How to Wear a Canadian Tuxedo Like Your Favorite Denim Icon
One cursory search through everyone's closet and it's clear — we all have a thing for denim. Vintage denim, designer denim, denim shirts, denim accessories, we can't seem to get enough. So, it should come as no surprise that one of the most polarizing denim trends is still very much on everyone's radar: the Canadian tuxedo. And it seems we aren't the only ones. Denim on denim is a celebrity favorite as well. Who can forget the moment that Britney and Justin stepped out to the 2001 American Music Awards in coordinating denim ensembles? Iconic!
Of course, Britney and Justin weren't the first celebrities to wear denim on denim. Major fashion influencers (Cher! Madonna! Tyra!) have been slaying in Canadian tuxedos since before most us even knew where Canada was. The best part about the look — it’s easy. No matching or color-coordinating required. All you need are your go-to denim staples. Mix them with the right attitude, and the right accessories, and you can’t go wrong. Ahead, some of the best celebrity Canadian tuxedo moments in recent memory — and how to recreate them in time for back-to-school season.
Collection Christophel / Alamy Stock Photo1/20Jane Birkin's look, from the 1973 film Don Juan, looks as effortless and cool today as it did then.
2/20Add a modernized touch to Jane's classic look with ankle boots, a straw bag and drawstring denim.
A.P.C. Brandy Jacket, $270. Usonline.apc.fr. Zara High Heel Ankle Boots, $50. Zara.com. Littledoe Praia Basket, $275. Littledoeislove.com. Miaou Tommy Jean, $295. Miaouxx.com.
Courtesy Everett Collection3/20'70s Cher is just too good! This embellished ensemble gives us major Gucci vibes.
4/20Make Cher proud in embroidered denim pieces with major '70s vibes.
GRLFRND Cropped Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, $420. Frwd.com. Mansur Gavriel Platform Mules, $510. Matchesfashion.com. Bliss and Mischief Chamomile Denim, $598. Blissandmischief.com.
5/20We love this part-girly, part-punk look on Madonna in the '80s.
6/20Balance edgy, distressed denim with pretty pastel accessories.
H&M Boyfriend Low Ripped Jeans, $40. Hm.com. Marais Jane Mule, $235. Maraisusa.com. Topshop Moto Jacket, $95. Topshop.com. Hot Topic Spike Belt, $17. Hottopic.com.
Ron Galella7/20Tyra keeps her look cool and casual, with a borrowed from the boys shirt, cowboy boots and a backwards cap.
8/20You can nail the denim-on-denim look with chambray tops, too. Here, a loose-fitting shirt and relaxed jeans create the perfect effortless look. Throw on a dad cap in faded black denim for that extra dose of edge.
Ariat Boot, $140. Zappos.com. Gitman Brothers Vintage Shirt, $192. Needsupply.com. Richardson Dad Cap, $63. Richardsonshop.com. Rag & Bone Jeans, $295. Net-a-porter.com.
9/20One of the queens of the '90s, Kate Moss rocked denim as a muse for Calvin Klein on the regular.
10/20No matter what the fashion rule makers tell you, double denim doesn't have to be a perfect match. A dark denim top and light-wash jeans go together brilliantly.
Lorod Bowling Shirt, $355. Shopsuperstreet.com. Re/Done Relaxed Crop Jeans, $309. Shopredone.com. Converse All Star Low Top, $50. Store.nike.com.
David Montgomery/Getty Images11/20Sade knew how to rock a Canadian tuxedo. She keeps it classic with quite confidence, a red lip and perfect hoops.
12/20Gold accessories (and a red lip!) will keep a simple denim-on-denim look from coming off boring.
Acne Studios Jeans, $300. Acnestudios.com. J. Crew Shirt, $78. Jcrew.com. Jennifer Fisher Hoops, $550. Jenniferfisherjewelry.com. Child of Wild Cuff, $227. Childofwild.com.
Frank Trapper13/20The Britney and Justin look that will live in infamy.
14/20Take our word for it: bucket hats are back — as are overall denim dresses. If you're really bold, pay homage to Britney's iconic look with a silver chain link belt and a choker. Justin, not included.
Herschel Lake Bucket Hat, $40. Herschel.com. Miaou Metal Chain Link Belt, $60. Miaouxx.com. See By Chloe Denim Dress, $206. Mytheresa.com.
Getty Images15/20We couldn't not include this early-aughts Paris and Nicole look. So bad, it's good!
16/20The dark denim bustier is here to stay. Dress up the look with metallic sandals and a choker, and you're ready for every function from a party to a dinner date.
Alexa Chung Jeans, $280. Net-a-porter.com. Alexa Chung Denim Bustier Top, $270. Net-a-porter.com. Dannijo Choker Necklace, $98. Bergdorfgoodman.com. By Far Sandal, $275. Byfarshoes.com.
Robert Kamau17/20Just leave it to Rihanna to turn classic denim into something unexpected.
18/20Layer a dress over jeans for an unforgettable look.
Alexander Wang Straight Leg Jean, $265. Alexanderwang.com. Stella McCartney Midi Dress, $785. Net-a-porter.com. Sam Edelman Pointed Heel, $84. Samedelman.com. Vanessa Mooney Choker Necklace, $40. Shopbop.com.
Raymond Hall19/20A modern diva in denim, Gigi makes her look pop with red extras.
20/20Red add-ons and lightwash jeans are a match made in denim fashion heaven.
Intentionally Blank Daisy Mule, $198. Intentionallyblank.us. M.I.H. Jeans Cropped High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $295. Net-a-porter.com. Pansy Sports Bra, $68. Lisasaysgah.com. Gap Crop Denim Jacket, $56. Gap.com.
