Yahoo
Advertisement
Advertisement
Marie Claire

Beyoncé Rebranded the Controversial Denim-on-Denim Trend

Emma Childs
7 min read
  • Denim-on-denim outfits are a major trend for 2025, with celebrities like Rihanna and Beyonce leading the way.

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

A collage of denim-on-denim outfits featuring fashion week street style guests wearing jeans and denim jackets and Beyoncé in jeans and denim jacket.

Credit: Future

You don't need to pay close attention to the trend cycle to know that denim-on-denim outfits are everywhere. On city sidewalks and Fashion Week runways, in celebrity Instagram photo carousels, and in TikTok's fit-check videos, 2025's decked-out double-denim trend is polished, playful, contemporary—even elegant . It's a world away from the cringy all-jean looks that plagued early 2000s fashion .

Look first to the all-time arbiter of fashion trends to try—Rihanna. In a late January date night outfit with A$AP Rocky , the Fenty Beauty founder chose a cropped denim jacket with big baggy jeans and a sleek leather trench coat. This was not a body-con date-night dress and sharp stilettos—Rihanna's outfit was relaxed, easy, uncomplicated, and, without question, cool.

Rihanna is seen on January 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Rihanna on January 29 in her date-night denim. | Credit: Getty Images

But credit for bringing the denim-on-denim trend back into the fashion conversation must go to Beyoncé , whose Cowboy Carter tuxedos rebranded the previously controversial look last spring. Now, after the iconoclastic country album won Album of the Year and Best Country Album at the 2025 Grammys —and Beyoncé taking CC on tour , too—the look will unquestionably see a spike as a spring 2025 trend .

Beyoncé wearing a a jean jacket, high-rise denim jeans, a white cowboy hat, and sunglasses.

Credit: @beyonce

Recent runway collections have also doubled as love letters to the sturdy textile. A slew of luxury designers—Acne Studios, Coach, and Ralph Lauren, among many others—paired the hardworking materials in head-to-toe looks. Simply put, the 2025 denim trend playbook includes wearing as much wear-and-tear material as possible.

Advertisement
Advertisement

But this isn't the Wild Wild West; several styling tactics remain to be considered when playing with textiles this season. Ahead, street-style looks featuring denim-on-denim outfits and some styling tips to ensure yours don't teeter into cowboy costume territory (unless, of course, you're crafting your Cowboy Carter concert outfit, which, in that case, full steam ahead.)

A Denim Maxi Skirt and Chambray Shirt

Lindsay Peoples wearing a denim shirt and denim maxi skirt at Paris Fashion Week in March 2024

Casual without being too informal, a jean-skirt-and-shirt combo is worth adding to your everyday outfit roster. | Credit: Future/Tyler Joe

Give your blue jeans the day off, and slip into a long denim skirt instead. Then, tuck in a chambray shirt in a similar wash (it doesn't have to be a picture-perfect match, but you want them to be close to each other on the color wheel). Notice how her accessories—a black leather belt, chain-link shoulder bag, and animal print pumps—contrast against the denim's light wash to balance out the look.

Easy Denim Shirt

Good American Easy Denim Shirt

FrameDorothy Denim Maxi Skirt

Frame Dorothy Denim Maxi Skirt

Charlie Heel

Tony Bianco Charlie Heel

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Denim Suit

Olivia Palermo wears black top, blue denim blazer with matching flared jeans, taupe Hermes bag, black heels, outside Zimmermann, during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 04, 2024 in Paris, France.

Take it from Olivia Palermo: a denim suit leaves a smart style impression. | Credit: Getty Images

A denim suit is the outfit answer for in-office work days when you want to look put-together but not too formal and stuffy. The tailored separates make the outfit inherently professional, while its denim fabrication gives it a laid-back slant. Finish the look with a simple pair of pointed-toe pumps.

Christie Jacket - Cyan - 0rganic Cotton - Textile Made From Organic Fibers - Sézane

Sézane Christie Jacket

Martin Trousers - Cyan - Organic Cotton - Organic Textile - Sézane

Sézane Martin Trousers

Bianka Sling Back

Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Back

Advertisement
Advertisement

Contrasting Washes

Stephanie Broek wearing a blue denim Chanel jacket and bag, Chanel broach and boots, black jeans, and Maison Margiela sunglasses outside the Chanel show during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 05, 2024, in Paris, France.

Play with various washes—there's no need to be completely matchy-matchy. | Credit: Getty Images

Varied denim washes are where you can have fun: an indigo blue with heathered gray, dark denim with an acid wash—feel free to get creative. You can replicate the above look with a true blue jean jacket and baggy black jeans. Add some sparkle via a diamond tennis bracelet or crystal-embellished brooch for a touch of glam.

Crop Relaxed Denim Trucker Jacket

Madewell Crop Relaxed Denim Trucker Jacket

We the Free Tinsley Baggy High-Rise Jeans

We the Free Tinsley Baggy High-Rise Jeans

Twist Skinny Brooch

Heaven Mayhem Twist Skinny Brooch

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Denim Bermuda Short and Shacket

Janka Polliani wears blue shorts, light blue tank top, blue shirt outside Ganni during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 on August 10, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Here, an effortless pairing to try on the next casual Saturday you spend running errands. | Credit: Getty Images

Bermuda shorts are steadily gaining speed as a break-out summer 2024 trend . So, for eager fashion enthusiasts, why not combine two trends in one outfit by opting for a pair of long-line jean shorts and adding a denim shacket, too? A high-quality white tank top—like Atm's stretch-jersey style—is a great base to build the look around.

Rib Scoop Neck Cotton Tank

Nordstrom Rib Scoop Neck Cotton Tank

Rona Box Shirt

AGOLDE Rona Box Shirt

Montana Denim Bermuda Shorts

Free People Montana Denim Bermuda Shorts

Advertisement
Advertisement

A White-on-White Combo

Belen Hostalet was seen wearing brown bag, cropped white jeans jacket as well as white denim jeans outside before Zimmermann Fashion Show during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024/2025 as part of Paris Fashion Week on March 04, 2024 in Paris, France.

It's crisp. It's sophisticated. All-white denim is a combo worth trying. (Just watch out for stains) | Credit: Getty Images

Break out of blue-washes with white jeans and a crisp denim jacket. It's a smart hack that doesn't read Western but stays true to the casual feel of a true-blue denim look. A cheeky pop of color—like a handbag in the ever-present red color trend , will keep the outfit from feeling completely neutral.

Luna Belted Denim Jacket

Reformation Luna Belted Denim Jacket

Banana Republic Mid-Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

Banana Republic Mid-Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Shoulder Bag in Patent Leather

Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Shoulder Bag in Patent Leather

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Cropped Denim Jacket and High-Waisted Jeans

woman at fashion week in the street wearing a cropped denim jacket and denim pants with a white back and black shoes

Forgo oversized and look for a jean jacket that hits just above your belly button. | Credit: Launchmetrics

The primary factor in an outfit's success is its proportions. This Fashion Week show-goer strategically teamed an ultra-cropped denim jacket with high-waisted trousers, masterfully balancing each piece's dimensions. It's a simple detail with a high-style payoff.

Jori Cropped Denim Jacket

Reformation Jori Cropped Denim Jacket

AG Jeans Kora

AG Jeans Kora

Marge Sherwood Off-White Integrated Strap Shoulder Bag

Marge Sherwood Off-White Integrated Strap Shoulder Bag

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Cuffed Co-Ord

Woman standing on the street wearing a denim jacket with cuffed denim pants and white heels

When in doubt, a floral silk scarf will add a touch of retro glamour to a full denim look. | Credit: Launchmetrics

Follow this sharply dressed Fashion Week guest's lead and accessorize a utilitarian denim co-ord with a silk scarf to soften the look. The result blends old-school glamour with workwear practicality.

The Otto Denim Jacket

Favorite Daughter The Otto Denim Jacket

Ulla Johnson blue The Genevieve Topstitch Nonstretch Jeans on a white background

Ulla Johnson The Genevieve Topstitch Nonstretch Jeans

Double Sided Silk Scarf of Pink Garden

Jessie Zhao New York Double Sided Silk Scarf of Pink Garden

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Jean Dress With Denim Heels

Grece Ghanem is seen wearing a white shirt, long denim maxi dress, and beige bag outside Sportmax during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024 on February 24, 2023 in Milan, Italy.

A worthwhile reminder: don't limit yourself to only denim ready-to-wear. | Credit: Getty Images

The star of this look is undeniably the strapless denim maxi dress, artfully layered over a crisp white button-down shirt . But the shoes deserve some appreciation, too: By opting for denim pumps, this Fashion Week guest carries the outfit's theme from head to toe. A pair like Schutz's block-heel sandals allows you to test-drive the look yourself.

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford

J.Crew Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford

Gap Ultrasoft Denim Maxi Dress

Gap Ultrasoft Denim Maxi Dress

Arissa Block Mule

Schutz Arissa Block Mule

Advertisement
Advertisement

A Two-Tone Jean Jacket and a Midi Skirt

Tamu McPherson wears sunglasses, a bi-color dark blue and pale blue denim jacket, a white t-shirt, a blue slit denim skirt, a bag, black leather ankle boots, outside Stella McCartney, during the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 as part of Paris Fashion Week on October 02, 2023 in Paris, France.

Tamu McPherson's take on denim-on-denim is whimsical without feeling childish. | Credit: Getty Images

A two-tone jean jacket will do the color-clashing for you. The rest of the outfit is up to you—but, as demonstrated, a split-front denim midi and easy white tank top master the job perfectly.

Wacoal white Square Neck Cotton Tank on white background

Wacoal Square Neck Cotton Tank

Levi's Western Trucker Jacket

Levi's Western Trucker Jacket

Chicago Denim Maxi Skirt

Rolla's Chicago Denim Maxi Skirt

A Denim Corset and Trousers

Maria Bernad wears denim top, jeans outside Burc Akyol during the Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 20, 2023 in Paris, France.

A pair of platforms and some metallic flash on your wrist complete the look. | Credit: Getty Images

When you've grown tired of your usual going-out outfits (you can't wear a sequined skirt and strapless top every weekend), try a denim bustier and jean trousers instead. The combo is unexpected, which is always a plus in a late-night look, and it demonstrates the full range of denim-on-denim possibilities.

Denim Bustier Crop Top

Good American Denim Bustier Crop Top

Good American Good Skate High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

Good American Good Skate High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

Baguette Shoulder Bag

8 Other Reasons Baguette Shoulder Bag

A Bedazzled Dark Denim Set

A guest wears white latte vintage sunglasses, black and crystals earrings, a dark gray denim with embroidered crystals buttoned jacket, matching dark gray denim with embroidered crystals wide legs pants, a black nylon nailed / studded handbag, silver shiny varnished leather pointed pumps heels shoes , outside Munthe, during the Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 on August 10, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The shimmering silver studs fixed on the gray-wash denim separates make this Fashion Week guest look like the starry night sky. | Credit: Getty Images

It's an incontestable rule: high-shine embellishments mean more fun for everyone. Add a disco spirit to your outerwear collection with a crystal-embellished jean jacket. As for styling the shiny number, you can level up the look with similarly shiny bottoms, but a pair of simple jeans also works.

Pistola Denim Mandy JacketMandy Jacket

Pistola Denim Mandy Jacket Mandy Jacket

Sea Bala Beaded Denim Jeans

Sea Bala Beaded Denim Jeans

Carolyne Metallic Leather Mid-Heel Slingback Pumps

Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Metallic Leather Mid-Heel Slingback Pumps

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Mobilize your Website
View Site in Mobile | Classic
Share by: