Denim jackets are one of those timeless wardrobe staple pieces that will never go out of style. Not only do they offer endless versatility, but they also have the ability to elevate any outfit, no matter what vibe you’re going for. And fortunately, you never have to throw denim jackets out of your wardrobe rotation they’re an item you can wear year after year, shifting with seasons and trends.
Denim jackets are that perfect balance of casual, cool, and even unexpectedly chic. That’s why today, I’m sharing different outfit ideas on how to style a denim jacket. With just a few simple adjustments, this one clothing item can take you from one occasion to the next, keeping you stylish and comfortable no matter what!
How To Style A Denim Jacket
My favorite thing about denim jackets is their adaptability, and how seamlessly they fit into almost any look. Take the changing of seasons, for example. You can add on this piece to any seasonal look to completely change up the vibe. In summer, it provides a lightweight accessory to any casual outfit. In the fall, it’s a cozy, layerable option for those in-between temperatures.
They’re also easy to pair with multitudes of different looks because of their texture, their neutrality, and their practicality. As a busy mom or someone who is constantly on the go, denim jackets are an underappreciated wardrobe hero they’re low maintenance, but high impact.
Whether you’re out running errands, or planning your next date night look, you can never go wrong with accessorizing with a jean jacket.
But first things first, are denim jackets even in style?
Are Denim Jackets In Style?
Absolutely! Denim jackets have a special place in the fashion world because they’ve managed to stay trendy and timeless. The beauty of this piece lies in its unwavering dedication to elevating an outfit, no matter what the occasion may be. Whether you want to opt for a light wash option for a more casual vibe, or you decide to stick with dark wash for something a bit more polished there’s no wrong answer here!
Their timeless appeal and versatility make them a smart investment for anyone looking to elevate their wardrobe!
How To Wear Denim Jacket 10 Ways
Denim jackets can be styled in countless ways. Below, I’ve shared unique ways to incorporate a denim jacket into your outfit rotation.
Denim Jacket with White Jeans
A blue denim jacket paired with white jeans creates a clean and classic look that feels effortlessly put-together. The denim contrasts just the right amount with the white jeans, making your outfit balanced, rather than stark and bright. It’s the perfect combination for summer or spring, when we want to bring out all of our light colored clothes!
The simplicity of this outfit makes it extremely versatile. Whether you’re wearing this look to a casual brunch, a coffee date, or just simply grabbing groceries, you’ll look stylish while doing it.
Double Denim (The Canadian Tuxedo)
Wearing denim on denim, formally known as the “Canadian Tuxedo”, can seem intimidating, but the key here is to pair different shades of denim together. This breaks the outfit up from being one monochromatic look, and turns it into the perfect mix of contrasting denims (that just so happen to compliment each other beautifully).
For this double denim look, I’d go with a light wash denim jacket and some darker-toned blue jeans. When this look is done right, it presents an effortlessly cool and confident vibe.
Layered Over a Flowy Dress
A cropped denim jacket is great for providing structure to a feminine, flowy dress. The jacket adds a bit of shape and contrast to the look, without taking away any of the softness of the dress or your shape. You can roll the sleeves up for a relaxed, laid-back vibe, or leave them down for an elevated and sleek look.
I love the way this cropped jacket compliments a linen-blend midi dress for seasonal-transitioning looks. It’s fantastic for those months where you don’t know if you should be wearing something cooler, or something with layers.
Casual Vibe with Black Denim
For a cooler and edgier take, pair a black denim jacket with a white top and black leather pants! While it provides an edgier perspective to your casual, everyday attire, it simultaneously still looks laid-back and modern.
The best thing about black denim is that it’s super versatile and chic, so this is a jacket that you can get tons of use out of. It’s great for creating put-together outfits, without having to overthink it.
Denim Jacket with a Midi Skirt
Matching a midi skirt with a denim jacket is one of my favorite outfit pairings. Adding a structured jacket with a flowy skirt is a key way to create an organized look. It doesn’t take away from the sleekness of an outfit, it just makes it a bit more versatile for different occasions.
This midi skirt is comfortable and flattering, while the dark wash denim jacket is clean and sleek. The juxtaposition of a formal-esc skirt with a casual denim jacket is what makes this look stylish!
With a Light Wash Denim Jacket and Shorts
For warmer days, try pairing a light wash denim jacket with shorts. This combination is a great summer staple and it gives off a fun, playful vibe to your outfit. It’s perfect for vacation-ready days, beach trips, or just hanging out with friends!
For the jacket, I’d go with something like this light wash studded denim jacket it within itself can act as an accessory! And to pair with it, these linen trouser shorts options compliment the blue of the denim in the jacket, while really emphasizing that comfortable, relaxed vibe that you want to give off.
Denim Jacket with a Maxi Dress
Adding a denim jacket onto a maxi dress creates a striking balance between remaining casual, while embracing your femininity. In times where you want to wear a flattering dress without looking too overdressed, the denim jacket relaxes the look.
This smocked tiered maxi dress is super complimentary. The four-tiered design makes it eye-catching, and the pattern creates a fun detail. With this look, I’d opt for something like this white denim jacket. Going for a white jacket keeps the look airy and light, while harmonizing perfectly with the colors of the dress.
Denim Jacket with Joggers
For a modern twist on athleisure, style your denim jacket with a pair of joggers. The key ingredient to making this outfit look maintained and put-together, is to keep the joggers more tailored so you can avoid looking overly baggy.
Wearing these black joggers with a cropped denim jacket is the ultimate style-meets-comfort combination. It’s a great way to switch up a lazy-day-look into something intentional, sleek, and stylish.
Over a Sweater and Leggings
In the colder months, this is the ideal layering tip. A cozy sweater with leggings makes for the foundation of the outfit, while the denim jacket works as an accessory to pull everything together. I personally love getting my sweaters a little oversized so it can really add to that comfy and cozy vibe if you feel the same, opt for a slightly oversized denim jacket to maintain that relaxed fit!
I can’t recommend Jenni Kayne sweaters enough they’re high quality and have lasted me such a long time. With that in mind, this crewneck sweater, these jersey ankle leggings, and this oversized denim jacket create the perfect, cold weather look. It’s cozy and functional!
Double Layer with a Hoodie
For a laid-back look, wear a denim jacket over a hoodie. It creates that chic, urban, upscaled look with little to no effort! You can pick a solid colored hoodie to maintain a cohesive look, or you can go for a hoodie that’s a bit bolder in terms of color or design.
For the hoodie, this Old Navy pick is high-quality and versatile. And to top it off, this oversized and relaxed denim jacket turns the look into something practical, comfortable, and trendy!
Can You Wear A Denim Jacket With Jeans?
Yes! The denim-on-denim look, or the Canadian tuxedo, is stylish and surprisingly easy to pull off with the right balance. Adding some variety with textures or washes keeps the outfit looking modern without feeling too matchy-matchy.
I’d love to hear your own tips for wearing denim on denim! Share your ideas in the comments your input might just inspire someone else.
The best part about styling a denim jacket is its versatility!
Whether you’re keeping it simple with joggers or adding it to a maxi dress, there’s no limit to the ways you can make this staple item your own. Try some of these outfit ideas, play around with textures, and find new ways to rock your favorite denim jacket. With these tips, you’ll be able to create countless stylish looks that highlight this wardrobe essential!
Make sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with all of my denim jacket looks. And for those of you who want to catch up with some other cozy outfit ideas, check out my post on what to wear to a pumpkin patch!
