
An easygoing mixture of broken-in necessities that feels acquainted, rugged, and effortlessly put collectively.
A denim shirt over a t-shirt, denims, and sneakers isn’t an advanced system, however the way in which these parts come collectively determines how and the place the outfit matches into your life.
On the floor, it’s easy, however the particular selections in match, coloration, and materials push it in a sure route. The result’s a glance that’s informal however cohesive, straightforward to put on with out feeling primary.
Final yr, we featured an identical outfit, following the identical framework however touchdown fairly in a different way: a darkish denim shirt, grey chinos, and chunky darkish grey suede boots meant for an informal workplace. Identical primary idea, however the impact noticeably shifts.
One leaned towards a sophisticated informal workplace vibe, whereas this model is extra relaxed, rugged, and even has a contact of classic inspiration within the brown denims and canvas high-tops, calling again to basic fashion cues from the ‘70s and ‘80s, however in a method that feels trendy somewhat than like a dressing up.
The alternatives in cloth, coloration, and footwear may appear delicate, however they utterly change how and the place you’d put on every model.
The Denim Shirt: An Open Layer That Units the Tone
Denim shirts sit in an area between a jacket and a button-up, making them a stable possibility once you need one thing structured however not stiff. Right here, it’s worn open over a pocket t-shirt, which retains the outfit relaxed.


The small adjustments in denim tone and particulars matter. A darker, crisper denim shirt works once you desire a cleaner, barely extra polished look. A extra washed-in, broken-in denim shirt leans into informal ease.
Each work—the query is what impact you need. And in a males’s private fashion rooted in enduring fundamentals and subdued colours this query is the first driver in determining what to put on.
The Brown Denims: A Small Shift That Modifications the Really feel
Brown denims stand out however they don’t seem to be loud. They work like blue denim however usher in heat, which subtly adjustments the outfit’s general tone. This creates a distinction with the cooler tone of the denim shirt, making the outfit really feel just a little extra pure and laid-back.
The earlier outfit used grey chinos, which saved every part impartial and structured. Grey works effectively once you don’t need your pants to be the main target, permitting the denim shirt to take middle stage. Brown, however, provides depth and holds its personal towards the denim shirt as a watch focus.
Past simply coloration, these pants change the place you’d put on this outfit. The earlier model with chinos and suede boots was a fantastic possibility for a informal workplace setting—polished sufficient to look intentional, however not too formal. The brown denims and sneakers on this outfit push it additional into the realm of off-duty put on—one thing snug, sensible, and relaxed.
It’s nonetheless put-together, but it surely’s meant for weekends, espresso runs, and on a regular basis errands somewhat than knowledgeable setting.
Neither alternative is healthier, simply totally different.
For somebody who sometimes defaults to blue denims, brown is a straightforward method so as to add selection with out stepping too far outdoors the consolation zone.
The Sneakers: What Grounds the Outfit
The off-white Converse 70s play a key position right here. The nice and cozy, impartial coloration retains the outfit balanced by taking part in on a lighter tone of the denims. The enduring nature of a easy, minimalist canvas excessive prime contributes to the general fashion in a method a contemporary athletic sneaker by no means might.
Beforehand, the darkish grey suede boots made an enormous distinction within the decrease half of the outfit. Boots robotically add weight and a extra grounded presence, which labored effectively with the darkish denim shirt and grey chinos. Canvas sneakers, however, maintain the entire outfit gentle and relaxed.


When you preferred the look of the earlier outfit however need one thing just a little extra laid-back, swapping boots for sneakers instantly shifts the texture.
The T-Shirt: A Base That Doesn’t Compete
A stable, darkish t-shirt holds the look collectively with out drawing consideration. It creates simply sufficient distinction with the denim shirt, stopping the outfit from trying flat and departs from the tan-hued denims and sneakers. This might simply be swapped for a graphic tee, which might shift the main target, or a lighter impartial like heather grey, which might brighten the distinction.


The primary takeaway? If you wish to maintain an outfit trying easy, a darkish stable tee is a straightforward alternative. If you would like extra character for this outfit, the t-shirt is the simplest place to experiment.