How To Style a Jean Jacket
Jean jackets are ideal outerwear all year round, and popular wardrobe staples for their practicality and versatility. You can create a range of different outfit combinations with basic denim jackets because they come in a variety of different cuts, shapes, and lengths. Read on for expert advice on how to help you create trendy jean jacket looks to complement your style.
Choosing the Right Women’s Jean Jacket
Denim Washes and Colors
Most jean jackets range in hues from bleached stonewash to classic denim blue to black. These colours are all pleasing to the eye and will pair well with most pieces in your closet.
Rinse-wash denim jackets are more of an indigo shade, giving a darker and sleeker effect. White jean jackets introduce a bright and crisp element to outfits and are generally low maintenance and easy to clean.
Like jeans, denim jackets also look great in pops of colour if you want to match a fun shoe or make it a focal point of your outfit.
Different Fits
Classic jean jackets offer a uniform shape throughout the torso and end at the hips. The sleeves end at the wrist and have some room for layering.
An oversized jean jacket is a versatile favourite that can be styled for warm days or layered for colder weather. If the sleeves are long, rolling them up adds a tailored touch. Read more on “How To Style an Oversized Jacket”.
Fitted jean jackets are usually blended with a stretchy fabric like elastane for a more comfortable fit. A biker jacket fit, complete with lapels and diagonal zip, provides an edgier alternative. For a softer vibe, try a denim jacket with puff sleeves.
Jacket Lengths and Silhouettes
Regular-fit jean jackets produce a relaxed casual look and simple silhouette. Experiment with form-fitting pieces underneath, or try a flowy skirt or dress. You can even lean into the relaxed cut with other laid-back garments such as sweats or wide-leg pants.
Cropped jean jackets elongate the lower half of the body and work well with high-waisted pants and skirts.
Alternatively, long denim jackets in a slim or regular fit give a more streamlined appearance. Longer options may also come with a belt that defines the waist.
Classic Casual Styles
Double Denim
Denim on denim is a classic go-to that provides a canvas for accessorizing. The wash of your jeans or skirt can match the jacket for a co-ord set, or you can choose contrasting shades. A colour-pop denim jacket and matching skirt combo is a fun, casual look. Consider a bralette or crop top underneath a jean jacket for an edgier look.
Pairing with a T-shirt and Shorts
A T-shirt and shorts with a jean jacket makes for an effortless outfit on warmer days. A boyfriend tee and regular fit jacket with runner shorts work just as well as a baby t-shirt, cropped jean jacket, and bicycle shorts. Mix up different fabrics and fits for endless possibilities.
Layering with Sweaters or Hoodies
Denim jackets make for great, everyday layering pieces that pair well with hoodies and sweatshirts. Create a carefree look with baggy jeans or sweats, or enjoy a more contoured fit with skinny jeans or leggings. Incorporate with more textures, like knit pants or corduroy bottoms. You can even use this sweater-jacket combo to dress down flowy dresses or midi skirts and complete the look with low-top sneakers.
Elevated Looks
Pairing with Florals
Balance the casual quality denim brings with pops of floral. A colourful dress, tropical skirt, or ‘70s floral print top are bright and playful options. Alternatively, floral embroidery on denim shorts or jeans adds a fun detail to denim outfits.
Mixing Textures
Add visual interest by pairing your denim with other textures. Complement tougher fabrics with softer options like satin, cotton crochet, or smocked viscose tops and blouses. Black denim looks great with rib knit leggings and linen pants.
In cooler weather, an oversized denim jacket with a flannel shirt is a cosy go-to layer. Corduroy pants also look great with denim outerwear, especially in natural fall tones.
Different prints such as stripes, florals, and muted geometric patterns can also bring contrast to jean jacket outfits.
Mom or Regular Fit Jeans
Mom jeans and denim outerwear are ideal, providing a relaxed silhouette that matches the casual vibe of jean jackets. You can comfortably tuck a blouse or button-down shirt into mom jeans, or opt for a simple cotton tee. Read more in our “How To Style Mom Jeans” guide.
Similarly, relaxed-fit jeans add a carefree vibe and a touch of vintage Americana. Combine with a broad-brimmed hat and suede ankle boots, or go for a more Y2K look with low or mid-rise relaxed-fit jeans, a jean jacket, and a one-shoulder or halter-neck crop top. Read more in our “How To Style Relaxed Fit Jeans” guide.
Edgier Combinations
Oversized Jean Jackets
An oversized denim jacket is an easy option to give your outfit an edge, especially if the fabric is distressed. Pair with a baggy graphic tee over shorts, or a bandeau and baggy jeans with statement sneakers.
You can balance the added length and volume of an oversized jean jacket with something short or cropped, such as a playsuit, mini sundress, or cami with cotton shorts.
Pairing with Mini Skirts
A variety of skirts look good with denim outerwear, but the mini is our favourite for an elevated look. Opt for a mini skirt co-ord or mix and match the separate pieces.
Try a flare or skater skirt with an all-over print or experiment with a-line, straight, and form-fitting mini skirts and an oversized or cropped jean jacket.
Patches, Pins, or Embroidery
Add a touch of personality to a jean jacket with embroidery, patches, or pins. You can also find many different, already-embellished jean jackets to enhance your style.
Colourful denim jacket patching is a popular choice, with eclectic and fun pins and patches. You can also find jackets embroidered or patched with rustic elements, such as knit, felt, or sherpa lining.
Completing the Look
Footwear Options
The footwear options for jean jacket outfits are limitless. Sneakers are an everyday go-to, as are flat sandals in warmer weather. Chunky boots always look great, or try mules or wedge sandals for a more elevated look.
Purses and Bags
Keep it casual and practical with your favorite tote shopper or let a small statement handbag stand out against double denim. Keep it laid-back with a mini backpack or waist pack worn across the chest.
Hats
A baseball hat, trucker cap, or dad hat with a jean jacket is an effortless combo. Casual favourites also include bucket hats, beanies in cold weather, and visors or straw hats when it’s sunny.
Sunglasses and Jewellery
Accessorize according to your taste. You can make a denim jacket work with oversized sunnies or micro shades, as well as classics like aviators and wayfarers.
When it comes to jewellery, jean jackets complement oversized earrings, layered necklaces, and dainty rings. The shiny hardware of jewellery stands out on denim fabric.
With endless design choices, you can style a denim jacket any way you want. Pair them with your favourite flowy dress for beach days or layer them with hoodies and leggings for sunset bonfires. This versatile wardrobe staple has you covered for your evolving style.
Related Guides
How To Style Oversized Jackets
How To Style Regular Fit Jeans
