To Denim, or Not to Denim

3.22.20

Katy Perry & Riff Raff 2014

A classic pair of jeans and a t-shirt is never a problem. However, when you’re wearing more than one pieces of denim at a time, this is probably the toughest outfit decision you’ve ever had to make for yourself. Is it acceptable for me, to wear denim on denim?

There are certain times where they is obviously okay, and likely necessary. For example, when the Jordan 4 Levi’s came out - what else would you wear with them? In a blue, black or white denim, you almost have to match the pants with the sneakers. Joggers and sweats just will not work. Here, it is important to match your denim tones in the sneakers and the pant, but play around with the rest of the look.

Russell Westbrook

Westbrook always has had a crazy sense of style. My point of advice when rocking denim on denim, is to split it up a bit. His hat, jacket pants and sneakers are all the same tone. There is no split up, but he carries a red bag that does pull out the red Jumpman logo on the tongue of the sneaker. I’m giving him a pass, but do not try this at home.

Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo makes his a bit more fun. He still has the hat, jacket, and pant all matching pretty closely to the denim of the sneakers, but is able to break it up. The pants kind of ombre from dark at the bottom to light at the top, and into the jacket. The jacket is open with the tan fur collar, and a graphic tee underneath. This makes the fit much more cozy and easily acceptable.

TIP

Now, the way you all should wear your Levi 4s. TIP is the King of the South, the King of Trap, and his sense of style is for sure one to keep your eyes on. He rocks his blue denim Levi 4s with a lighter acid wash denim, and pulls it together with a navy coat and beanie. Bring in some color with the yellow hoodie, that still feels good with the gold accents on the jacket and the tan accents on the shoe. Here is your everyday example of how to rock the shoe.

Now, if you’re just really into denim jackets or have some denim button-up top, or whatever it may be, this may be a bit tougher to get around. It can be done, but you must pay attention to detail. Your jeans and your denim jacket, should not be the same color. If they are, they need to be broken up by length, a graphic tee, or something in between.

Kanye on your left: light denim button up, light denim pant, light brown boot. Miserable look on his face, confused people all around, he looks like he is on his way to a rodeo show.

Kanye on your right: light cropped denim jacket, long green tshirt, black denim pant, light sneakers. Ye looks fun, chill, and ready to take on whatever the day has to offer.

Meek Mill on your left: Meek is wearing oversized baggy jeans, an oversized white tee, and an oversized leather jacket. His pants are halfway down his thighs and those pockets are to his knees. That t-shirt looks like it’s been through the washer a few too many times. I’ve never seen a denim wash leather jacket. I absolutely hate all of this. These denims look awful together, and nothing fits. You can tell this is old Meek, he doesn’t look quite well, himself.

Meek Mill on your right: Meek here is wearing a dark ripped denim, just slightly lighter denim jacket. Layering this with a light hoodie underneath with red writing, to match the red beanie and red sneakers. The layering, breaking up the denims, and adding in the color is everything. You have color in the top, the middle, and the bottom, to make anyone who passes you by, see your whole outfit, and not just a double denim look. Meek killed it here, and looks great.

So basically, just mix up your washes, or break up your denim. Add a graphic tee, add some color. If your denim is a suit, or a color itself, this isn’t even a question - rock it. Make people see a whole outfit, not just pants and a jacket. Have fun with it, and most importantly, make yourself comfortable. Denim is not the most comfortable material, so adding in your hats, long tees, etc. will make this more comfortable and less scary.

Here are a few more, positive examples.