20 Best Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas to Pull from Your Closet
Time to put your favorite wardrobe staple to work.
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Is there anything better than a jean jacket you really, truly love? We think not—and Ree concurs. Her first was a traditional Levi's trucker style in a medium wash (just add cowboy boots, right?). These days, her denim jacket of choice has a bit more sentimentality, but just as much utility: "It's Ladd's—it's Levi's and it's lined with a fuzzy wool-like material,” she says. "I really need to buy my own!" But she also can't get enough of the "beautiful and stretchy" embroidered cuff denim jacket from her clothing collection. When it comes to this outerwear piece, it's hard to choose a favorite!
Here, we're sharing the best denim jacket outfit ideas in the hopes that you'll make like Ree and fall back in love with your favorite wardrobe staple (besides those beloved flannel shirts of yours). Jean jackets, after all, pair well with just about anything: floral dresses, skinny jeans, and yes, even yoga pants. You just have to know how to style them! Add some flair with a bold dyed jacket in a delightfully untraditional hue (say, pink?), tone things down with a classic, tried-and-true blue denim, or dial up the drama once again in an all-denim ensemble. Whatever you're going for, we've got something here to inspire you. (And yes, we've got flannel outfit ideas, too—don't miss them!)
Pair your denim jacket with these pieces:
Show Off the Details
Whether your denim jacket has fun details like embroidered cuffs or is stitched with an all-over floral pattern, you'll want to let those accents shine! Here, Ree pairs her jacket with a matching pink dress so that the cuffs really pop.
Throw On a Scarf
Alex Drummond enhances her go-to denim jacket by layering a scarf on top. It's simple yet so chic. Check out all the ways you can style a scarf to give your outerwear a unique twist.
Try a Vest
Your denim jacket doesn't actually have to be a jacket—just take it from Heidi Klum! There are endless ways to wear this layering piece, but there's just something about the edgy look of a denim vest with leather pants.
Add to Athleisure
A denim jacket makes for the perfect finishing touch atop cute activewear. Here, Olivia Wilde drapes her jacket over a casual shirt and leggings with sneakers for an extra effortless outfit.
Go for the Crop
Though a cropped jacket may seem intimidating, the trendy style is actually so flattering. This is because it hits right at the waistline to accentuate your figure. Grab one with a fringed hem like Kelly Brook for even more of a statement.
Show Your Cuffs
Take a cue from Yara Shahidi and make sure the cuffs of your favorite shirt or dress are visible! Simply pull them out from the arms of your favorite denim jacket.
Go Bold in Deep Blue
Lighter shades of blue aren't your only options when it comes to denim jackets, you know. We love the moody look of this darker hue on Gigi Hadid.
Pair Your Jacket with a High Neck
A boxy, boyfriend-style jacket is just the thing to pair with a floral dress—and we love the way the high neck peeks out here. Sarah Michelle Gellar displays the look effortlessly, and keeps things from feeling too covered-up with a slightly shorter skirt.
Try a Canadian Tuxedo Look
The term refers to a denim-on-denim look, and it's equal parts classic and quirky. Here, Gabrielle Union shows how chic the look can be.
Cozy Up in Sherpa
Who says denim jackets are just for spring and summer? Get comfy in a sherpa-lined option, like the one Emily Ratajkowski is wearing here.
Keep it Casual
A layered look is always in style—just check out Emma Roberts' outfit. It's a nice way to add structure and style to an otherwise simple ensemble.
Stay Classic
A denim jacket adds just the right amount of visual interest to Meghan Markle's button-up shirt and black pants. Classic for the win!
Complement Your Bump
Moms-to-be, there's no need to keep your denim jacket hanging in the closet. There are plenty of maternity-ready options on the market these days that'll hug you in all the right places (and most importantly, keep you warm!).
Reach for an Oversized Option
No fitted jacket? No problem. Oversized denim imparts an effortlessly cool look to any outfit, including Jennifer Lopez's ensemble here.
Pink, Please
Eschew the traditional hues in favor of a flashy pink. Rachel McAdams' casual but cute airport ensemble is an excellent example of just how big of a difference that choice can make.
Wear It Year-Round
Lucy Hale's fall turtleneck pairs perfectly with her sherpa-lined denim jacket. (Besides, when else is a jacket more likely to come in handy?)
Bring it Down to Earth
Mila Kunis' cozy jacket gets an even cozier upgrade with the addition of capri-length sweats.
Highlight Your Favorite Tee
Here's an easy way to elevate a well-worn t-shirt: Add a jean jacket! We love Karlie Kloss' laid-back, Parisian-inspired look here.
Make it Dressy
Priyanka Chopra's jean-on-jean outfit choice would be cool enough without the addition of a cute skirt. But with the skirt (and that belted waist—love!), it's straight-up dreamy.
Play Up the Summer Vibes
Cleo Wade's beachy ensemble is even more playful thanks to an off-the-shoulder denim jacket. It's sunshine in an outfit.
Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.
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