Julianne Moore's suit is the grown-up way to wear double denim

Double denim. Two words which can strike fear into even the most confident of dressers, conjuring images of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in those matching 'Canadian tuxedos' from the early 2000s.
It is, however, possible to rock jean on jean in ways that feel surprisingly elegant and cool. Julianne Moore gave us a double-denim masterclass last week when she wore a denim suit to an event celebrating the launch of the capsule collection she co-designed with Californian label Frank and Eileen, which will be available to buy this autumn.
Comprising a single-breasted, loose-fit denim blazer in mid blue with matching wide-leg jeans, the head-to-toe denim ensemble felt understated. Yet, styled as Moore did – with chunky gold jewellery and glowing make-up – it looked decidedly polished. It was a great evening look, as easy to pull off as it was elegant. This is the sophisticated way to do double denim for those over 40.
'Double denim has come a long way from its once-taboo status,' says stylist Nadia Phillips, who wore a Frankie Shop cropped indigo denim jacket and matching wide-leg jeans to London Fashion Week. 'When done right, it looks effortlessly cool, especially when adding contrast with accessories, or playing with proportions and shapes.'
According to trend forecaster WGSN's spring/summer 2025 report, this summer will see a shift towards denim tailoring and office wear, while wide-leg jeans will retain their spot as the dominant silhouette for another season, accounting for 27.1 per cent of the market. 'I've seen people wear a full denim look to meetings or dinners and look seriously chic,' says stylist and content creator Felicity Bird, whose background in retail consultancy means she understands corporate dress codes. 'It's just about styling it with polish. Think sharp accessories, a heel or loafer, and a clean white shirt or silk camisole.'
Still not sold on the idea of wearing double denim to your next board meeting or birthday dinner? A quick look at some recent runway moments might inspire, particularly the washed denim pleat-front palazzo pants and matching blazer Ralph Lauren showed for this season, an elegant look for a client meeting or spring lunch; or the ultra-polished indigo denim jacket and trouser combinations Tory Burch and Ulla Johnson showed in their autumn/winter 2025 collections, both of which had easy evening appeal.
'Denim is evolving beyond its casual roots, with designers incorporating structured tailoring and high-end finishes that make it suitable for formal settings,' says Phillips. 'Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent have introduced dark, sleek denim suits that feel more like modern tailoring than traditional denim, while Brunello Cuccinelli pairs denim blazers with cashmere turtlenecks, elevating the look.'
It's not just luxury brands that are serving brilliant denim suiting. High street names from Cos to Sézane, Paige, Levi's and Me+Em have launched interpretations this season. And once you've got your head around the idea of a denim 'suit', you realise its charm as a wonderfully versatile styling piece (there's a reason Me+Em's jacket is called the 'Wear With Everything Blazer'). After all, denim goes with everything, and the parts of a denim suit can be worn together or separately ensuring maximum mileage. The trick is to ensure both pieces are the same shade. Opt for good quality, minimally stretchy fabrics and structured fits, then pair with luxe fabrics like silk, suede and polished leather. A belt can also be useful to break up a look, just avoid big buckles which can veer a little too rodeo.
'Totême does really elegant denim that feels grown-up – their straight-leg jeans and jackets are great if you want something polished,' says Bird. 'I also love Citizens of Humanity for a more relaxed feel (its horseshoe jeans are a favourite), and Agolde is brilliant for trend-led cuts that still feel wearable – its low-slung baggy styles are so good. For high street, Arket and Cos have nailed the minimal look this season.'
How to wear a denim suit
For day
'Play on the slightly 1970s feel of a denim suit by adding a ruffle white cotton blouse and tan accessories,' says Florrie Thomas, stylist and co-founder of personal shopping platform Wrapp10. Sézane's Christie jacket and matching high-waisted flares have a similar feel that would work well.
Christie jacket, £170, and Martin trousers, £125, Sézane
Alternatively, Phillips and Bird suggest making it more relaxed with a white tee or tank, straight leg vintage wash jeans and ballet flats or trainers. Effortless but still pulled together.
As summer draws near, don't rule out the possibility of a denim blazer styled with shorts, either matching or leather, and strappy mules. Cos has a single-breasted blazer and matching Bermuda shorts that's comfortable but cool.
For work
For work, look for structured silhouettes – sharp lapels and defined shoulders. Simkhai and Paige both have great options, each with a slightly cinched waist that's super flattering. 'Layer over a white tee or fine knit with smart loafers and a sleek bag,' says Bird, 'to keep it elevated but not too try-hard.'
For evening
'For evening, opt for indigo denim for a smarter look or juxtapose your favourite pair with sparkly heels and a tuxedo shirt or blazer,' says Thomas. And don't forget to up the ante on accessories: a pair of diamanté earrings, red lipstick and slicked back hair take denim from daywear to dinner ready.
If you'd rather break it up, Phillips suggests pairing an oversized indigo denim blazer with shoulder pad details with black trousers and a fitted tank top and a great heel for a sleek, monochrome outfit.
Shop the look

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Sky News

5 hours ago

• Sky News

Festival season is here, but does politics have a place on the stage?

Festival season is under way, and leading the charge: the Isle of Wight Festival - dubbed "Europe's Woodstock" - with headliners including Sting and the Stereophonics. Former N-Sync star Justin Timberlake - a man who's crooned about his love of "dance, dance, dance" and has recently become a meme for his mic-centric moves on stage - is a headliner too. Meanwhile, Glastonbury Festival will see headline acts including Olivia Rodrigo, the 1975, and Charli XCX. But along with the headline stars and hot weather, politics has also found its way into the spotlight. Youth culture and political expression have long been part of the festival experience, with Vietnam, nuclear disarmament, Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine all attracting attention over the decades. This year, with geopolitics seemingly at a boiling point, the Israel-Hamas war has had far-reaching implications. As the Israel-Iran war follows in its wake, the conflict has prompted strong opinions on both sides. Irish-language rap trio Kneecap 's upcoming Glastonbury Festival set has become a flashpoint for robust debate, drawing protests from those calling for their set to be cancelled, as well as those championing their right to speak out. The root of the contention? Kneecap band member Liam O'Hanna, 27, was charged with a terror offence earlier this year, accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year. Hezbollah was proscribed in its entirety in 2019 because the government classed it as a terrorist organisation and said its attacks on Israel were "attempts to destabilise the fragile situation in the Middle East". Although "removed" from playing at Scottish music festival TRNSMT next month due to "safety concerns", Kneecap have remained on the Glastonbury bill, prompting the question: Is the stage a place for political opinion? 'If we think we're separate from world events, we're kidding ourselves' Faithless star Sister Bliss, who performed at the first of the re-instated Isle of Wight Festivals and is performing again this year, tells Sky News: "If we think that we're separate from world events, we're absolutely kidding ourselves. Our lives are tied intrinsically to everybody else's on the planet. "You can have certain people that express that in a way that is perhaps a tad crass, but I love that lyrically - especially on our records, in songs that we've made over the last 30 years - I feel that you can combine the personal and political in a way that's not tub-thumping or simplistic. These issues are very nuanced that are going on in the world right now." Speaking to Sky News at the Isle of Wight Festival, Clean Bandit star Grace Chatto says artists are right to use the stage to amplify their voice. "It is such a great place for political speech, like when Jeremy Corbyn spoke at Glastonbury - it was the most attended thing of the whole event, and it just brought such a feeling of unity and hope in that field on that day". The 39-year-old cellist adds: "Then recently, Kneecap and Massive Attack have just been so important, I think, and amazing." Earlier this month, Massive Attack, who have previously been critical of Israel, included footage of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his family as part of a video montage at one of their concerts. 'I've got loads of friends who are absolute idiots politically' Fresh from the Isle of Wight Main Stage, Mae Muller tells Sky News: "With what's happening in Gaza, I know that's been a very prominent theme with people saying, 'Should we speak out about it or not?' But that's not political, it's a human rights issue. "It's important for us to use our voice, because not everybody can. If we feel strongly about something, and we can stand behind it, I think [the stage is] definitely a place to do it." Muller, who represented the UK at last year's Eurovision Song Competition - which became a highly politicised event despite the attempts of the organisers to keep it from the stage - continues: "Art is inherently political, and you can't really escape it. And we shouldn't want to escape it. It can be two things at once. [Politics] and fun can coexist." Meanwhile, Razorlight front-man Johnny Borrell, ahead of his Main Stage performance, tells Sky News: "Why not say what you believe in? Why does everyone get so precious? "You can disagree with people. I've got loads of friends who are absolute idiots politically - they think the earth is flat. I like them as people, but I completely disagree with them in politics". Borrell adds: "We don't have a problem with disagreeing, but if everyone's tapping away [mimes typing on a phone] and they're like, 'No, I'm really angry, I'm going to tap back,' that's a different thing. That's what's changed recently." A 'disruptor' festival, showing the world that anything is possible' Regardless of the polarised times, Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings, 72, says the Isle of Wight Festival experience should be a break from activism rather than a call to arms. The 72-year-old, who represents artists ranging from Blondie to Phil Collins, told Sky News: "We're purely about music and entertainment, and we are to switch off from politics for three or four days. We're in the business of entertaining people, not preaching to people. And I don't understand why people attempt to. That's a different forum." Giddings, who relaunched the iconic festival after it was outlawed by authorities in 1970, fearing the crowds and rowdy behaviour could detract from the island, may be keen to avoid political controversy, but he's keen to break the mould in other areas. Following a long line of stars before him, including Bob Dylon, Jimi Hendrix and Joni Mitchell, singer Emmanuel Kelly has become the first physically differently-abled artist to perform on the Isle of Wight Festival's Main Stage. The 31-year-old former X Factor star, who supported Coldplay on their Music Of The Spheres tour last year, says as far as accessibility is concerned, the Isle of Wight Festival is a trailblazer. Kelly tells Sky News: "Somebody that's different is on the stage and is able to show the world that anything's possible." Echoing the festival's early rebel roots, he credits it with being a "disruptor", adding, "They make the extra effort to teach the others around the world to make the extra effort as well… It's important and it's happening and I'm excited for it." The Isle of Wight Festival runs until Sunday 22 June, with the Glastonbury Festival kicking off on 25 June.

The Herald Scotland

14 hours ago

• The Herald Scotland

Stereophonics headline Isle of Wight Festival for fourth time

The band played many fans' favourites including Have A Nice Day and Dakota. A total of 55,000 party-goers have crossed the Solent to reach Seaclose Park in Newport, for the four-day festival. The Stereophonics set came after Sting played a greatest hits show on the Friday night with Justin Timberlake closing the event on Sunday. Yard Act performing at the Isle of Wight Festival (Ben Mitchell/PA) Appearing in the Big Top stage on Saturday were Mercury Prize winners English Teacher who had fans dancing along to their hit The World's Biggest Paving Slab. They were followed by Leeds-based Yard Act who finished their energetic set with 100% Endurance. Front man James Smith wore a Free Palestine badge and before their final song said to the audience: 'Free Palestine, end the genocide.' The night in the Big Top was signed off by Britpop stars Supergrass who played their first album I Should Coco in its entirety to celebrate the 30 years since it was released. Lead singer Gaz Coombes said: 'We f****** loved making it, we loved all the madcap places it took us.' Other bands which appeared on the main stage on Saturday included The Script, Razorlight, Busted and Paul Heaton featuring Rianne Downey.

Scottish Sun

a day ago

• Scottish Sun

Jude Bellingham's girlfriend Ashlyn Castro stuns in custom Real Madrid crop top

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JUDE BELLINGHAM's girlfriend Ashlyn Castro has stunned in a custom Real Madrid outfit. The 27-year-old is currently Stateside supporting the England star at the Club World Cup. 6 Ashlyn Castro has shown off her chic new Real Madrid-inspired look Credit: 6 The Californian model is currently dating Jude Bellingham Credit: 6 Castro was recently pictured at the Bernabeu watching her man in action Credit: PA 6 The pair went public with their romance in January Credit: La Liga Bellingham's Real Madrid opened up the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Saudi side Al-Hilal. The former Dortmund midfielder failed to find the net as Xabi Alonso's men were frustrated in front of goal. But Bellingham is certainly winning off the pitch with Californian model Ashlyn. The influencer showed off a custom Madrid creation ahead of Sunday's clash with Mexican side Pachuca. WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN Ashlyn took a mirror selfie of her wearing the Real shirt, which had been modified into a crop top. Castro was first pictured with the Three Lions ace in January. SunSport revealed Bellingham had whisked Ashlyn away for a series of dates over the New Year. And she'd even met his parents on a visit to the Spanish capital. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Ashlyn has previously been linked with Hollywood actor Michael B Jordan and NBA stars LaMelo Ball and Terance Mann. She boasts 540,000 followers on Instagram, where she keeps fans updated with her luxury travels around the world. Jobe Bellingham Stepping Out of Judes Shadow A recent update saw the Californian beauty rock a gorgeous fitted green outfit. One fan gasped in response: "I think this is Bellingham's best goal." While a second added: "You are just outrageous." Ashlyn has also amassed a huge following on TikTok where she posts makeup tutorials and shares fashion advice with fans. Bellingham was previously linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk. 6 Castro is a model and influencer from California Credit: Instagram @ashlyncastro 6 She boasts over 500,000 followers on Instagram Credit: instagram His brother Jobe recently followed in his sibling's footsteps, joining Dortmund from Sunderland. The 19-year-old netted his first goal for the club in Saturday's CWC showdown with Mamelodi. Dortmund shelled out £32million for the teenager. But the price tag - and comparisons with his big brother - are just distractions to the midfielder. Jobe said: "I don't really care how it looks, but it might look a bit contradictory to some people. "I was perhaps being biased against Dortmund for a very long time, because I have anxieties and fears, and you want to be your own man. "But I don't think I should let those stop me from making the right decision."