A denim jacket is one of the most important pieces you will ever have in your closet. I’ve had a denim jacket for as long as I can remember because they never go out of style and they are very handy to have around. I wear it multiple times a week. You can basically throw them over any look and you can wear them all year round, even if you live in a 4-season city (I’ll show you how below). Today I’m sharing over 70 outfits with a jean jacket to inspire you to create your own looks with pieces you already have in your closet.
Ready to learn how to create outfits with a jean jacket? Let’s go!
In a hurry? Go straight to what you are looking for:
- Why should you own a denim jacket?
- How many denim jackets do you need?
- Care instructions for denim jackets
- Cute denim jacket options for every budget
- How many denim jackets do I have?
- Is it ok to wear a denim jacket with jeans?
- 70+ looks with a denim jacket organized per season
- Bonus looks! 25 denim jacket outfit ideas – With outfit formulas
- Final thoughts
- Related style posts you may also like
Estimated reading time: 28 minutes
Why should you own a denim jacket?
As I mention above, a denim jacket is a timeless and classic 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.
How many 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 useful minimalist wardrobe, then you don’t need more than one piece. 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 can be a lot happier with less things and create more outfits easily.
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 3 or 4 times you use it. 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 (more sustainable living ideas here), with similar colors and in gentle cycle. When it comes to drying it, hang it or let it air dry. Don’t put it in the drier to minimize risk of it shrinking. I rarely put denim pieces in the drier.
How many denim jackets do I have?
I only have one, but I’ve had 3 different jean jackets in the past 4 years. However, not because I haven’t followed my own advice of just having one. Let me tell you a story about my denim jackets LOL.
So, I had this really fancy $400 Citizens of Humanity denim jacket. I loved it! I had it for over 4 years, until one day I left it inside a Chicago brown line train and of course, no one returned it. I was heart broken and after that experience, I said I would never pay that amount of money for a denim jacket ever again.
Since I really can’t live without having a jean jacket, a few days after the incident, I bought a $30 denim jacket at Old Navy. I loved it too and that’s when I realized I didn’t really need a fancy, expensive denim jacket. What happened with that denim jacket is that I bought it when I was the skinniest I’ve been in my adult life, and of course I bought it size XS… AND it stopped fitting after a few months (ha!). Like I could literally not lift my arms above my shoulders.
That led me to the one that I have right now. It’s from Meijer Stores and honestly, I love it so much!! It has a ruffle detail on the front pockets and I love that detail.
This is why in the upcoming photos you will see 3 different denim jackets. Have fun figuring out which one’s which. I already gave you all the clues ;)
The following 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 couple trendy pieces each season.
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. If you follow my advice and get a light/medium wash denim jacket, then 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:
How to wear a denim jacket – 70+ outfits with a jean jacket (organized per season)
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!
Here are some Summer outfits with a jean jacket. Remember that you don’t have to go and buy anything new to try and recreate any of these looks! Try to find similar pieces in your closet and create your own version, adding your own personal touch.
As you can see you can dress it up or down. It depends on the shoes and accessories. Also, remember you don’t have to wear it all the time. Just bring it with you and wear your denim jacket when you need it. At least that’s what I do most of the time.
14 outfits with a jean jacket that are perfect for Fall
Fall is a great season for you to create some cool outfits with a jean jacket. I lived in Chicago for almost 7 years before we started living in Airbnb’s full time, and Fall was not exactly warm enough for a denim jacket. There were very few days where you could actually wear it with a sweater and not freeze. But that inspired me to create warmer outfits with a jean jacket, so here they are:
Also check: How to build your own capsule wardrobe for Fall with just 25 pieces
Those were 14 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 applies for Winter, but I also like to add a faux fur vest over it as you will see below.
How to wear a denim jacket in Winter
It doesn’t happen often, but when I do wear my denim jacket in Winter, I also 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! Here are 6 outfit ideas with a denim jacket for Winter:
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. Do 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 ideas with a jean jacket for Spring:
BONUS LOOKS! 25 jean jacket outfit ideas – With outfit formulas
Because I love to share a ton of looks so you guys can feel inspired to create your own version of them, here are a few more options with outfit formulas for you to try.
All you need to do is take out of your closet different options for each of the pieces in the outfit formula and start mix and matching. If possible take photos and save them on your phone. This way you will have looks ready to go next time you need to get dressed. Trust me, this is so useful when you are in a rush.
How to create outfits with a jean jacket and leggings
Outfit formula: Leggings + T-shirt + Denim Jacket + Sneakers + Warm Accessories
Denim jacket outfits with white sneakers
Outfit formula: Jeans/Skirt or Pants + T-shirt + Denim Jacket + Sneakers + Accessories (optional)
Guys, the best white sneakers ever are from a Brazilian brand called Cariuma. They are sustainable, decently priced and SO COMFORTABLE! These are the ones I’m taking on my trip around the world, so I really mean that.
If you need more tips on how to wear white sneakers, then check out that post too!
Another thing you can do instead of pants or skirts is wear white sneakers, a dress and a denim jacket, like this:
Denim jacket outfits for date night
You can also wear your denim jacket for date night! Add heels and a cute dress and you are good to go! Here are some outfit ideas with a denim jacket for date night:
Outfit formula: Cute dress + Denim Jacket + Heels + Accessories
You can also try with jeans and heels like I did here:
For more date night outfit ideas, check out my post ‘what to wear on a first date‘. There are many date night outfit ideas for every season and type of date in there :)
Denim jacket tied around your waist
I don’t know if any of these looks count exactly as outfit ideas, but I do wear my denim jacket around my waist a lot! Sometimes it acts like a belt with an oversized piece to accentuate your waist line and I think it looks good. Sometimes your bag is too small and you don’t feel like holding your denim jacket…
This is what I’m talking about:
There’s not really an outfit formula here LOL. I just want to give you the idea to tie it around your waist.
Denim jacket for the airport
I always wear an extra layer for the airport and a denim jacket is perfect for that! Pair them with comfy pants and shoes and a T-shirt and you are good to go :)
Outfit formula: Comfy Pants + Comfy shoes + T-shirt + Denim jacket
PS: we are currently traveling the world full time! ** If interested in checking out my updated travel outfits (right now we’re in Mexico!) check out this link!** (I just travel with a small suitcase and create many many cute looks. Including travel day looks!)
How to create outfits with a jean jacket for dressy occasions
This is one is easier than it sounds; just pair it with a dressy piece and accessorize properly. Of course, these looks are not for a formal occasion, but I have dressed up like this for events and it worked out:
Some cute denim jacket options (if you need one)
Here are a few options for every budget. If you already have a denim jacket, simply ignore this part. But if you are in the hunt for one, then consider these options:
Budget friendly denim jacket options: (under $75)
Medium budget denim jacket options: (Between $75 and $150)
Luxury denim jacket options: (Over $150)
You’ll be able to create some cute jean jacket outfits with any of these. As you can see, I prefer light or medium washed denim jackets. They are the most versatile ones.
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 denim jackets
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 to message me on Instagram or in the comment box. 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
Did you learn how to create outfits with a jean jacket today? Please share on Pinterest
Other style posts for basic pieces:
- On the hunt for Spanx leggings? Read this Spanxs leggings review first!
- If you are interesting in supporting more sustainable brands, read my ethical clothing shopping guide
- Best ethical activewear brands for every budget
- Learn how to create your own Summer Capsule Wardrobe with only 25 pieces (shoes included)
- How to build your own capsule wardrobe for Fall + outfit ideas
- Step by step guide on how to clean up your closet and build a minimalist wardrobe
- What to wear on a first date – 70+ outfit ideas for any type of date night (not just first dates)
- 10 white blazer outfits for every occasion
- What to wear with leather leggings – Outfit ideas with Spanxs
- How to wear a maxi skirt for every season
- Going back to the office soon? Check out my post ‘Outfit ideas for the office‘ (there are 80 looks in there for every season)
What an adventure! Thank you for sharing all your fantastic ideas.
OMG! You just made my life easy. Thankyou for sharing this information through your blog.