5 Ways to Wear a Denim Jacket
- Femme Feitale
- Feb 1, 2018
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 19, 2019
Whether it's boyfriend jeans, denim backpacks, denim overalls, chambray shirts, or denim jackets, there is no doubt that denim is particularly on trend this season. In the dog days of winter - especially for those of us in the northeast - fashion and the cold weather don't always mix so well. That's why denim jackets are the perfect layering piece; they are endlessly versatile and add a touch of effortless style to any outfit, all while keeping the frigid air at bay. With that in mind, I've styled five different looks that are so easy and fun to recreate.
1. Classic & Comfortable

(Denim Jacket, Forever 21; Graphic Tee, J-Crew; Black Pants, Jessica Simpson; Sneakers, Steve Madden)

For my first outfit, I've styled a graphic tee, black pants, and white sneakers with a light blue denim jacket. This look is probably the simplest and easiest to put together, but that certainly doesn't mean you can't have fun with it! Such a simple look is the perfect way to play around with colors, jacket styles, and accessories. All of this season's denim jackets work with this look, including sherpa-lined, distressed, oversized, and distressed - all of which offer their own uniqueness. I've gone for a rather atypical coral T-shirt for this outfit to add a pop of color, and I can absolutely see this outfit stepping up its game with a choker necklace or some bracelets.
2. Dress it Up (Or Down)

Though this is outfit is a bit chillier, denim jackets are the perfect way to make a dress more casual, or vice versa, dresses are the perfect way to make a denim jacket a bit dressier. By adding some definition, tighter jean jackets pair well with any dress that flares through its entire length or below the waist: shift, tent, and wrap dresses all work. Maxi dresses are great too (especially in the summer)! I think denim jackets make dresses a super casual and great look for school. I like to wear them with tall over-the knee suede boots like these, short brown boots, or white sneakers.
(Dress, Forever 21; Boots, Marshall's)
3. On Trend: Over a Hoodie

(Denim Jacket, Charlotte Russe; Graphic Hoodie, Primark)

This next look involves my favorite denim jacket: oversized, baby pink, and slightly distressed. I love this jacket because the color brings life to an otherwise dull outfit, reflective of these long winter days. But most denim jackets look good with this trendy style, a hoodie under a jacket. Graphic hoodies and solid color hoodies work equally well - another place to play with colors. This looks says, "I didn't try but I look damn cool." I'm so glad that looking casual has become the trend because this has become one of my go-to looks on a morning that feels especially lethargic and tiring.
4. Break Up a Streamlined Look

Without the jacket, wearing a tight outfit from head to toe (or, well, mock neck to heel) can be kind of intimidating. Add a denim jacket to break up the look (and add warmth). I love the high-neck look and I think it looks great with denim, particularly this choker-style. Or, you know, wear this look without the darn jacket and rock it. Be bold.
(Choker Top, Forever 21; Booties, Aldo)

5. Denim on Denim

(Denim Jacket, Forever 21; Cami, Charlotte Russe; Boyfriend Jeans, H&M)
Now, at first, I wasn't so sure about this last look. Denim on denim? Talk about clashing. But I can't deny that this pairing has been coming into style, so I thought I'd give it a try. I was a bit unsure about what to wear, so I kind of just threw on the same shade of blue for all denim and kept the rest of the outfit monochromatic.

Let me just say: I fell in love with this outfit. Of the five, it is definitely my favorite. It's a lot bolder than I would usually wear, but you know what? Growing and expanding our horizons can only ever happen if we embrace new ideas and unapologetically be who we want to be. Check out these jeans. Hell yeah, we bite back!
There is no right or wrong when it comes to styling denim, despite all I've mentioned about trends. Wear the denim jacket however it makes you feel confident and cool, and rock it.
Let me know if you decide to recreate one of these styles, or feel inspired to try your own!
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