A denim jacket is one of the most important pieces you will ever have in your closet. Bold statement, I know. But I’m serious. A piece like this will NEVER go out of style as they are endlessly versatile. Today you’ll see why learning to create chic and timeless outfits with a jean jacket can be a game changer for your personal style!
I’ve had a denim jacket for as long as I can remember because they’re very handy to have around. I wear it multiple times a week. Even now that I travel the world full time while living out of this 20′ carry-on, I ALWAYS have this piece with me. That’s why I’m always creating cute denim jacket outfits!
You can basically throw a denim jacket over any look. And you can wear them all year round too… even if you live in a 4-season city (I’ll show you how I did this when I lived in Chicago for 7 years).
So let’s check out 70 timeless outfits with a jean jacket and inspire you to create your own version of these looks with pieces you already have in your closet!
Ready to learn how to create outfits with a jean jacket? Let’s go!
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you shop for anything using the links in this page. Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
This article was originally published in May 2022 – Updated on January 11th 2025.
Estimated reading time: 22 minutes
Why should you own a denim jacket?
As I mention above, the classic denim jacket is a timeless piece you will have in your closet for the rest of your life basically. There are so many outfits with a jean jacket that you can create.
Honestly, you can throw it over almost any look as you are about to see. I love having my denim jacket with me every time I go out because it’s the perfect extra layer to carry around and use anytime I need to.
Plus, you’ll always look stylish no matter what. Even if you are dressed with super basic pieces, if you add a denim jacket to your look, it’s like an instant upgrade. Who doesn’t like that? 💃🏻
How many denim jackets do you need?
You only need one denim jacket in your closet. Really, there is no need for more than that.
This is what I recommend for almost any piece. There are only very few exceptions, but if you really want a practical minimalist wardrobe, then you don’t need more than one denim jacket.
Trust me, it’s way better to have your go-to denim jacket always around, than having to choose what to wear every single time. I assure you that you can be a lot happier with less things and create more outfits easily. (I experienced this freedom when we sold everything to travel the world full time!)
🎯 Also read: the 7 pieces that will never go out of style!
Care instructions for denim jackets
I don’t wash my denim jacket that often to be honest. I definitely don’t wear it just once before I throw it in the laundry basket. I’d say you are more than fine if you wash it after 5 or 6 wears. Of course this depends on the situation… if it gets sweaty and stinky definitely wash it LOL.
I throw mine in the washer. I’ve never taken it to the dry cleaners. Wash it with cold water because it’s better for your clothes and for the planet. Make sure to also wash it with similar colors and in gentle cycle.
And when it comes to drying it, just let it air dry. Don’t put it in the drier to minimize risk of it shrinking. (although good denim should not shrink)
How many denim jackets do I have?
I currently have one blue denim jacket and one black one.
I’ve had 3 different jean jackets in the past 7 years. However, not because I haven’t followed my own advice of just having one. It’s a long story, but I’ve lost a couple of them at airports and while traveling. That’s the reason why I have 2.
The moral of the story here is that a denim jacket is such an important piece, that whenever I lose it, I immediately replace it no matter where I am in the world!
👉🏻 Disclaimer: in the upcoming photos you will see 3 different denim jackets because these looks are from the past 7 years. I always like to share old photos so you guys can see how important it is to have a classic, timeless closet and just incorporate a few pieces each season.
🎯 Also read: how to create your first capsule wardrobe!
Is it OK to wear a denim jacket with jeans?
Absolutely. There’s only one rule when it comes to how to wear a denim jacket with jeans:
👖 make sure there’s contrast between the 2 pieces 👖
Styling tip: I advice you to get a light/medium wash denim jacket and pair it with dark jeans. The jeans don’t have to be the darkest either! Just make sure there’s enough contrast so it doesn’t look like a set.
Here you have a couple of examples of outfits with a jean jacket + jeans:
How to wear a denim jacket – 70+ outfits with a jean jacket (organized per season)
🌸 How to wear a denim jacket in Spring 🌸
I love wearing my denim jacket in Spring! It’s such a great feeling when you don’t have to wear your Winter coat any more, but you still need an extra layer. Can you relate to this? 😅
You can style your denim jacket with dresses, skirts, pants, maxi dresses, jeans, jumpsuits, shorts, etc. There’s so much you can do with it.
Here are some outfits with a jean jacket for Spring:
✅ If you are looking to get a new denim jacket, this is the one I have right now! It’s sustainable, very high quality and $49!
Want to fall in love with your closet again?
Let me guide you to find your personal style again! I designed a quiz that will help you assess the state of your closet, understand what kind of closet purge you need and find your new signature style!
Get started by answering these 7 questions, and I’ll tell you exactly what to do next ⬇️
☀️ How to wear a denim jacket in Summer ☀️
If you live in a city with crazy weather like Chicago, then your denim jacket will be your best friend during the Summer months. Yes, some days are crazy hot and it will stay in your bag, but a lot of Summer nights are chilly.
I lost track of all the times I went out for dinner, sat in a patio and got cold because the temperature dropped 20 degrees after 10 pm. This is when you want to have your denim jacket with you!
👉🏻 Tip: Try to find similar pieces in your closet and create your own version of any of these looks while adding your own personal touch.
Here are some Summer outfits with a jean jacket:
So far, here’s what we know about styling a denim jacket:
✅ You can dress it up or down and style for many different occasions.
✅ A denim jacket looks great with almost any kind of shoe. Keep in mind that your shoes and accessories are key to dressing your looks up or down.
✅ It matches with basically any color.
✅ It looks good with skirts, jeans, dresses, wide leg pants, maxi skirts, shorts, jumpsuits, cargo pants… (seriously with almost ANYTHING in your closet!)
As you can see from the photos, there are a bunch of travel photos with my denim jacket! I seriously could never travel without this classic closet staple!
🍁 How to style a denim jacket for Fall 🍁
A denim jacket is so good, that you can also wear it in the Fall! It adds a touch of effortless style to any outfit. Plus, the more you can postpone wearing big, chunky coats the better, right? 😉
Its versatility makes it easy to layer over cozy fall pieces, whether you’re dressing for crisp mornings or mild afternoons. From casual looks to more elevated outfits, a denim jacket can tie your outfit together while keeping you comfortable and on-trend throughout the colder months.
👉🏻 Style tip: To style a denim jacket for fall, focus on layering it with textures and colors that embrace the cozy autumn vibe. It’s the perfect piece to balance both casual and polished looks, making it ideal for anything from weekend outings to weekday errands.
Those were 12 outfit ideas with a denim jacket for pretty much any occasion. The trick to style it for those colder days is to add a warm sweater underneath (which is why I like to size up with my denim jackets), tights and warm accessories.
Same advice applies for Winter as you will see below.
❄️ How to wear a denim jacket in Winter ❄️
It didn’t happen often, but when I did wear my denim jacket in Winter, sometimes I had to wear my coat over it. Just keep that in mind.
The trick to style your denim jacket during Winter is to add layers and pair it with warmer pieces. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
If you’re someone who gets sick of wearing big coats, then this tip might be for you! I used to do this on milder winter days and if I knew I wasn’t going to be walking much. It felt liberating to not wear a winter coat!
Here are 6 outfit ideas with a denim jacket for Winter:
Styling tips to keep in mind:
✅ Compensate not wearing a coat, with thick tights and booties.
✅ Wear your denim jacket over sweater dresses and warmer pieces.
✅ Add a faux fur vest over it and a cozy scarf.
✅ If it’s too cold, just wear your coat over it!
You Will Also Like These Blog Posts:
- How to create your first capsule wardrobe with just 30 pieces (100 outfit ideas)
- How to find your personal style in 5 easy steps
- Everything you need to know about outfit formulas!
Best denim jackets if you’re looking for a new one:
Here are a few options for every budget. Because this is one of those pieces that you will end up wearing a lot, I recommend that you invest in a good one that will last you for years!
The good news is, high quality does not mean expensive! Consider these 3 options:
1️⃣ Sustainable, durable and classic. (available in 2 different colors)
2️⃣ Oversized denim jackets (super cute too, if that’s more your vibe)
You’ll be able to create some cute jean jacket outfits with any of these!
🎯 Pro tip: When shopping for a denim jacket, I recommend sizing up. This way you can wear it with thicker sweaters/layers during the colder months. One size up won’t make it look too different (you honestly can’t even tell) and trust me, you will love to wear your denim jacket in Fall and Winter!
Final thoughts on how to style a denim jacket:
Are you convinced yet? Or do I need to share more denim jacket outfits? LOL I’m sure I have more but I don’t take photos every single time I wear it, so this will have to do it for today :)
I hope you learned how to create your own outfits with a jean jacket. Remember that you don’t need to copy any of these, just use them as inspiration to create your own version and add your personal touch. No one else is like you and you don’t want to look like everyone else either.
Let me know what you think in the comments below. If you have any questions, feel free ask in the comment. I’m always here to help you with any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for stopping by and hope you have a great day ahead!
XO,
Aimara
PS: take the closet score quiz today! By simply answering 7 questions, I can assess the state of your closet and tell you exactly what to do next. It’s free and it takes 30 seconds!
About The Author:
Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.
I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.
Did you learn how to create outfits with a jean jacket today? Please share on Pinterest. It really helps my blog when you share my content there :)
Other style related posts where I style basic pieces:
- 10 white blazer outfits for every occasion
- What to wear with leather leggings – Outfit ideas with Spanxs!
- How to wear white sneakers
- How to wear a denim shirt
- How to wear a long cardigan
*This post contains affiliate links. Which means if you shop for certain things by clicking the links in this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks in advance for supporting Ways of Style!
Great Post! You are sharing a wonderful post. Thanks and keep sharing.
Wow very informative blog. great work
What an adventure! Thank you for sharing all your fantastic ideas.
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