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How to Wear a Denim Jacket

A denim jacket has been an essential part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember, and I have already written several odes to the denim jacket over the years. I can’t imagine trying to dress for spring and fall without it, so I thought I’d write a post on how to wear a denim jacket for you guys today.

As with any wardrobe item that has stood the test of time, styles change periodically, so I’m always looking for fresh ways to incorporate my denim jacket into my outfits.

The first key to styling a denim jacket is to find a great jacket.

Personally, I like a denim jacket that has some shaping through the waist area, and you want some stretch in the material so it’s comfortable to move around in.

LOFT is usually a good place to look. I love this dark wash.

GAP is also a good place to look when you’re in the market for a denim jacket. They almost always have a few to choose from, like this iconic denim jacket.

And Old Navy has an affordable one here.

And of course Nordstrom has tons of denim jackets to choose from, at a variety of price points. I really like this Helena Denim Jacket by KUT from the Kloth. It has a great shape to it, and the classic color and styling will last for years. I actually have this in the dark blue and the white.

Kut from the Koth Helena Denim Jacket

Also, Two by Vince Camuto makes a nice one in a mid-blue wash. I have this in the vest version, and it has a great fit and is very comfortable and stretchy. You may want to size down in this one.

Now that you have your jacket picked out, here are my favorite ways to wear a denim jacket.

How To Wear a Denim Jacket

Over a printed top with jeans and trendy sandals

With white jeans, a scarf, and a bright top…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

With a graphic tee, black jeans and kicks

To dress down a LBD with riding boots….

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

With a printed maxi skirt and a black tank…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

With colored jeans and a statement necklace…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

Over a striped maxi dress…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

With cargo pants and riding boots…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

Over a colorful summer dress for a casual date night…

dinner-dress

With cords and a long-sleeve tee…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

Over a black shift dress with Converse

With camo pants…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

With blush jeans and a striped tee

Or over a simple t-shirt dress…

How to Wear a Denim Jacket: 10 fashion bloggers share their tips for styling this wardrobe essential.

Tied around your waist over a casual shift dress with Converse for a sporty weekend look…

As you can see, the possibilities for styling a denim jacket are virtually endless.

If you’re looking for help building your wardrobe, I highly recommend Trunk Club, a personal shopping service by Nordstrom.

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30 Responses

  1. great looks Jo-lynne… I love that you pulled so many & your jacket is great. I agree about a well fitting jacket and the partially cropped is essential, especially for those of us (speaking for myself) that are a bit on the shorter side. I adore that camo pants outfit! Great looks as always!!

  2. Girl..you know how to rock a denim jacket..thats for sure. love all the looks! casual with the stripes and khakis is my fav, I think!

    C

  3. Great post and I love so many of these outfits! I agree that Loft has some great denim jackets and for a low pricepoint, I have had my denim jacket from Old Navy for several years and I still love it! I am saving this post 🙂

  4. I didn’t know denim jackets could look so cute! The last time I wore one was when I was a kid (acid washed with pins on it). I might have to get one now. Very versatile 🙂

  5. Thanks for the great tips, you inspire me! I’m looking at ordering the Loft one, do you feel Loft runs big (vanity)? I’m looking at a pair of their shorts too, any thoughts on their sizing?

    1. Hey Meredith. Honestly, I haven’t tried any of their clothes this season. Historically, I have found them to be a bit on the larger side. I have to try things on because sometimes I’m a medium and sometimes a small – I really should be a medium. 🙂 I did get a jacket from them last fall – that moto style one, and I did end up with a small. So, yeah. You may want to go to the store and try them on.

    2. I guess I am butting in but I find Loft shorts to run large! All my Loft shorts are a size smaller than the jean and pant sizes I have from there. Hope that helps you!

  6. I wanted to tell you that I love about your posts – you add your own personal pictures. Its nice to see the typical photos that can be found on the web but when you add your photos it adds the natural element of real people. I always gaze past (but do look) at the other photos, but I look longer and take in your own photos. It adds that personal element! Keep up the great work. Love looking at the options of us over 40 (in my case over 50) can wear 🙂

  7. I have three denim jackets…LOVE! I never thought about a white one…NEED! As a 40+ year old lady, I think it is very important to make sure that a cropped jacket doesn’t hit you right above the muffin top. So ladies, get a full length mirror and/or a very good friend and make sure you check out what ANYTHING looks like from behind. Delusion is a beautiful thing but just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean its not there. I constantly see women who never check out their rear view. Their hair is a hot mess because they only styled the part they see in the mirror. Or their clothes are tucked in every nook and cranny because they didn’t bother to use the three way mirror at the store to see how unflattering the garment looks from behind.

  8. You look wonderful in that denim jacket!

    Quick question, now that winter is coming – can you wear a denim jacket under your winter coat and then wear the denim jacket inside at someone’s house. I do when its the spring/summer/fall but in winter I don’t know if its OK? thoughts?

  9. Just bought my first ever denim jacket at age 58. I love it – so versatile and looks great with lots of outfits. Enjoyed the ideas on this site. Thankyou.

  10. OK Jo-Lynne,
    I purchased a denim jacket after seeing your of your posts. I noticed that the jackets does not seem to come together in the front and you don’t necassrily button up (neither would I) I bought from Nordstroms the Kut from the Kloth Helena and it gapes in the middle but fits fine elsewhere. Not sure if I should keep. I will try it on again tonight What do you think??

    1. Hey Cyndi, I actually like them better when they don’t QUITE button. If they do, then usually they stick out funny when I don’t button them (which I never do anyway.) I pay attention to a lot of other people, and how they look when they wear them, and the ones that look best and most fitted don’t appear like they would button. I think if you like the shape it gives you, then you’re fine. That said, I did size up to a medium in this so you may need the next size? It’s hard to say without seeing it on you.

      1. Thank you for the reply! I sort of felt the same way concerning the unbuttoned look. I tried it on again and decided to keep it! Yea!

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