3 Rules When Wearing Double Denim Taken From Jessica Alba

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Forget everything you learned about not wearing double denim.

Denim plus denim is an outfit that you can pull off. But wearing two denim pieces in one ensemble can be a little tricky so we looked up to Jessica Alba’s most recent New York outing for some double denim ground rules.

Jessica Alba wearing double denim in New York City on September 9, 2014Jessica Alba wearing double denim in New York City on September 9, 2014

1. Mix Two Shades of Denim

First, the 33-year-old mixed two shades of denim. Her pair of ripped boyfriend jeans has a lighter tone while her button down shirt looks several shades darker. If you are going to wear denim with another denim, make sure they are closely similar in color.

Try not to pair dark, acid-washed denim with a blue denim top. That’s bound to be a disaster. So if you are wearing dark denim pants, a similar black or grey denim top would work. In the same way, blue denim will work best with another shade of blue.

Jessica Alba's ripped boyfriend jeans have a lighter tone while her button down shirt looks several shades darkerJessica Alba’s ripped boyfriend jeans have a lighter tone while her button down shirt looks several shades darker

2. Keep Texture in Mind

Jeans are definitely stiffer and rougher. Look for a denim top that has a softer texture so it will drape well over your body and not look too stiff and overpowering.

Jessica Alba carries a sleek Reece Hudson backpack styled in smooth leather with gunmetal-tone hardwareJessica Alba carries a sleek Reece Hudson backpack styled in smooth leather with gunmetal-tone hardware

3. Keep Accessories Simple and Minimal

The denim look already has a strong vibe to it. Opt for solid-colored shoes just like the actress’ pair of white pumps. Your jewelry should also be simple and nondescript.

Also, we weren’t expecting the fashion icon/business mogul to wear a leather backpack with it. We’re definitely eyeing her Reece Hudson Siren backpack ($895 at Shopbop) that is styled in smooth leather with gunmetal-tone hardware.

To make your work easier, we came up with three outfit coordinates for a perfect Jessica Alba-inspired denim-on-denim look.

1. McGuire Denim Mrs. Robinson Jeans, $258.00

McGuire Denim Mrs. Robinson Jeans

Wear it with:

Maison Scotch Star-Studded Button Down Shirt, $189.00
Gianvito Rossi Bonnie Pumps, $775.67
McQ Alexander McQueen Leather Knapsack, $995.00

McGuire Denim Mrs Robinson Jeans coordinates

2. McQ Alexander McQueen Patched Boyfriend Jeans, $505.00

McQ Alexander McQueen Patched Boyfriend Jeans

Wear it with:

AG Adriano Goldschmied Finch Chambray Shirt, $178.00
Sophia Webster Coco Lunar Flamingo Pumps, $551.63
Alexander Wang Prisma Skeletal Backpack, $1,050.00

McQ Alexander McQueen Patched Boyfriend Jeans coordinates

3. Free People Boyfriend Jeans, $148.00

Free People Boyfriend Jeans

Wear it with:

Rag & Bone/JEAN The Tent Shirt, $138.60
Dolce & Gabbana Single Sole Pumps, $1,195.00
Milly Riley Backpack, $425.00

Free People Boyfriend Jeans coordinates

Would you brave a denim-on-denim look just like Jessica Alba?

Credit: WENN.com