The New Canadian Tuxedo

The Canadian Tuxedo. It lives in fashion infamy.

Also known as “denim on denim”, love it or hate it the look has popped up decade after decade from the streets of Milan to celebs like Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus.

This season all things retro are the BIZ so of course that means denim in all it’s iterations but with a modern twist. The New Canadian Tuxedo.

On the runways we are seeing new ways to layer the utilitarian fabric by switching up silhouettes and adding contrasting materials. Printed denim and layering varied shades and colors of denim lead the way while softer approaches pair feminine pieces like denim skirts with the rough and ready fabric of a tough denim jacket or denim shirt.

When gathering your gear look for oversized 90’s inspired denim jackets, printed or logoed denim skirts, vintage inspired jeans aka straight leg, flared and boot-cut denim, chambray tops, denim coveralls and anything with color.

The key is to pair the denim so that the look has depth. Even though you are wearing denim head to toe there should be little moments that let each piece shine individually while still being cohesive as a whole look. Don’t shy away from color or pattern- they are your BFF for creating a look that has interest.

Give the new denim on denim aka Canadian Tuxedo a try this season, I promise you’ll look nothing like early 2000s Britney and Justin.. unless you want to.

Fashion Facts-

The Term “Canadian Tuxedo” is a misnomer: It was an American, crooner Bing Crosby, who first donned the ensemble, wearing an actual denim tuxedo jacket that Levi Strauss made for him after he was denied entry from a Vancouver hotel with a strict dress code.

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Double Up on Denim

It’s the question that divides the fashion nation: Should you or shouldn’t you double up on your denim?

I say heck’s YES you should. Double denim done the right way is totally fricking cool.

For 2020 designers showcased denim on denim parings in both mens and womens shows, re-imagining the look far beyond just the expected jeans and a denim jacket into something totally fresh and new. From wide leg pleat detailed denim jeans with easy over-sized chambray tops at Stella McCartney to fully tailored denim suits layered over denim bralettes at Tom Ford it was all about America’s fabric this season.

When bringing the double denim look to reality, it takes a little practice. There are a few easy tricks to consider when rocking this trend:

The most important rule is to make sure to pair different shades of denim together. Contrasting your top and bottom pieces is essential to give your look depth and style. The pieces should be at least two shades apart in hues.
Use the two shades to your advantage. As a general rule, lighter shades of denim draw attention to the body parts they cover, while darker washes create a slimming effect. Place them according to what you want to accentuate and what you want to minimize.
Pair denim of different weights and washes. Chambray with a heavier denim, Acid wash with a vintage wash, etc.
Keep the denim on your body, and avoid denim accessories at all costs. Double denim is a trend that should be limited to key pieces, such as jeans, shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts and jackets.

The best thing about experimenting with the double denim trend is that anyone can try it. We all have a pair of jeans in our wardrobe, and most of us have either a denim jacket, denim shirt (or both) hanging inside as well.

That means it won’t cost you anything to experiment by putting these pieces together and seeing if it’s a new season trend that will work for you.