Denim Jacket Outfits: 7 Ways to Style Jean Jackets
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Mar 16, 2022 • 2 min read
A jean jacket is perennially trendy and highly versatile, inspiring multiple a variety of outfit ideas. You can wear a denim jacket over a T-shirt for a casual street style look, or you might wear a blazer-style jean jacket as part of a smart-casual outfit.
Learn From the Best
What Is a Denim Jacket?
A denim jacket, also known as a jean jacket or trucker jacket, is a type of casual outerwear made of denim fabric. Jean jackets are a quintessential American article of clothing, popularized by Levi Strauss in the late 1800s. Traditionally, denim jackets were made of blue denim, but there are various colors and styles of denim jackets available today.
7 Ways to Style Denim Jackets
Create your denim outfit by adding your jean jacket to one of the following ensembles:
- 1. Go for a classic white tee look. Wear a denim jacket over a white T-shirt, chinos, khakis, or leggings, and white sneakers to match your shirt.
- 2. Layer with a hoodie. For an added layer of warmth in the winter, you can wear an oversized denim jacket over a hoodie or sweatshirt.
- 3. Go double denim. An all-denim look, known as a “Canadian tuxedo,” consists of a matching jean jacket and a pair of jeans. This head-to-toe denim look makes a bold statement.
- 4. Play with different colors. White and black jean jackets are classic, or you can go bold with a brightly-colored jean jacket. Light wash denim jackets are generally more casual, whereas dark washes are more formal.
- 5. Wear it over a crop top. Try a pair of earth-tone, high-waisted pants and a colorful crop top with your blue or black denim jacket.
- 6. Pair with a dress. You can wear a blazer-style denim jacket over a button-down dress or a midi dress for an office-appropriate look. Accessorize with jewelry to elevate the outfit. For a more casual outfit, wear a jean jacket over a mini-dress.
- 7. Distress your jacket for extra edge. Just as you can distress your blue jeans, you can distress a jean jacket using a shaver, cheese grater, scissors, or other household tools to nick your jacket, create some holes, and give it a well-worn look.
Want to Learn More About Unleashing Your Inner Fashionista?
Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style maestro. Queer Eye’s fashion guru spills everything he knows about building a capsule collection, finding a signature look, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s important to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.