A utility jacket, white tee, jeans, and sneakers is one of those outfits I’ll never get tired of wearing. It’s such a simple combo, but it always works. That said, it’s nice to switch it up every now and then so it doesn’t start to feel stuck in a past season.
Today I’m updating this classic outfit combo with a swing-style utility jacket and a pair of wide-leg jeans from a new-to-me brand I’m really excited to share with you. It’s the same easy formula, just a fresh spin for 2025. Let’s break it down…
Caslon Cotton Stretch Twill Swing Jacket (S) // AllSaints Anna V-Neck Tee (M) // Ética Romi Mid Rise Wide Leg c/o (29) // AllSaints Underground Sneaker (39) (fully stocked at Bloomingdale’s / option) // J.Crew Woven Chainlink Earrings // Mulberry Amberley Crossbody
The Modern Utility Jacket
For starters, I swapped the traditional longer, cinched-waist utility jacket for a modern swing-style version in stretch twill. The hip-length cut has an easy, relaxed vibe, and the subtle A-line shape feels more current than the longer, more utilitarian styles.
This one is the Caslon Cotton Stretch Twill Swing Jacket from the #NSale, and it’s been one of the top sellers for the past couple of weeks! I love the gathered detail across the back and the contrasting buttons, and the fabric is soft, stretchy, and a nice mid-weight.
It’s perfect for fall here in Pennsylvania or for milder winters if you live further south. It also comes in navy and ivory, and it runs a bit large—I went with the smaller of my two usual sizes.
Wide-Leg Denim c/o Ética
Instead of skinny or straight-leg jeans, I went with wide-leg denim for this look. Flares would work just as well here since they also balance the swing of the jacket, but I like how the extra volume of a wide leg gives the outfit a fresh, updated feel.
These are the Romi Mid Rise Wide Leg Jeans by Ética, a new-to-me denim brand. You know how much I love my denim, so when they offered to send me a pair to test out, I was all in!
I picked this mid-rise wide-leg style because I was drawn to the wash, and I was happily surprised by the fit and feel, as well. With a 10″ rise, 31″ inseam, and 24″ leg opening, they have a great relaxed vibe without veering into “too trendy” territory.
AllSaints Anna V-Neck Cotton T-Shirt (M) // Ética Romi Mid Rise Wide Leg c/o (29) // AllSaints Underground Sneaker (39) (fully stocked at Bloomingdale’s / option) // J.Crew earrings // Mulberry bag
They’re also extremely comfortable. The 45% cotton, 29% polyester, 24% lyocell, 2% spandex blend has just the right amount of stretch while still holding its shape. And they’re sustainable, too.
Ética uses their own InCloud® Technology to cut way back on water and energy during production, and they skip all the harsh stuff—no chemicals, no stones, no bleach. Plus, every purchase plants a tree through One Tree Planted, and this pair happens to be on sale right now!
My Go-To White Tee
Underneath, I kept it simple with a classic white tee. It’s clean, easy, and lets the jacket and denim stand out—but it’s not just any tee. The AllSaints Anna V-Neck has slowly become my go-to, replacing (dare I say it?) my beloved FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck.
I still have the FRAME, but lately I find myself reaching for the AllSaints instead. It’s a little shorter and boxier, and the modest V-neck has a nice finished trim that gives it a polished look. It is on the sheer side, but that doesn’t bother me, especially when I’m layering. And it actually looks good on its own, too.
I gave it a front tuck for a bit of shape, but I really wish I’d brought a belt along to this shoot. I’d add my brown one to finish off the look, or this eyelet suede belt would be perfect and keep that updated vibe.
Crisp White Sneakers
To keep the outfit casual and classic, I finished it with a pair of clean white leather sneakers. If you want a slightly more updated look, try a suede sneaker in a soft neutral—they add texture and feel very current right now.
That said, I went with white here because I just picked up these AllSaints Underground Sneaker at the #NSale, and I really like them. They also tie back to the white tee and add a fresh, sporty touch that works perfectly with wide-leg denim. (They’re also available at Bloomingdale’s and Zappos, but sadly, not on sale.)
AllSaints Underground Sneaker (39) (fully stocked at Bloomingdale’s / option)
Final Additions
To complete the look, I added my new Mulberry Amberley crossbody in a warm brown and a pair of woven chainlink earrings to keep it light and bring in a subtle point of interest near the face. I like how the rich brown of the bag adds a touch of warmth against all the cool neutrals in the outfit, and again, a coordinating brown belt would really pull it all together.
Speaking of things I forgot, this outfit could definitely use a few layering necklaces for some shine and to fill the V-neckline, but honestly, I don’t really miss them since there’s already so much else going on.
At the end of the day, it’s the same classic combo of a utility jacket, white tee, jeans, and sneakers, just updated with today’s shapes and fabrics. It’s amazing how a few small tweaks can make a tried-and-true outfit feel completely new.
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20 Responses
I struggle with wide leg jeans. I thrifted a pair that I am donating because they are too wide and baggy overall. I like the ones you are wearing. They seem a bit tighter on the hips, which gives some definition. Thank you for sharing.
Jessica, I can’t seem to find a pair of wide leg to not swallow me whole. I just gave up………ha!
I really like this outfit!
Love this look! Perfect for transitioning into early fall!
Love this outfit! I bought the Gap Factory olive jacket you mentioned awhile back-it’s super comfy and appears to be similar to the Caslon style you featured?
Would you please send me the link to the jacket you bought at Gap Factory. Thanks!
I’m very surprised that a 10″ rise is considered a mid rise. I hope all pants makers will get on board and always list the rise measurement. It makes a big difference and I am all in on high rise.
I agree, and I wish all would list it in inches not just “high rise” or “mid rise.” What’s high rise to one manufacturer is mid rise to another. And even amongst high rise, an inch can make a big difference! I’m petite and can wear 10” but not 11”. If they don’t specify, I usually won’t purchase.
There is no industry standard as to how many inches constitutes low, medium, and high rise, so yes, it can be very confusing when brands do not provide that info. Drives me nuts. It also changes with the trends. There was a time when 10″ was considered high rise, but now it is considered mid. In my mind, 9-10″ is mid rise and 11-12″ is high rise. Anything under 9″ is low.
Great outfit on you! I’m glad y’all are having a nice time in Maine.
10 1/2” is my sweet spot. I hope they keep all rises for us. It really depends on your build which works best for who.
Love this outfit. I wear similar with a jacket I bought last Spring from your widget.
Cute outfit that I’d definitely wear except for the wide jeans. I have similar green jacket. Very few wide leg jeans look good on me–they just seem to look like they add weight to the lower half. I love the handbag–but too much $$. You mentioned suede sneakers for fall–do you have any specifically in mind? I need some for a girls trip in Oct. I cannot handle flat, platform type shoes–I need arch support and good, comfortable fit for walking. I’ve been burned buying expensive, cute leather trainers–that I never grab because they just aren’t that comfortable for walking long–even tho they look cute and fashionable! I wish Brooks would come out with some!
I love the adidas Spezial (I have them in the Earth Strata and Alumina) and the Gola Viper in Bone.
Maine looks wonderful, and I love these outfits! Your way of combining simple pieces is so helpful. And I’ve wanted those J. Crew chainlink earrings since you first showed them, so I clicked on your link, and they were marked down as a final sale from the original 69.50 to 32.99- with a code for another 50% off!!
Yes, they’re a great deal!
I agree with those who struggle with wide leg pants. Just too much fabric for me. The formula with a more fitted top sometimes helps, but it seems this swing jacket just adds more volume. Jolynn looks great in everything but the bulk is not for me.
I agree Diane, I like the look but wide leg pants and the swing jackets add more volume than I prefer. I bought the Gap factory jacket that is similar to the one Jo-Lynne featured and it’s not a swing style and I love it–just waiting to wear after summer or in A/C if needed
We did a sea kayaking excursion last summer when we were in Bar Harbor. Wonder if it is the same one?
Since we are both fans of Mother’s Weekender, a friend was wearing the Patch Pocket in Wacky Khaki and I am tempted to order them. They looked great on her. Have you tried this style/color?
I haven’t, but I’m off to check them out!
Nice outfit! Don’t you just love the juxtaposition of the $16 earrings with the $1000 bag!! 😊. See what you taught me, Jo-Lynne! The jean company looks very interesting. We are leaving tomorrow morning for a SC Vacation and it’s so funny that it is almost 10 degrees cooler down there (86) than here in New Jersey! (94).