How to Wear a Jean Jacket With Any Outfit

levi's classic jean jacket — Photo: nordstrom.com

It can be frustrating to keep up with the ever-changing fashion trends—every season brings a new color, style, and silhouette. Sometimes you feel like everything in your closet is suddenly unwearable. So isn't it nice when you come across an item in that same closet that truly stands the test of time? Something that not only works season after season, but year after year? Behold the jean jacket.

"Denim jackets are extremely versatile staple pieces that are perfect for building an intentional wardrobe, which prioritizes versatile and trend-proof styles," says Jessica Sockel, stylist at Stitch Fix.

Denim jackets are great for breezy summer nights or as a chic layer under a winter coat. They look cool with an oversized scarf in the fall and are a perfect outerwear choice for spring. If the one in your closet hasn't seen the light of day in a while—maybe you forgot how versatile it really is, or maybe it got buried under all the other trends in there—now's the time to dust off that jacket for future looks. Try this fresh style inspo to help you find some new ways to wear your jean jacket

01 of 17

Pair a Blue Denim Jacket With a Full Skirt

The basic blue jean jacket is every woman's best friend. Here, it helps make a soft pink pleated skirt look a little more edgy and rugged.

Get the look: Free People Rumors Jean Jacket, $98, stitchfix.com

02 of 17

Pair Denim With Denim

The style rule used to be that a denim jacket with jeans was a no-no—especially if they were the same color. But that rule has definitely changed. "You can definitely pair a denim jacket with jeans! Choose contrasting shades for visual balance," Sockel says. "Matching denim washes is also a popular option for those interested in testing out the style. Try breaking up the look with a chunky belt."

Get the look: Rumors Denim Jacket, $98, freepeople.com

03 of 17

Go Beyond the Black and Blue

If blue denim is not your thing, or if you already one of those and want to grow your jean jacket collection, try one with a pop of color. This cherry red jean jacket becomes the focal point of a black and white ensemble.

Get the look: Riders By Lee Denim Jacket, $38, amazon.com

04 of 17

Go long with your denim

Denim dusters are a fresh take on the classic—and look great with both pants (like these jeans), or over a dress.

Get the look: Denim Duster Coat, $160, bananarepublic.com

05 of 17

Opt for a Black Jacket to Dress Things Up

"While denim jackets are typically casual, you can incorporate them into a semi-formal or work outfit," Sockel says. "Opt for a dark, clean-cut denim jacket. Denim jackets pair great with dresses, even semi-formal dresses, for the right occasion."

Get the look: Loula Denim Jacket, $68, stitchfix.com

06 of 17

Pair a Denim Jacket With a Mini

This cute outfit is definitely giving vintage 90s style. Pair a sleek plaid mini with a baggy black denim jacket (and don't forget the Doc Martens).

Get the look: Levi's Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, $89, zappos.com

07 of 17

Throw a Blue Denim Jacket Over a Maxi Dress

Toss a jean jacket over a maxi dress for a relaxed, boho style outfit.

Get the look: Classic Non-Stretch Jean Jacket, $40, oldnavy.com

08 of 17

Transition a Summer Look to Fall

A big, boyfriend jean jacket is the freshest silhouette going. "We’re seeing oversized and boxy silhouettes of jean jackets trending, for a relaxed and casual vibe," Sockel says. It's the perfect thing to throw over a more summery ensemble (like these shorts) to help extend the season to wear them.

Get the look: Oversized Trucker Jean Jacket, $138, madewell.com

09 of 17

Use a Blue Denim Jacket to Ground a Bright Color Palette

A blue jean jacket is the perfect balance for a Barbie pink skirt. Use it to help soften your boldest ensembles.

Get the look: Madewell The Jean Jacket in Medford Wash, $128, madewell.com

10 of 17

Try a Statement Denim Jacket

Denim jackets with intriguing art on the back have become a key style. Pair a bold denim jacket with a more simple ensemble, like this white dress and red accessories combo.

Get the look: Screaming Tiger Denim Jacket, $75, edhardy.com

11 of 17

Play With Silhouettes

Jean jackets look stylish with wide-legged pants. You can opt for a cropped version to make the top streamlined, but it also looks great when you pair a baggy denim jacket with the wide legged pants.

Get the look: Levi's 90s Trucker Jacket, $98, levi.com

12 of 17

Add a Belt to Your Denim Jacket

A belted jean jacket gives you definition at the waist. Opting for a longer length denim jacket is an ideal option with leggings.

Get the look: Denim Jacket With Belt, $80, mango.com

13 of 17

Style Up Your Joggers With a Blue Denim Jacket

A denim jacket can make even joggers and sneakers look a little more polished and sophisticated.

Get the look: Madewell The Jean Jacket in Medford Wash, $128, madewell.com

14 of 17

Use a Cropped Jacket to Give a Flowy Dress Shape

A form-fitting denim jacket can define your waist and give an A-line dress some shape. (Plus, the frayed edges help give it a more casual vibe.)

Get the look: Rowan Cropped Denim Jacket, $249, anthropologie.com

15 of 17

Wear a Cropped Denim Jacket Over a Jumpsuit

Denim jackets are the perfect partner to jumpsuits. A faded blue looks great for a casual ensemble, but pair it with a smart black or dark blue jean jacket for wearing to work.

Get the look: Classic Jean Jacket, $45, oldnavy.com

16 of 17

Layer an Oversized Denim Jacket Over a Midi-Length Skirt

A midi skirt and ankle boots are a perfect fall pairing with a denim jacket.

Get the look: Mavi Jeans Denim Trucker Jacket, $128, nordstrom.com

17 of 17

Use a Jean Jacket to Bring White Pants Beyond Summer

That old saw about white pants only in summertime no longer applies, but a jean jacket can make it feel less summery when you want to break out your white jeans early in the spring or late into the fall.

Get the look: Emma Boyfriend Denim Jacket, $99, nordstrom.com

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