We revel in rules that are made to be broken, from mixed prints to short shorts. If you want to talk about the fashion holy grail, tackling the infamous denim on denim trend must be a part of the conversation. It’s time to rid your mind of the Canadian Tuxedo faux pas, and embrace the beauty that is layered denim washes. These 20 rockin’ style inspirations will get you started.

1. All Denim Jumper: So much for starting off slow! No need to ease into the trend, an adorable denim romper will take it full-force. A cut like this, as seen at Coachella, will give you legs for dayyys. (via Refinery29)

2. Side-Slit Striped Tunic ($50): Break up matching washes and denim accessories with a bold stripe. This loose fit works well with the casual denim feel.

3. Mix and Match Washes: The easiest way to test the waters with this trend is to pair denim in contrasting washes. The distressed blue top with dark wash jeans are a perfect match when paired with brown leather accents. (via Clio Goldbrenner)

4. Denim Crochet TOMS ($59): This adorable and airy pair is simply begging to be matched with your go-to summer cutoffs.

5. True-to-Life Canadian Tuxedo: The secret to this daring style? Identical washes in layers. And it’s best served with a splash of color. (via Man Repeller)

6. Blue Denim Anorak ($78): Cozy denim perfection, right this way. Add a white v-neck tee and dark wash jeans to complete this casual outfit.

7. Denim + Leather Baseball Cap: ($59): Don’t discount accessories when it comes to layering prints and materials. We are totally crushing on this leather and denim combo.

8. Floral Denim Shorts ($16): With denim hues and a romantic pattern, we couldn’t resist throwing these shorts into the mix. A chambray shirt and bold belt would work wonders.

9. Denim Fanny Pack ($24): For those aiming for head-to-toe denim, this fanny pack should do the trick. Bonus points when you pair it with festival attire.

10. Denim Longline Biker Jacket ($46): White wash, tastefully done! Especially when paired with — you guessed it — more denim.

11. Paris Getaway Cutoffs ($46): If you’re hesitant about mixing denim washes, throw a print in the mix. Besides, Paris is always a good idea.

12. Stanton Dress ($211): The denim… sorry… devil is in the details. Ombre wash, fringe skirt and pockets make this denim dress full on splurge-worthy.

13. Contrast Denim Dress ($76): With built-in contrast panels, this dress does all of the denim work for you.

14. Denim Bow Headband ($15): Feeling classic? While we love the retro red lip and polka dot pairing, the possibilities with this denim accessory are endless.

15. Get Distressed: Don’t leave your holy jeans in high school. Master the layering trend by contrasting distressed and washed-out denim. (via StyleBistro)

16. Gemstone Floral Silk Tee ($118): This bold and loud printed top catches the eye when sandwiched between complementing denim washes.

17. Denim on Denim on Denim: If you want to take your denim venture to the extreme, take a chic hint from blogger, Blair Eadie. (via Atlantic-Pacific)

18. Washed Out Meets Dark Wash: This look proves, once and for all, that denim-on-denim restrictions are a thing of the past. (via Refinery 29)

19. Denim Co-ord Jeggings in Daisy Print ($40): Worn together or as separates, these floral printed denim pieces are sure to get you a second glance.

20. Denim-inspo Nail Art: When you’re ready for the final touch, this denim mani should do just that. Faux studs and seams across OPI’s Dating a Royal make the perfect denim accessory. (via Fear No Beauty)

Are we missing a layer? Share your denim-on-denim pointers below.

Nicole Spears
Nicole is an Ohio transplant in NYC. She works with the latest and greatest tech startups at LaunchSquad by day, and takes a stab at being a fitness and #selfie queen by night. More on that at NicoleESpears.com.