How to style double denim like our fashion experts SheerLuxe

How to wear double denim like our SheerLuxe fashion experts

Double denim can be a tricky trend to style! Also playfully known as a ‘Canadian tuxedo’, it’s usually worn as a pair of jeans, teamed with denim jackets and shirts. While some people sit on the fence and question whether it’s ok to wear double denim for regular, day-to-day outfits. At Primark, we see double denim as an effortless way to look put-together. Cool, low-maintenance, with just the right touch of nostalgia, mix washes and play with proportions to make it your own.

Interested? Brilliant. Need styling inspo? Read on! Showing you how to wear double denim, featuring pieces from our most recent collections, keep scrolling for exclusive styling advice from SheerLuxe fashion and beauty editor Sapna Rao, and fashion writer and stylist Karina Marriott. From playful blue jean outfits to an on-trend brown denim co-ord sets, you can’t go wrong with these key fashion expert tips!

Double denim for everyday: denim shirt with jeans

Double denim is the easiest way to look polished for everyday - unfussy, versatile and endlessly repeatable. Think of it as a modern uniform: anchor your outfit with two well-cut denim pieces, then decide whether to mix washes for contrast or keep it tonal for a sleek finish. Balance proportions (boxy with slim, oversized with fitted), add a simple base layer and finish with minimal women’s accessories to keep the look intentional. To bring this formula to life, we’ve teamed up with SheerLuxe’s Sapna Rao, whose everyday take on double denim nails the fine line between polish and ease.

“Denim is the backbone of any good wardrobe and Primark has long been one of our favourites.” Sapna Rao

Starting off strong, we have this timeless everyday double denim look from Sapna, which puts the trusted jean and denim shirt combo front and centre.

• Begin with straight leg jeans – Sapna’s “biggest denim ick” is when jeans end high up the ankle of your shoe. Fortunately, these Primark straight leg jeans end at the perfect point of the leg. For her, “this wash is my ideal everyday denim”, and movement feels easy.

• Then match with a denim shirt – The shape of the jeans contrasts perfectly with an oversized denim shirt to balance proportions. Sapna emphasises that while she’s paired it with a bodysuit, “you could just wear it closed, buttoned up and tucked in”, just as effectively.

• Add a bit of colour – Her personal addition here is red knitwear around the shoulders. Not only is it a great layer for those colder seasons, but it also adds a real “dimension to the look.” A great go-to for your jeans with a jean shirt outfit.

• Accessorise –Don’t underestimate the importance of shoes, bags and earrings with double denim. Jelly shoes are a comfortable option for the weekend or for mid-week coffee runs with friends, while a pair of statement earrings works hard to prevent the outfit from looking too casual. Sapna finishes off with an everyday weekend bag to complete the look.

Chic weekend style: denim jacket with jeans

For a chic weekend take on double denim, keep the colour palette refined and amplify texture. We love a fine-knit base or waistcoat under a structured denim jacket, with a pair of high-rise, straight, or wide leg jeans. Finish with stylish flats or heeled boots, a structured bag and minimal mixed-metal jewellery. Pressed hems, clean cuffs and hardware make the look feel considered, not casual. With that in mind, here’s how Sapna Rao brings this to life.

“Potentially my favourite pair on the rail are these drawstring high-waisted wide leg jeans. So nice!” Sapna Rao

This second look has Sapna “obsessed” and for good reason. Offering a chic weekend vibe through a colour-coordinated denim jacket and jeans combination, who said you can’t have fun when choosing your double denim looks?

• Wide leg jeans to start – “The tone of this chocolate-coloured set is so good, and these jeans are like my ideal fit.” A classic wide leg, high-waisted silhouette is Sapna’s preference for this look.

• Layer the denim jacket – Continuing the neutral tones is the matching denim jacket. You can stay true to size for a slightly more cinched look, but her suggestion is to size it up for “a more boxy denim jacket.” Don’t forget a grey shirt underneath! The grey adds contrast to break up the layers, while the cooler tone complements the warmth of the chocolate brown set.

• Then the accessories – Jelly shoes again, but this time to give it that “elevated” look. She’s swapping out the previous earrings for a two-toned silver and gold pair, “which goes nicely with this chocolate brown,” Because it’s all in the details…

• Versatility is key – The best part of this look is its adaptability. Sapna provides many options, like adding a waistcoat, swapping in ecru jeans, or tying a striped shirt around your waist for something trendier.

The ultimate evening look: A double denim coord

For dressier moments, ground double denim in tailoring. Use a structured blazer as your outer layer, opt for a straight leg cut, or pair your jeans with a waist-defining top to sharpen the silhouette. Finish with sleek footwear like pointed loafers, slingbacks or heeled boots, and let statement accessories do the rest. Texture instantly upgrades denim, so add suede or faux leather belts, bags and shoes to make the outfit feel effortlessly chic. Our fashion expert Karina demonstrates this perfectly with the help of our double-denim co-ord.

“I’m a huge fan of double denim, and this just feels like a really luxe modern way to style double denim for autumn.” Karina Marriott

Karina’s ultimate eveningwear look shows just how many special occasion looks you can get from a double denim co-ord.

• A dark wash, wide leg foundation – Karina highlights that these wide leg jeans “have the perfect proportions for curves,” especially for figures with smaller waists and fuller thighs.

• Complement with footwear – Her favourite aspect of the whole look is that the denim silhouette “really lengthens me,” But if you need a little extra lift, nothing says date night like a pair of leopard print slingback heels!

• Elevate with accessories - Karina is a fan of playing with texture. The two-tone earrings return this time as a playful accompaniment to the evening look, alongside a faux suede bowling bag.

How to style double denim like a fashion expert: key styling tips

• Washes: Matching vs contrasting - Matching washes give a coordinated look; contrast adds personality.

• Proportion balancing: Pair loose tops with form-fitting jeans, or slim tops with wide leg jeans.

• Layering: Insert layers like T-shirts, turtlenecks and jackets to add dimension.

• Accessorise: Belts, shoes, womens bags, and eyewear are your finishing touches.

• Colour control: A white tee or neutral tones soften light and mid-blue denim; darker washes look more polished.

Background

Sapna Rao is a London-based fashion and beauty editor for the publication SheerLuxe. Her styling content on social media has garnered a huge following on platforms such as Instagram and has established her as a core UK fashion influencer for the younger generation.

Karina Marriott is an award-winning fashion influencer, specialised in providing passionate storytelling centred around the everyday girl. She runs the fashion blog The Style Idealist, as well as producing thoughtful commentary on fashion for plus-sized and curvy women.