The Controversial Denim-on-Denim Trend is Back and Rebranded
The mono-fabric approach is everywhere, from Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' and Bella Hadid to the street-style crowd.
You don't need to pay close attention to the trend cycle to know that denim-on-denim outfits are everywhere. On city sidewalks and Fashion Week runways, in celebrity Instagram photo carousels, and in TikTok's fit-check videos, 2025's decked-out double-denim trend is polished, playful, contemporary—even elegant. It's a world away from the cringy all-jean looks that plagued early 2000s fashion.
Look first to the all-time arbiter of fashion trends to try—Rihanna. In a late January date night outfit with A$AP Rocky, the Fenty Beauty founder chose a cropped denim jacket with big baggy jeans and a sleek leather trench coat. This was not a body-con date-night dress and sharp stilettos—Rihanna's outfit was relaxed, easy, uncomplicated, and, without question, cool.
Rihanna on January 29 in her date-night denim.
But credit for bringing the denim-on-denim trend back into the fashion conversation must go to Beyoncé, whose Cowboy Carter tuxedos rebranded the previously controversial look last spring. Now, after the iconoclastic country album won Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys—and Beyoncé taking CC on tour, too—the look will unquestionably see a spike as a spring 2025 trend.
Recent runway collections have also doubled as love letters to the sturdy textile. A slew of luxury designers—Acne Studios, Coach, and Ralph Lauren, among many others—paired the hardworking materials in head-to-toe looks. Simply put, the 2025 denim trend playbook includes wearing as much wear-and-tear material as possible.
But this isn't the Wild Wild West; several styling tactics remain to be considered when playing with textiles this season. Ahead, street-style looks featuring denim-on-denim outfits and some styling tips to ensure yours don't teeter into cowboy costume territory (unless, of course, you're crafting your Cowboy Carter concert outfit, which, in that case, full steam ahead.)
A Denim Maxi Skirt and Chambray Shirt
Casual without being too informal, a jean-skirt-and-shirt combo is worth adding to your everyday outfit roster.
Give your blue jeans the day off, and slip into a long denim skirt instead. Then, tuck in a chambray shirt in a similar wash (it doesn't have to be a picture-perfect match, but you want them to be close to each other on the color wheel). Notice how her accessories—a black leather belt, chain-link shoulder bag, and animal print pumps—contrast against the denim's light wash to balance out the look.
A Denim Suit
Take it from Olivia Palermo: a denim suit leaves a smart style impression.
A denim suit is the outfit answer for in-office work days when you want to look put-together but not too formal and stuffy. The tailored separates make the outfit inherently professional, while its denim fabrication gives it a laid-back slant. Finish the look with a simple pair of pointed-toe pumps.
Contrasting Washes
Play with various washes—there's no need to be completely matchy-matchy.
Varied denim washes are where you can have fun: an indigo blue with heathered gray, dark denim with an acid wash—feel free to get creative. You can replicate the above look with a true blue jean jacket and baggy black jeans. Add some sparkle via a diamond tennis bracelet or crystal-embellished brooch for a touch of glam.
A Denim Bermuda Short and Shacket
Here, an effortless pairing to try on the next casual Saturday you spend running errands.
Bermuda shorts are steadily gaining speed as a break-out summer 2024 trend. So, for eager fashion enthusiasts, why not combine two trends in one outfit by opting for a pair of long-line jean shorts and adding a denim shacket, too? A high-quality white tank top—like Atm's stretch-jersey style—is a great base to build the look around.
A White-on-White Combo
It's crisp. It's sophisticated. All-white denim is a combo worth trying. (Just watch out for stains)
Break out of blue-washes with white jeans and a crisp denim jacket. It's a smart hack that doesn't read Western but stays true to the casual feel of a true-blue denim look. A cheeky pop of color—like a handbag in the ever-present red color trend, will keep the outfit from feeling completely neutral.
A Cropped Denim Jacket and High-Waisted Jeans
Forgo oversized and look for a jean jacket that hits just above your belly button.
The primary factor in an outfit's success is its proportions. This Fashion Week show-goer strategically teamed an ultra-cropped denim jacket with high-waisted trousers, masterfully balancing each piece's dimensions. It's a simple detail with a high-style payoff.
A Cuffed Co-Ord
When in doubt, a floral silk scarf will add a touch of retro glamour to a full denim look.
Follow this sharply dressed Fashion Week guest's lead and accessorize a utilitarian denim co-ord with a silk scarf to soften the look. The result blends old-school glamour with workwear practicality.
A Jean Dress With Denim Heels
A worthwhile reminder: don't limit yourself to only denim ready-to-wear.
The star of this look is undeniably the strapless denim maxi dress, artfully layered over a crisp white button-down shirt. But the shoes deserve some appreciation, too: By opting for denim pumps, this Fashion Week guest carries the outfit's theme from head to toe. A pair like Schutz's block-heel sandals allows you to test-drive the look yourself.
A Two-Tone Jean Jacket and a Midi Skirt
Tamu McPherson's take on denim-on-denim is whimsical without feeling childish.
A two-tone jean jacket will do the color-clashing for you. The rest of the outfit is up to you—but, as demonstrated, a split-front denim midi and easy white tank top master the job perfectly.
A Denim Corset and Trousers
A pair of platforms and some metallic flash on your wrist complete the look.
When you've grown tired of your usual going-out outfits (you can't wear a sequined skirt and strapless top every weekend), try a denim bustier and jean trousers instead. The combo is unexpected, which is always a plus in a late-night look, and it demonstrates the full range of denim-on-denim possibilities.
A Bedazzled Dark Denim Set
The shimmering silver studs fixed on the gray-wash denim separates make this Fashion Week guest look like the starry night sky.
It's an incontestable rule: high-shine embellishments mean more fun for everyone. Add a disco spirit to your outerwear collection with a crystal-embellished jean jacket. As for styling the shiny number, you can level up the look with similarly shiny bottoms, but a pair of simple jeans also works.
