how to wear a denim jacket

A denim jacket can be the perfect transitional piece. It can also give lots of the existing pieces in your closet either greater seasonal longevity or greater flexibility.

I’ll explain why here as well as giving you plenty of tips and ideas on how to wear a denim jacket.

5 Tips For How To Wear A Denim Jacket

Before I give you a rundown on my top 10 picks, first let’s take a look at some general tips for choosing and wearing a denim jacket.

1. Choose The Right Fit

Denim jackets are available in so many different shapes and styles that you have a huge array of choice so you can opt for the jacket which best suits your body shape.

Nagore (above) opts for a classic blue denim jacket which sits on her hips. Get a similar denim jacket here.

As a general rule, a more fitted denim jacket will be more flattering. Make sure the shoulders fit you properly as you would with any other jacket or shirt.

For a universally flattering style, opt for a jacket which sits on or just below your waistline.

2. Think About The Color

The classic jeans jacket may be blue, but there are so many different shades of blue to choose from.

If you want a super casual jacket opt for a paler wash, but if you want a smarter look, go for a darker denim or a mid blue such as the one Brenda (above) opts to wear for a day out.

You don’t, of course, have to stick to blue. You could buy black, white or a bright shade such as red.

3. Transitional Dressng

Your denim jacket really can be your best friend when it comes to transitional dressing.

Popping your denim jacket on over a summer dress is one of the easiest ways to wear your favorite dresses for spring and fall as well as during the hotter months.

Carole (above) shows how to wear your denim jacket for the cooler months.

Check out a similar denim jacket here.

4. Dressing Down

Sometimes, I’m sure you would like to wear your favorite little black dress, or a fit and flare skirt you love, but you feel you could end up looking too formal for the occasion.

You can wear your outfit with sneakers or ankle booties for casual flair as Nic has chosen to wear above.

You can find a similar light washed denim jacket here.

5. Wearing Double Denim

So, if you have a denim jacket, can you also still wear your favorite jeans?

The look is often referred to as a Canadian Tuxedo after Bing Crosby was almost turned away from an upmarket establishment in Vancouver because he was wearing double denim. Levis then made him his own all-denim tuxedo.

Suzanne (below) opts for a cowgirl-inspired look.

Here is a similar western inspired denim jacket.

When it comes to wearing more than one denim piece, I would choose different denim washes and weights, and think about dressing up your outfit with luxe pieces such as heels and a cashmere coat, or tuxedo blazer.

Also think about your body shape and wear your darkest denim where you aren’t so confident. So, if you are a pear, for example, wear darker jeans and a lighter top.

10 Of The Best Denim Jacket Suggestions For You To Choose From

Before I take a further look at how to put together a denim jacket outfit, here are 10 of my favorite jeans jackets in stores now.

Just in case you don’t already own a denim jacket – or you want one in a new color or style, here are some of the best in stores now.

Black Denim Jacket

A black denim jacket could be a great alternative to the traditional blue options.

You could also look out for a style you don’t usually see in denim, such as a moto jacket which is traditionally made in leather or faux leather.

Beth (above) shows how to wear a denim jacket for fall by wearing with boots and popping a t-shirt under her dress. Here is a similar black denim jacket.

Oversized Denim Jacket

One of the trendiest denim jacket styles right now if the oversized denim jacket.

This can be a tricky trend to wear as is is a fairly boxy look. But, if you keep the rest of your look fitted or you wear with a summer dress, it can work on most figures.

For more ideas check out this piece on how to wear a short jacket.

Vanessa (above) makes sure that her oversized jacket is still figure-flattering by cinching her waist with a belt.

Check out a similar oversized distressed denim jacket here.

Denim Jacket With Fur

Another top trend this season, the denim jacket with fur could be an ideal way to wear a jean jacket and to stay cozy for fall and winter.

Patricia (above) teams her fur-lined jacket with an all-black ensemble. Find a similar faux fur lined denim jacket here.

Blue Jean Jacket

A blue jean jacket is one of the most classic pieces you can have in your closet.

It will go with so many other items you already have.

A classic blue denim jacket is one of my 28 essential pieces every woman over 40 needs in her closet.

Carla (above) wears her blue denim jacket over a classic shift dress.

Get a similar denim jacket here.

Green Denim Jacket

You don’t, of course, have to go for blue or black, you could try an entirely different color when you choose your denim jacket.

An olive green jacket will give your outfit a different look.