Are denim jackets in style in 2023? Yes! Did they ever really go out of style? I think not! Let’s explore some flattering jean jacket outfit ideas for women of all ages, sizes, and shapes!
My favorite Levis jean jacket from the 80s is long gone, it was so tattered and torn I had to let it go. I still have one from the 90’s however. It’s a more boxy trucker style but I’m noticing, according to some fashion “gurus”, even that type is making a comeback.
True vintage jean jackets from 30 years ago like my original one were 100% denim. Brand new, they were stiff with absolutely no give. I remember washing mine in hot water over and over and over to “break it in” and make it more comfortable. I’m pretty sure I even added bleach to the washer a few times. No wonder it was so threadbare in the end.
What I love about the jean jackets these days is some come with that lovely and oh-so-forgiving spandex in addition to denim. This stretchy quality makes them ultra comfortable!
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Read on for fun, trendy ways to style your denim jacket with smart- casual looks for women of all ages! (Yes, women over 40, 50, 60, and beyond can wear them.)
Basically, you can wear your jean jacket with practically everything in your closet! Think of the 9 basics below as a starting point:
- Leggings/Tights (black looks especially nice)
- Skirts of all lengths
- Dresses (mini or maxi)
- Jeans of various colors
- Pants of all styles and materials (leather, palazzo, harem, jogger, or Capri)
- Shorts (high-waisted paired with a corset top, bandeau tank, or bustier looks super cute)
- Skorts
- Rompers
- Jumpsuits
Click any of the photos or links below for a quick price check!
How To Style A Jean Jacket For Women~Cute Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas!
Jean Jacket With Leggings or Tights
If you live in leggings, you already know they are wonderfully versatile and can be dressed up or down. Wearing black leggings with a jean jacket is a great option. For a bit of bling, choose a denim jacket with fun pearl embellishments like the crop styles below from Alloy Tall Apparel. Traditional blue wash or black both work great with leggings!
If you prefer a bit more bootie coverage, an oversized or longer denim jacket may be better for you. A trench-style denim jacket worn over white distressed jeans and a plain white tee is a simple chic style I love!
Frayed Hem Denim Peplum Jacket
Skirts
Skirts of all lengths can be worn with your favorite jean jacket. I especially love the boho vibe created when worn with a long, flowy boho skirt. You can complete this look with boots, flat leather slides, or casual Columbia sandals. Choose your footwear according to the weather! If you prefer something lighter than denim, a shacket can complete the look just as nicely as a heavier denim.
Can You Wear A Jean Jacket With A Dress?
Heck ya! For a casual yet stylish look, you can’t go wrong with a denim jacket and dress outfit.
Similar to skirts, dresses of any length are a great foundation piece to build your outfit on. A jean jacket in this case can be quite practical, working as a great alternative to a shawl on a cool evening. This is the perfect outfit idea for an outdoor concert, patio dining, or touring wineries and vineyards. I really love this look myself…smart yet casual.
A pretty floral dress to wear with a jean jacket, a spaghetti strap maxi, a short, flowy babydoll, or a halter-style dress that skims the knee are all amazing choices!
Denim on Denim: Is It OK To Wear A Jean Jacket With Jeans?
Some fashionistas advise against being too matchy-matchy when wearing denim on denim, but if you like that look, it can be done. Some folks refer to that look as a Canadian tuxedo, lol! Most style gurus say a bit of contrast is best, like pairing a darker jean jacket with faded blue jeans or vice versa.
But aside from what the gurus say, you do what works for you! Personally, I try to not be too matching but I don’t tend to follow all the so-called fashion “rules”..
For example, the 3 outfits I’m wearing below have lighter stretch denim jeans with a bit of a darker jacket. You can also totally change the look of your outfit with different footwear!
With the orange peasant blouse, I like wearing the tan suede booties. Cowboy boots would also rock this outfit!
With a crisp, white button-down blouse, I sometimes pair it with these pointy-toe flat loafers instead, depending on my mood (and if I will be doing a lot of walking or not). Have fun and mix up your denim-on-denim looks!
What color denim jacket goes with everything you ask? A white one, of course! It’s a fantastic item to have in your wardrobe as it goes with every color. I found this Parasuco white stretchy denim jacket at Costco believe it or not! Below I’ve paired it with a cream cami with lace fringe, dark denim jeggings and slip-on leopard print sneakers from ASOS.
In the second outfit, I’m wearing the same white jean jacket with cargo capris, a lightweight, sleeveless sweater vest and a pair of cute black mules with a flower pattern. Strappy sandals would also look cute with this outfit!
It’s easy to change up the look of any outfit by changing shoes! Jean jacket outfits can go with sporty rhinestone-studded sneakers, sandals, kitten heels, Chelsea boots, or even combat boots!
You may also like: Can You Wear White Jeans After Labor Day?
What Pants To Wear With A Jean Jacket?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to the question of what pants to wear with a jean jacket. Naturally, you can wear traditional jeans but that’s not all. Cargo pants, Capris, clamdiggers, palazzo, or harem pants can all work. Even jogging pants will work. You do you!
Shorts/Skorts/Rompers
High-waisted shorts have made their way back into our lives and that’s good news as far as I’m concerned. No more thong showing from the back side…hooray! An oversized boyfriend or trucker jean jacket looks awesome with shorts. Choose the amount of leg that appeals to you, add a trendy animal print belt, and you’re good to go. Skorts, jumpsuits, and rompers work really well also!
Where To Buy A Cute Jean Jacket
It all depends on how you prefer to shop! You can find plenty of cute jean jackets and shackets online, in your favorite clothing store, or consignment shop.
There are a ton of choices for denim and blue jean jackets on Amazon and this one by Lee has rave reviews. It comes from a brand that has been around for ages and specializes in denim so I don’t think you can go wrong with this one. AND, it comes in 12 colors!
Wrangler is also a high-quality brand that has been around for ages. Their jean jacket pictured below is currently their category’s #1 best seller. It sits a little lower on the hip than the Lee jacket.
Online fashion retailer Melanie Lyne carries some really cool and unique styles! They have a nice variety of jackets too including this tan denim jacket with the lace hem detail. I think this one is adorable and perfect to wear with white jeans!
Embroidered Hem Denim Jacket
Of course, if you’re not a big online shopper, your local mall, department store, or chains like Target and Marshalls will carry them. I even saw some jean jackets at Costco!
Don’t forget to check your favorite thrift stores!
Yes, thrifting can be more time-consuming but also really fun. With shopping second hand you really never know what gems you will discover!
For instance, I picked up an awesome jean jacket for only $11 on my most recent thrifting expedition. It was a steal and in fantastic shape. I can’t wait to start wearing it!
I suppose that when it comes to fashion, everything comes back in style at some point. Everything old is new again as the old saying goes. Ooooh…I wonder if jelly shoes are next?? Ha!
At any rate, a cute jean jacket is one of the most versatile pieces you can own and a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe!
More Jean Jacket Outfit Ideas
Wear any of these outfits under your jean jacket for a put-together yet casual look!
So, What’s Your Denim Jacket Style?
The beauty of style, I find, is in letting your personality shine through. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m not a huge fan of so-called “fashion rules’.
I’m all about being your true, authentic self. So, have fun, experiment with different looks…perhaps step outside your regular style and try something new!
Maybe you’ve never worn a denim jacket with a dress or a romper before and you’re skeptical you can pull it off.
Hey, you’ll never know until you try it, right?
I hope you find some of these jean jacket outfit ideas inspiring and remember…
Life is short… wear what you like and have fun with fashion!
Until next time, K.
Kelly Blakely is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.
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