A new spin on the denim jacket

Susan B. wears a denim jacket, striped tee, white jeans, and leopard print loafers.

I love the look of a classic denim jacket. A CDJ adds a little bit of “cool” to just about any outfit, and is a perfect Spring layering piece.

Two outfits with denim jackets…

earrings (similar) | jacket (similar) | necklace | tee | bracelet | jeans | loafers (similar).

Here I’ve styled with off-white boyfriend jeans, a striped tee and leopard print loafers. I love the look of a popped collar, and it also keeps that chilly breeze off my neck!

But if you wear jeans as often as I do, you may not always want to wear double (blue) denim. So a jacket in a wash other than classic blue is always good to have on hand as well.

Susan B. wears an elongated cream denim jacket, navy sweater, slim jeans and platform sneakers.

I really like this longer version in a cream color. It’s comfortable, flattering, and easy to wear. If you prefer a look that’s less boxy, this one has a nice shape and curved frayed hem.

earrings (similar) | bandana | jacket (c/o) | sweater | jeans | shoes

The classic blue jacket at top is one I’ve had for a few seasons now. The cream jacket was gifted by Chico’s as part of an ongoing Instagram collaboration. I’m wearing size 0P (4-6 Petite) in both jackets. What I like about both of these jackets (aside from the Petite sizing option) is that the fabric has a bit of stretch and is not stiff or bulky.

Styling ideas…

  • Adding a denim jacket to classic/tailored pieces can create a more relaxed and modern look.
  • Create a masculine-feminine mix by pairing a denim jacket with a romantic floral dress, or a ruffled top.
  • Button up and wear your jacket as a mid-layer under a coat or vest, or tie a sweater over your shoulders.
  • Of course you can wear double denim! I like this look best when there are some more refined pieces in the mix (like loafers instead of sneakers, a standout bag, a structured or silky top, some red lipstick).

The classic…

The spin

Do you have a favorite style of denim jacket? How do you like to style it?

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37 Comments

  1. A denim jacket is a work horse in a wardrobe. Thank you for the inspiration! I bought two new J Crew sweater blazers and have been wearing them nonstop, and forgot about my jean jacket. It will definitely be pulled into my rotation.

  2. I hadn’t though about the white denim with the lighter wash. Love it!!! The longer style is really interesting, too. You look fabulous, you are such an example to all of us. You’ve stayed healthy(both mentally and physically) during a difficult time. Keep the posts coming, I hope soon to see more pics of you venturing out….fingers crossed!

  3. It’s like you are reading my mind! I have lost weight in the past year and my go-to Jean jacket is too big. I loved it—- it had a little shape— not too boxy. Princess seamed but in a good way. I have been debating the longer Chico’s denim, but I like the off white. Believe it or not I saw one from Carharts that had a nice shape. You never know what you will find and where.

  4. Susan – I like the jacket you are wearing, as it has no chest pockets. Can you please share info about it? Thanks!

    1. Hi Ann, this jacket is a couple of years old, was originally from Chico’s. Some of the jackets shown in the “Spin” widget below also have no chest pockets.

  5. With the help of a gorgeous denim jacket, you put together two outfits that simply look fantastic! These are great photo shots of you!
    These jackets offer so many possibilities. I love it when there is the high/low contrast that they offer. Just adding a cute scarf like you did, elevated the entire look. Of course, your shoes are always spot on too.
    I have a knit denim jacket that is light weight and fun to wear. But I’m sure giving a look at the longer white jacket. How fun!

  6. How is it that you are looking younger every day? The changes in your colors and your clothing are so inspiring and modern feeling! Thanks for all you do!

  7. Susan,
    Great post. I’ve been looking for the Vince stripe t-shirt for several weeks in this burnt orange. Although the t-shirt in your photos looks more red than burnt orange. I finally found it still available at Amazon. I sometimes select a size similar to what you wear (which is why I appreciate you indicating the size you are wearing in an item). Would you mind sharing the size of the Vince t-shirt you are wearing? It will guide me in selecting my size. Thank you.

  8. What is a spin widget? I don’t see anything “below”! You look great. I’ve fallen a bit by the wayside in dressing with style…mostly golf clothes and tights and Ugg’s which isn’t like me at all. But I have shopped a lot…no where to wear most of it, but it was an activity! Nice to see spring up here in NoCal…time to shed the winter pounds and break out the lighter clothes. Thanks Susan….your blog is a fun daily read.

  9. Really love the blue denim outfit with the red striped shirt. The animal print loafers add the perfect upscale touch!

  10. Target did a collaboration with Levi’s this spring. They have a nice denim jacket for $80! I think they look cute over a maxi dress too.

  11. Double denim, aka Canadian tuxedo (according to a couple of friends who live in Alberta)? 🙂 Love the longer length cream jacket.

    OMG I want to buy so many of the things from the Levis x Target collab. The jacket looks a lot like the 80s vintage men’s jacket I bought at a flea market.

  12. I LOVE both outfits and have pretty much the same jackets already. One of them will be my outfit tomorrow! Thanks for the inspiration. BTW, I bought that little cotton scarf and the gold colored one on your recommendation last year and absolutely love then both! They go with so many things and are very light weight. I’ve worn them a lot.

  13. You could walk down the street in the fifties with this outfit on and still look right. I did. But I had on brown penny loafers with a penny inserted in the toe. Classic looks always have a little twist to look modern but they are keepers. God bless classics.

  14. You can also get the classic saddle oxfords & look great with both outfits! I still wear mine as often as possible; I really like them with jeans & a tee. I really like these options & I have both of these jackets. I really appreciate the inspiration you give us in every post!

  15. That denim jacket you’re wearing is still my favorite style of all time. (I have it in several colors and washes.) LOOKS fabulous the way you’ve styled it here. The newer style is nice too, but I prefer the open pockets – more functional AND less attention to a large bust. I have my eye on that cream jacket as well. I have a sage green one (with embroidery on the back) in the same style, and it’s such a great in-between length and so comfortable. Loving all your outfits this spring. Keep ’em coming!

  16. Love the classic denim jacket but having rounded shoulders and developing a dowager hump,they don’t fit across my shoulders any more.Trying to source another style to purchase ad I really miss being able to wear one

    1. This isn’t exactly my style, Diana, but apparently it’s selling well. It’s a denim “jacket” ruana from Chico’s. Their ruanas run HUGE, so if you’re a US14 or under, I suggest trying the S/M. And best of luck in the search. For YEARS I wanted to wear a Levi’s denim trucker jacket like one of my best friend did (with everything from jeans to black dress pants), but I’m just too long-waisted and busty for the style. Levi’s briefly offered one a few inches longer, and I snagged one in a lovely wine color. Until I discovered that jacket Susan is wearing in the first photo, it was my go-to denim jacket, but it was never terribly comfortable. That Chico’s jacket was the greatest find ever. So much so, I was willing to pay full price for it. It’s so comfortable and stretches, unlike the Levi’s jacket, but still looks like a classic.
      https://www.chicos.com/store/product/denim+ruana+wrap/570304108?color=4519&catId=search

      1. Found a solution, cut off the collar, added small shoulder pads,now it doesn’t bunch up in the back.Maybe I am short waisted!Thanks for your help Lee.

  17. I did triple denim in the 70s as I had denim espadrills to match my denim skirt and jacket! Definitely not going there again so have recently found a really nice white denim jacket to wear with jeans and I have a light and a mid wash denim jacket to wear with white and other coloured pants. Denim jackets definitely come to the fore when a blazer is too dressy and a cardie is just not polished enough.

  18. I have a white denim jacket hanging in my closet that I was just reconsidering just the other day – so I am pleased to see your suggestions. Now to fit back into my jeans . . . And by the way, you are looking particularly bright and vibrant these days!

  19. Hi
    I love the cream denim jacket you are modelling and would like to order it but mail order clothing makes me nervous as returning an item that doesn’t fit is cumbersome, in my opinion. Can you tell me if the jacket fits true to the size chart? I am 5’6″, 115 lbs, small busted with broad shoulders, narrow hips and fairly long arms.

    1. Hi MJ, thanks! I do think this one runs TTS. I’m usually a size 4-6 Petite and am wearing the 0 Petite in Chico’s sizing.

      1. Susan, are you going to be reviewing the jacket you’re wearing in that Chico’s Instagram post from a few days ago? I think it’s the Double-Breasted Washer Jacket, but the navy color in your post looks brighter than what appears on their website. Thx!

        1. Hi Lee, yes, that’s the one. It’s pretty much a true navy. (I lightened the exposure a little in that photo to better show the details.)

          1. Thanks, Susan. What are you thoughts on it overall? Is it TTS or a “keeper”? It looks fabulous on you in that photo. I especially like how it looks with the sleeves rolled up, but maybe you found it too dark?

          2. I’m still on the fence about it. I think the look with the blue and white tee is too cool for me, but need to play with it a bit more.

  20. Blue denim near my face is bad, so I wouldn’t opt for that, but it looks fab on you. I love how you repeated the leopard of your gorgeous shoes with your sunglasses.
    The cream denim jacket is one I would instantly order, but as you know…not from the USA anymore.
    Greetje

  21. Hi, you look great in your new colors! Would you please give me some info about the shoes you are wearing in the photo of you in the white jean jacket? The link doesn’t seem to work. Thx much.

  22. Love that photo of you with your hair blowing in the breeze. If we could only go through life with a fan gently blowing our hair.. I love denim jackets!!! Great look!

  23. Hi

    Sorry, but I have a technical question. How do I stop getting notifications when someone comments on the denim jacket post? I originally checked ‘yes’ to be notified but am ready to bow out of the conversation. lol. I ordered the cream jacket, btw.

    1. Hi MJ, there’s a link at the bottom of the email notifications, but I’ve gone ahead and unsubscribed you from my end. Hope you love the jacket!