Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake went down in fashion history when they arrived at the 2001 American Music Awards in matching double denim – and not in a good way. It was America’s answer to Victoria and David Beckham in their purple wedding outfits in 1999.
Double denim is a much more appealing proposition these days. Less ‘Canadian tuxedo’, more refined tailoring with a ’70s edge, as evidenced by those who have been championing the look: Julianne Moore in Alaïa, Cate Blanchett in Brandon Maxwell, Charlotte Gainsbourg in Saint Laurent, Michelle Obama in Ganni… Women who define ageless style.
The look has also been rebranded as a denim co-ord, and bears more similarities with tailoring than it does with your old, faded Levi’s. These two-piece sets are crafted from structured, dark denim in sleek silhouettes with minimal hardware.
Toast has done this particularly well, with its denim tunic and trousers set. ‘[It’s made] using soft organic cotton denim with a minimal rinse wash giving a deep inky indigo colour that feels modern and unfussy,’ says the brand’s head of design, Laura Shippey.
Aligne’s fitted waistcoats and high-waisted horseshoe jeans create a flattering hourglass silhouette, while Cos’s denim shirt could be worn as a blazer with the matching trousers for a slouchy suit. Zimmermann has done a pussy-bow blouse with denim trousers, doubling down on the ’70s feel.
Pinstripe waistcoat, £119 and straight leg jeans, £99, Aligne
Getting the styling right is important. Less is more: ‘I like to twist it, ennoble it, accessorise it with big jewellery, a bag, shoes,’ says Emma François-Grasset founder and creative director of French label Sessùn, which takes great pride in its denim and is also offering co-ords.
Team your co-ord with textures that contrast against the denim: layer the top over a silk camisole, add a sculptural gold or silver pendant necklace, or inject softness with a suede tote or boots.
The result is an undeniably grown-up outfit with a life beyond the weekends and dress-down Fridays. It’s even, in some cases, elegant enough for an evening out – although, apologies to Britney and Justin, I still wouldn’t recommend it for the red carpet.
Find your double denim look...
Fitted shirt, £285 and darted wide jeans, £285, Frame
Striped vest, £95, and jeans, £110, Seventy + Mochi
Jacket, £269 and modular skirt, £279, Claudie Pierlot
Short sleeve shirt, £69 and circle skirt, £79, Karen Millen
Jacket, £99 and pleated skirt, £99, Albaray
Top, £67 and skirt, £119, Arket
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