There are a few wardrobe essentials that will never go out of style. The little black dress, a classic pair of slacks, an everyday white tee… you know the ones. Another style must-have (at least in my closet) is a timeless denim jacket.
For those of you who have followed me for a while, you know that a denim jacket is part of my signature look.
I just love how many ways I can style it and how I can always dress it up or down!
That’s why I thought I’d let you in on a few of my favorite ways to wear a denim jacket. And since we’ll be welcoming fall before you know it, now’s the perfect time to get some style inspiration for the new season!
Below, you can find some of my tips for wearing a denim jacket.
*post includes affiliate links
Keep It Basic
One of my favorite ways to wear a denim jacket is with a solid-color tee or tank.
It keeps things simple and allows you to spruce up your outfit in other ways with jewelry, shoes and accessories!
Here is a photo of me in one of my go-to jacket styles!
I love the bright blue tone of this jacket. And thanks to the clean lines and classic cut, it can go with anything!
Here’s another time I paired a dark-wash jacket with a basic v-neck top.
In the picture above, I was with my dear friend Phillip Watson. I would hate for my outfit to take away from our gardening tips, so the basic top and jacket were a perfect choice!
But don’t get me wrong. While I like the basic, classic look that isn’t too busy, I still LOVE accessorizing. See how good denim looks with my PowerBeads bracelets?
I actually chose both of these colors because they work so well with a traditional denim jacket. They mix and match well too!
And almost every time I’m wearing my Jill Watch, I’m also wearing denim in one way or another.
While we retired this style from the site, I know so many of you own it (and love it)! So I hope this will give you some inspo on how to wear it with that denim jacket you have in your closet.
Play With Colors and Patterns
I have a variety of blue denim jackets in my closet, but I also have a few that add some excitement to my wardrobe.
This tie-dye find is one of my favorite closet additions.
It’s surprisingly comfortable and a great summer-to-fall transitional piece. And although it’s considered “tie-dye,” it’s not obnoxious. I find that the jacket looks best when paired with a basic top and jeans or slacks.
(the jacket above is no longer available… but I found this one I love!)
While we’re on the subject of patterns, I also wanted to show you my camouflage jacket.
Again, with a patterned jacket, I recommend basic jewelry and a solid color top. You wouldn’t want something to distract from your beautiful jacket!
(find a similar Walmart camo jacket here!)
I also enjoy finding denim jackets in different colors.
I wore a fun green jacket when I was on the TODAY Show with Hoda and Jenna.
Okay… so it’s not technically denim, but it has a very similar silhouette to my denim jackets. It’s my new favorite! I’m wearing the same one in a “white sand” color in this photo with the Brothers.
I even paired it with a few jewelry pieces from the Just Jill Shop.
It’s trendy enough to spruce up your wardrobe but classic enough to pair with vibrant accessories.
Other Ways To Make The Most Of Your Denim Jacket
Here are a few more style tips that you might find helpful! First, I love wearing a denim jacket with a dress.
The great thing is that you can pair it with just about any style of dress. I’ve worn mine with a shift dress, a maxi dress and a flowy, midi dress in the spring.
In the photo of me below, you’ll see me wearing a basic denim jacket with a striped shirt.
I find that when you want to go minimal on the accessories, a patterned top (I prefer stripes) is the perfect way to add some excitement to an otherwise basic outfit.
Most of the time, I find myself rolling up my cuffs when I wear a denim jacket.
This allows me to show off my bracelets and watches! And if you haven’t noticed… I always wear something around my wrists!
Related: How to Create The Perfect Wrist Stack
If you still want the classic denim color but you’re feeling a little brave, try out an ombre jacket like the one I’m wearing below.
The tones still make it super versatile, but it adds a little uniqueness to my outfit, don’t you think? Lastly, I recommend layering a denim jacket with a rounded or v-neck tee.
Why? It always seems to look more flattering and opens up the look!
How do you plan on wearing your denim jacket?
Whether you’re more of a traditional gal or you’re looking to add some patterns to your wardrobe, I hope these tips were helpful!
From my closet to yours,
Jill
