obsessed with fashion that I just recently discovered the term.

 “Canadian tuxedo” didn’t exactly originate as a term of endearment; in fact, it could still be considered a bit of an insult, if that’s the user’s intent, but it’s evolved into simply being an outfit rather than an outfit that is specifically low-brow, tacky or inappropriate.

What I like about this combo, aside from the ease and the comfort factor, is it’s pretty hard to miss the mark for looking stylish. As Brad Goreski pointed out, “It’s a great base for layering,” and it can be dressed up and down. This combo often makes the pages of most fashion magazines as casual outfit ideas. You may remember Mila Kunis wore stylish denim on denim ensemble on the cover of the August 2012 Glamour.

If you’re wondering how far dressed up this combo can go, just think back to when then-couple Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake wore what I am calling “his and hers” Canadian tuxedos to the 2001 American Music Awards. I agree this could easily be a reference for a fashion don’t when wearing denim on denim. The fashion police and tabloids had a field day with their choice and I had a giggle, but there is something about their red carpet look that I like.

For serious style suggestions, various stylists often weigh in with helpful dos and don’ts for denim on denim. You may still be able to find an issue of Glamour or check it out online. I didn’t find an official list, but The Stylist did a post in July that has several photos of celebrities working this hot combo. You can also check out Elle for additional celebrity and street style photos.

It’s a given I will be working this look, and I am glad denim on denim made a top trend list for 2012, but what I do think is funnier than Brit and Justin is I could have sworn this combo popped up on a few fashion don’t lists last year, but hey, that’s the fashion world for you.