How to nail the denim-on-denim trend

Celebrated and critiqued for its nonchalant appeal, the denim-on-denim trend marks its refreshing reign amidst a summer full of garden-variety prints as creatives across the globe pursue permutations of denim that can juice up classic templates as well as tap for a reset.

The combination became a must-have summer staple after Emily Ratajkowski was seen flaunting the much-loved Canadian tuxedo. Case in point? This envy-worthy combination is not just Ratajkowski’s go-to ensemble but is also loved by a roster of celebrities like Bella Hadid, Rihanna, and Amanda Murray, who is the lead stylist at Barneys.

Since its rise to fame in fall last year, the Machiavellian denim-on-denim duo has seen many versions adapted by brands. Dion Lee opted for a boxy-cut denim top paired with shorts or jorts as some might call them, for their SS24 collection, whereas Celine kept it simple—a nod to its timeless appeal of channelling that 'quiet luxury' design aesthetic.

It may seem uncomplicated to score some basic denims on your trip to the mall, but finding the right silhouette and fit can be trickier than one might assume. Below, we list a few of our favourite brands serving denims that are not only consciously made but also versatile enough to cater to all styles.
 
Diesel

You cannot have a conversation about denim without Diesel’s Fall 2023/Spring 2024 ready-to-wear collections. Glenn Martens, the artistic director at Diesel, upped the ante by locking in extra street cred through his creative vision—carving out denim in all its forms. Think shredded jackets, discoloured denim pantaboots (a pant cum shoe), washed-out dresses, and regular jackets with big, bold, black splotches suggesting extensive wear or maybe excessive bleach application.

Valentino

Kaia Gerber was seen strutting the grass-locked runway for Valentino’s Haute Couture display wearing jeans made from silk gazar, hand-embroidered with microbeads and dyed in 80 shades of Indigo blue to resemble the artful denim. Rest assured that apart from this extravagant rotation, it’s safe to believe that denim remains a humble uniform for our leisurely days. Stack your wardrobe with this timeless silhouette and pair it up with a shredded denim jacket to ace the streetwear look. Or, try the safer route by matching your regular jeans with a cropped box-fit denim top. A pro tip, make sure the jeans match the indigo of your blouse for a cleaner look.

Rkive City

Fueled by momentos of the bygone era, archival culture is at its peak. For illustration look at the racks of Vestaire or Depop, courtesy of Gen Z's unparalleled love for 90s fashion. Thrifting is the sole game changer when it comes to building a sustainable shopping model. Rkive City by Ritwik Khanna challenges the status quo by reviving post-consumer textiles in India using various upcycling techniques. If you’re on the lookout for one-of-a-kind denim pieces—deconstructed, washed out, and exposed to natural patina—this is your cue.
 
Dhruv Kapoor

Think stop-and-stare sartorial investments when it comes to Dhruv Kapoor’s SS24 collection, titled Fantasms II. The key focus is on functional pieces that almost serve as an extension of the pocket-friendly cargo, pun intended—a nod to the utility aspect of denim. Kapoor showcased pieces with tie-up kaftan jacket detailing to utility vests and oversized denim maxi skirts. Our advice? Have a little fun playing with proportions and cling onto a large clutch (denim) bag as an arm candy for the night.

Polite Society

If your love for Glenn Martens’ magic at Y Project is true to the core, here’s a home-grown brand serving denim overalls, jackets, and even dresses to fit the winning bracket of deconstructed denims.

Huemn

For a fresh upgrade to your quotidian essentials, Huemn’s Spring’24 drop called ‘SuperHuemn’ is a capsule collection focused on relaxed and oversized denims. Find simple silhouettes with subtle exaggeration, transforming your everyday denims into statement pieces that won’t have you breaking the bank. Slide their denim jackets over your regular jeans or try playing around with size and scale if you love to experiment.

Also read: Will bold metallics be the trend for 2024?

Also read: Easy styling tips to don denims