How to Style a Denim Jacket
The humble denim jacket has been a fashion staple since its inception. It is incredibly easy to wear and style and can be worn with almost anything in almost every situation. However, some people are still a bit apprehensive about wearing a denim item that isn’t a pair of jeans.
If you have never owned a denim jacket and you now want to, here are some tips for choosing one, as well as a few style ideas.
How to Choose a Denim Jacket
Choosing a denim jacket, whether it be from a designer or clothing outlet, isn’t as simple as it seems, and this is only because you have so many options, it may be difficult to know where to start. Even for us seasoned pros, it can be a tough piece to get right.
Color
There are far more color options than just blue when it comes to denim and denim jackets. While blue and acid washed are two of the most common, you can get grey, green, white, orange, red, and almost every color of denim too.
While these other colors may seem exciting and different, it is best to choose one that is more neutral and easier to style. Blue, black, grey, and acid washed are four of the best choices, as they also offer more versatility too.
Fit
When it comes to the fit, there are multiple variations too. The three you will come across the most are fitted, oversized, and cropped. While picking a fit is completely a personal choice, different fits work better with different styles.
An oversized jacket will work better if you have more of a streetwear-inspired look and wardrobe, while a cropped one is great for a preppy or boho wardrobe. A fitted one is more versatile, but some may find it a bit too big or too small, depending on the proportions.
Variations
Outside of the regular styles of jackets, you may come across a few variations. These can be extra-long jackets, ones without sleeves, sherpa lined, embroidered or something that is more A-line. These variations can be super-stylish but do require a bit more effort when it comes to building an outfit around them.
Think Outside the Box
Finally, when choosing a jacket, think outside the box regarding what outfit you will wear it with. Many people tend to forget that you can wear them with a dress, skirt, or shorts, in Winter or Summer, and multiple other ways.
Double-Denim
The first style tip is to go double-denim. While Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake didn’t do the best job, you have far more options available to make it work. One of the best ways to do it is to first get a denim skirt or pair of jeans in the same color as your jacket. You can then use neutral layers and accessories to break up the wall of denim while keeping the look intact. We have two posts on how to wear double denim or even triple denim, if you need advice.
Mix & Match
If you want to do the double-denim look but don’t want to over commit to a single color, opting for two items that are different shades of denim is the next best thing. Think of dark grey and acid-washed or blue and light blue. This contrast takes away the wall of denim problem, but will still give you the look and feel that you are after.
Wear it Like a Shirt
Another style tip is to not view a denim jacket as a jacket at all. Many denim jackets aren’t super thick and rigid, meaning you are able to wear and style it like it was a shirt. This means you can pair it with items that would otherwise look overwhelmed by a bulky jacket.
This also means you can wear a denim jacket during warmer months, as you can unbutton it, roll the sleeves up, or tie the bottom half up like they did in the 80s; all of these are sleek and stylish looks that almost anyone can pull off.
Dress it Up
A denim jacket isn’t just a casual item. You can easily dress it up with what you wear underneath, as well as the accessories you choose. If you want to push the boat out even further, you can opt for a men’s denim jacket.
Some men’s jackets tend to be designed and tailored in a way that is a bit more formal, meaning you can get the lines and shape you want without looking too casual.
Summer & Winter
A denim jacket is for all seasons and the entire year. You can easily add or remove layers depending on the weather, and there are very few things a denim jacket doesn’t go with, barring a pantsuit.
Make it Your Own
Finally, one of the best things you can do with a denim jacket is to make it your own. This can be done by fraying the edges, dying it, adding patches, or anything else you may want to do to it.
A denim jacket is one of the few items that you can make completely your own without having to tear it apart. This also means you can add touches to it that you love, such as flowers if you love a floral look, or acid-wash certain parts of it to make it a one-off piece.
