It’s FRIDAY and I am so jazzed for today’s Style Session! I’ve talked about it in my previous How To Style posts, but styling brings me so much joy. This series helps me look at my closet with a fresh eye: I love finding fun ways to wear the items I already own, whether they’re seasonal staples or wardrobe workhorses, like my favorite denim jacket.
The best part of all? Today’s session is also being shared on Instagram stories with my dear friend Ailsa. Ailsa is the most authentic, down to earth and supportive friend around, with the cutest style to boot! So, if you’re reading this, make sure you pop on over to her page, give her a follow and check out her styling tips and inspo, too!
First things first: denim jackets. I was an early denim jacket adopter. My first one was from The Gap (duh) and I loved it. I wore it all the time in my junior high days. And then, sometime between 8th grade and my late twenties, we fell out of love and I literally didn’t own a denim jacket for years. I don’t know what I was thinking. A couple years ago I finally fixed that problem with this one (similar here and here) and I honestly can say that I haven’t looked back since! Why? Well, a denim jacket is a fabulous wardrobe workhorse because it’s versatile, multi-seasonal and incredibly practical. During non-COVID times, I’d wear mine to work, on dates, over dresses, with shorts, under heavy coats and packed it as a layer on pretty much every trip I went on. These days I throw it over my WFH outfits to feel more put together! If I calculated cost per wear, this baby would have paid for itself after only a few months!
My favorite way to wear it? With white denim. Which is why this post could also be called – How to Style a Denim Jacket 4 Ways WITHOUT White Denim ? Despite white denim jeans and a blue denim jacket being a match made in heaven, in the spirit of keeping things interesting, I tried to mix it up! There are so many other great ways to wear a denim jacket and I’m hoping this post gives you some ideas for wearing your denim jacket in new and exciting ways, too!
And now, the looks!
WITH SUBTLE STRIPES
Stripes are super for all seasons but I especially love them in the spring and summer! And, while my pants are off-white, they are technically not denim. These garment dyed cotton wide leg crops are an all time favorite – I have them in two colors and featured them in my last How To Style session, too! They are a warm ecru and pair perfectly with this classic, ivory striped fisherman sweater and neutral flats. And while I chose to stick with a more monochromatic look (my favorite!), any bold or fun stripe would work well here. I’d wear this outfit around my house or on the occasional errand for a comfy but put-together alternative to leggings!
WITH A WHITE DRESS
This look makes me want to head straight to the beach for a BBQ! Oh what my husband would give for a balcony with a grill these days. To me, a white dress with a denim jacket is the quintessential Americana combo! This dress is so comfortable and while it’s made for outdoor summer days, it’s just as comfy and fun to wear around the house! I love how the soft, flow and ladylike maxi contrasts with my short, structured jacket. Neutral block sandals elongate the leg and keep the focus on the dress. All I’m missing is a bold red lip!
WITH PAIRED PRINTS
My fellow J.Crew catalog lovers will recognize the concept of a “hookup”: wearing a top and bottom in the same print for a unified look! This shirt and skirt are from one of my all time favorite brands, GANNI, and I snagged them both on The Real Real. I’m not one for big, bold, colorful patterns, but can definitely get on board with neutral prints like this navy and beige combo. Hookups are great for maximizing your wardrobe because you can wear the top and bottom separately and together, leaving you with three built in looks! I love this and this together or, if you’re feeling bold, this and this! The denim jacket makes the look more casual so I added a headband and my favorite espadrilles (more affordable here) for a ladylike twist.
WITH COMFY COZIES
Comfy but make it cute! This is the most me look these days: cozy joggers, a twist on the classic white t-shirt and white sneaks. When I want to mix up an athleisure outfit, adding a third piece can make all the difference: the denim jacket instantly pulls everything together! Pop on my sustainable sneaks and I’m ready to hit the streets (albeit briefly) or safely snuggle on the couch.
Now tell me, which look is your favorite? If you style a similar outfit, don’t forget to post it and tag me and Ailsa on Instagram – we love seeing your looks!
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