How to Style a Denim Jacket: 8 Remarkable Outfits for Every Season

Grab a denim jacket for an iconic styling staple. 

Is there any piece more faithful than a trusty denim jacket? It’s the wardrobe hero we all reach for, with that brilliant knack of making any outfit feel instantly laid-back and ready for adventure. But when you love something that much, it's easy to get stuck in a style rut, always pairing it with the same old combinations.

Well, we think it's time to shake things up! We’ve put together some remarkable outfit ideas to breathe new life into your favourite denim styles and inspire you to fall in love with them all over again.

Throwing a denim jacket over a dress creates such a lovely contrast, giving a grungy twist to a classically feminine piece. The soft, flowing dress fabric, compared with the texture and structure of your denim jacket, brings so much visual interest.

As a rustic, natural texture, denim pieces are fantastic for creating a bohemian style outfit. Take an oversized denim jacket with a worn, faded or frayed look and throw it over a vibrant tunic top or breezy boho dress. Accessorise with layered beads or flowy, lightweight scarves, then finish with leather or suede-look boots.

See our guide to boho style to learn more about achieving this look.

Denim jackets are often a fabulous lightweight jacket option, great for Spring and cooler Summer days. However, they can also look wonderful with knitwear and snug styles for the chillier seasons. Wear your denim jacket with a fitted roll-neck jumper and cord trousers or a knitted dress and funky tights for an easy Autumn style.

Double denim might once have been seen as a faux pas, but the style is sensational when executed well. Take the classic ‘Canadian Tuxedo’ - a denim jacket and jeans. You can create co-ordination with a jacket and jeans in an identical wash, or contrast a dark denim jacket with light jeans and vice versa.

The Canadian tuxedo isn’t the only way to do double denim, though. Our guide to styling double denim has plenty more tips on tackling the look. 

Denim jackets are a beloved feature of 90s grunge style, and they’re perfect for sporting at gigs and festivals today. Layer a distressed denim jacket over a graphic T-shirt and pair with ripped jeans and pumps for instant indie style. Now you’re ready to rock out.

Denim is also a perfect fit for country ‘n’ western style,  as the rustic fabric was a favourite for the cowboys of the Old West and can be seen all over Nashville today. Pair your denim jacket with a broderie blouse, a pair of shorts and some knee-high boots to achieve perfect country chic, and see our Nashville style guide for more country fashion tips.

Clashing the relaxed, casual look of denim and the fitted, sophisticated style of tailoring creates a bold, modern outfit. Lay your denim jacket over smart trousers and a waistcoat or over a tailored jumpsuit, and you’ll have a sleek, slick look with a touch of attitude.

The denim jacket might be a casual classic, but pairing it with your occasionwear can be a lot of fun if you love to be rebellious with your styling. Turn heads by pairing a spectacular occasion dress with a denim jacket and trainers for your next party or smart casual event.

We don’t recommend this rule-breaking style for events with strict formal dress codes. However, denim can be an easy option to throw over your occasionwear to go to and from the venue if you aren’t planning to wear it at the actual event. 

Almost anything! That’s the magic of them. 

They look fantastic thrown over summer dresses, layered with cosy knitwear for autumn, or even paired with smart trousers for a modern, unexpected twist. The possibilities are truly endless, so have fun experimenting. 

The double denim look is a timeless style statement. The key is playing with the shades to create some contrast. Try pairing a light-wash jacket with dark indigo jeans, or a black denim jacket with classic blue jeans.

Denim jackets are brilliant for layering in winter. Wear yours over a warm roll-neck or a chunky cable-knit jumper for a stylish and practical look. On those chilly days, you can even pop it on as an extra mid-layer under a bigger winter coat for added warmth and a flash of character.

It all comes down to the look you’re going for. A more fitted denim jacket creates a smart, classic silhouette that looks great over dresses. An oversized or relaxed fit gives off a more casual, boho vibe that’s perfect for layering over hoodies and jumpers. It’s all about choosing the style that makes you feel most fabulous.