Every so often comes a trend that draws a fine line between fabulous and foul. When you pull it off, it can be the utmost illustration of expert style. If you miss the mark, it can be — well — just plain ugly. Enter one of spring’s hugest season staples — denim on denim. One of the oldest fashion faux pas in the book made a complete 180 and has inspired a ton of top name designers, jeans genius Chloe included. But while this trend may seem tricky to get right, you don’t have to look like a foreign exchange student or a cast member from “Saved by the Bell.” There’s definitely a way to do denim on denim without feeling blue.

The most important thing to remember is to mix your washes. The most common offense of dreadful denim on denim is wearing identical shades of blue from head to toe. Violet from Willy Wonka is not the inspiration for this trend. It’s best to do washes with a heavy contrast, like an ultra dark skinny jean with a light wash vest or cropped jacket. Although at the end of the day denim is denim is denim, matchy-matchy is never a good idea.

Accessorizing is also key when it comes to expertly working denim on denim. An oversized leather belt is the perfect piece to break up your look and add varying color and texture. Even though denim is by nature a super casual fabric, you can glam up your outfit with statement jewels or get edgy with a blinged-out studded clutch or chain link purse.

But if the denim on denim trend has you shaking in your Citizens and boyfriend blazer, you can still indulge in this season’s jean fixation. Denim footwear and handbags are all the rage for spring and a small way to ease into the big blue craze.

Photos: Urban Outfitters, Chloe