“Double-Dipping” Is the Layering Trend Taking Over Summer

Allow us to set the scene: It’s 2005, and you’re meeting your friends at the mall in an hour. To prep for your Saturday afternoon outing, you swipe on your Lancôme Juicy Tubes lip gloss, then toss on that lace V-neck cami. But not just one lace cami: You need to fit in with your fellow mall rats, so you wear two similar-looking styles atop one another (and pull them both down as far as they can go).

Ringing a bell? Millennials like me are all too familiar with this Y2K styling hack. And though I never thought I’d see the polarizing look again, I was wrong: This summer, the fashion crowd is leaning into “double dipping”–a modern revival of this nostalgic trick, now expanded across more categories. Should you be willing to dip back into the trend (pun intended), scroll ahead to read how to pull it off in 2025, complete with our recommended pieces for double dipping.

What Is Double Dipping?

“Double dipping” is a layering technique that involves wearing two of the same pieces. You can try it with a wide range of styles, but it’s especially popular with summer staples like bikinis, boxers, and, of course, tanks. Like most layering trends, this one is a surefire way to elevate your outfit tenfold, as it instantly adds intrigue and personality.

Last year, I scrolled past a photo of one of my favorite influencers wearing two cardigans in contrasting hues (mustard yellow and tomato red), and naturally, I knew I had to try it out myself. Though I was pleased with the appearance of my cardi-on-cardi moment, I was admittedly a bit toasty donning both pieces of knitwear. As such, I’d argue the styling trick is better suited for lightweight summer looks.

Double Dipping Then and Now

Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we? Once upon a time, in the 2000s, Disney Channel darling Ashley Tisdale was a proponent of double dipping, consistently turning to layered camis on the red carpet. Sometimes, The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody alum took it a step further, tripling down on her sleeveless tops. Her fellow early aughts Hollywood starlets, including Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Megan Fox, and Ashlee Simpson, often embraced the look as well. 

Recently, millennials have been poking fun at Gen Z, who have recently “discovered” the fashion hack. On TikTok, one user showed throwback images of the aforementioned celebs with Kamala Harris’ popular “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” line playing in the background. But, to be fair, most Gen Z weren’t even born when the layered look first took off over 20 years ago (we’ll cut them a break!). Little do they know that double dipping looks much different these days, bringing the technique into decidedly 2025-approved territory.

Today, double dipping isn’t just reserved for tanks: As mentioned, everything from swimwear to shorts to belts is fair game in this trend revival. Plus, the looks themselves have far more range. Elevated basics like tanks and soft bras are popular options, or perhaps you have two skinny strap minidresses that can easily layer together, twice as nice.

How to Style

First things first: There’s no wrong way to double-dip. However, if you’re new to the layering game, you might prefer to start with more minimalist, understated pieces. For instance, if you’re doubling down on shorts, style them with a classic white tee and sleek flip-flops to avoid the outfit coming off as overly busy.

On the other hand, maybe you’re someone who loves pushing the sartorial envelope. If so, tap into your creative side by pairing your double-dipped look with another quirky summer trend, such as toe ring sandals or a sculptural purse. Adding statement jewelry makes all the difference, too. 

My number one tip: For an upcoming beach getaway, toss two of the same bikini silhouette in your suitcase. A white and black mash-up is a great entry point, but for those ready to dive headfirst into the summer trend, bring your printed swimwear—think plaids, florals, or stripes.

Meanwhile, if your summer plans are primarily in the city, grab your skinny strap tanks and flex your styling muscles. Doubling down on neutral tops will draw attention to your outfit, as will mixing vibrant shades. And don’t forget about your bottoms. Sure, it may sound strange slipping into various pants and shorts, but hear me out: Two pairs of boxers are better than one. It’s one of those combos that will have your friends wishing they thought of it.

The Best Pieces to Double Dip

When it comes to trying the styling hack yourself, you have two options. To make things effortless, shop for an already-layered look, or make the trend your own by mixing and matching your preferred pieces. Ahead, you’ll find shopping picks for both double-dipping methods.