How to Style a Denim Jacket: 5 Looks for Every Day

Short answer: a denim jacket is the easiest layer you own. Throw it over a dress to make it casual, pair it back with jeans for a relaxed double-denim, or belt it with a skirt for something a little sharper. Here are five ways to wear one, built from pieces you can shop right now.

Look 1: Over a floral dress

A denim jacket instantly grounds a pretty floral dress and takes it from event to everyday. Leave it open and let the dress do the talking.

• Jacket: Floral Print Washed Denim Jacket
• Dress: Floral Sleeveless Belted Midi Dress
• Bag: Casual Leather Tote Bag
• Shoes: Lace Up Ankle Boots

Look 2: Double denim done right

Pair your jacket with a contrasting wash of jean so the two pieces read as separates, not a suit. A tote keeps it grounded and practical.

• Jacket: Floral Print Washed Denim Jacket
• Bottom: Acid Wash Straight Leg Jeans
• Bag: PU Leather Tote Bag
• Shoes: Lace Up Warm Ankle Boots

Look 3: Thrown over a slip dress

The rough edge of denim against a soft slip dress is the whole point. It makes a delicate dress feel wearable in daylight.

• Jacket: Floral Print Washed Denim Jacket
• Dress: Lace Trimmed Two Tone Slip Dress
• Bag: Textured Leather Tote Bag

Look 4: Relaxed with white denim

Layer the jacket over a soft sweatshirt and wide white jeans for a weekend look that still feels considered.

• Jacket: Floral Print Washed Denim Jacket
• Top: Bow Round Neck Sweatshirt
• Bottom: White Loose Wide Leg Jeans

Look 5: Sharper with a denim skirt

Keep it tonal with a washed denim skirt and let a slit and a pair of boots add the edge. A clean, current way to wear denim on denim.

• Jacket: Floral Print Washed Denim Jacket
• Bottom: Pleated Washed Denim Skirt
• Shoes: Platform Slip On Boots

Styling tips for a denim jacket

Match the mood, not the wash: a light jacket over a dark jean reads as separates, while tone on tone looks deliberate. Keep the jacket open for an easy line, or belt it over a dress to nip the waist. Warm accessories, like a brown tote or gold jewelry, soften all that blue. And when in doubt, size up a touch, since a slightly relaxed jacket layers over more and never feels tight across the shoulders.

Build your own denim looks from our denim shop, dresses and jeans.