Double denim.  The Texas Tuxedo.  Whatever you want to call it, denim on denim is not always the easiest combination to get right, but it’s a fun one when you do.  COS have delivered up a wonderful denim ensemble that both mum and I love.  It’s loose, comfy, stylish and cool.  What is particularly great is it is a two-piece that can be worn both together and as separate pieces to add to other items in your wardrobe for a bit of a reboot.   Denim is also such a wonderfully versatile colour, it goes with everything.

We have paired mum’s jacket and jeans with a striped shirt as the pattern works well in breaking up the two denim pieces.  I often like to use stripes as the basis of an outfit, it can serve as a more interesting building block than solid colours.  The shirt is a relaxed fit that compliments the a-line jacket well.  Adding a cardigan would also look great, but make sure that it is either ‘boxy’ or ‘a-line’ in shape otherwise it will not sit well over the shirt, for example this one or this one.

The jeans have an elasticated waist.  This is not a style that we would usually go for as sometimes the ruched waist affects the fit of the trousers around the tummy and bum but actually this particular pair sit very well.  It also makes them extremely comfy!  They are designed to be worn as ankle grazers (as seen on mum) but I would wear them more cropped and give the hem one roll.  As we all know by now, I love a statement sock – and mum is coming around to the idea too.  The burnt caramel with the blue is such a yummy colour combination but obviously you could opt for something more subtle like navy blue.   An ankle length boot would also work very well.  Maybe try something a bit more chunky like these ones…

This neckscarf is a really great find from & Other Stories.  It’s 100% polyester but it looks and feels like silk.   The colour and print are so pretty, perfect as we (oh so) slowly approach Spring.  It also comes in soft green which mum and I both have our eyes on….

I’ve gone for a more ‘full on’ double denim look but I have softened it with this lovely hand-made quilted jacket by Roake.  I wrote about this Isle of White based brand before Christmas.  Each piece is quietly and lovingly made by hand.  My jacket arrived with a little label telling me the name of the person who had made it (Alice, incase you’re wondering) .  I went for midnight blue but there are some other really pretty colours available. The jacket is going to be so incredibly versatile in my wardrobe, smartening up a simple outfit and adding warmth too!  Mum and I love to have a selection of interesting jackets in our wardrobes that serve both these purposes. 

A simple hack to keeping your outfits contemporary and cool is to layer a denim jacket under another coat.  It is a youthful but subtle way of maintaining an edge.  I think that they look particularly good under a smarter wool coat maybe in charcoal grey or navy.

After many seasons of jeans being cropped in some way, full length jeans are back, particularly in a wide leg.  This pair I found to be flattering as the high waist and very little elastic means that you are held in, in all the right places.  I should mention that in the pictures the fading on the jeans looks very pronounced but in real life, the fading is subtle. 

Lastly, if you are in the market for a classic Breton top that won’t break the bank but is good quality then look no further!  I have done the searching for you and found this one from Uniqlo.  Although this is dark red and white, it also comes in the traditional navy and white as well as a few other options. I don’t think that you can ever go wrong with having one (or two) good quality Bretons in your wardrobe….. 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA MOONEY

Sue’s wears…

Denim jacket, SOLD OUT but similar here

(I was in the Regent Street, London store this week and they had all the sizes so maybe try calling the shops)

Shirt, £69, COS

Jeans, £69, COS (all sizes were in store this week)

Neck scarf, £35, & Other Stories

Socks, £3.90, Uniqlo (mens)

Hannah wears…

Breton top, £19.90, Uniqlo

Denim jacket, very old Topshop but similar here

Jeans, £79, Arket

Jacket, £165, Roake (in midnight blue)

Trainers, £110, Nike

-DENIM EDIT-

(click on the image to the right to scroll through)