Few layers work as hard in our wardrobes as the trusty denim jacket [1], especially year round. Both nostalgic and modern, the casual-cool staple never fails — in high school, my American Eagle version served as a status symbol, carrying me from classes to mall hangs and school dances. Now, I lean on an assortment of vintage and tailored styles as the perfect midweight layer for work, weekend activities, and, well, basically any time I don't feel like wearing a blazer or trench coat.
Designers are continuing to reinvent the denim jacket each season, whether it's a reconstructed shape, an updated take on a classic style, or a unique approach to styling the closet staple on the runway. This inevitably translates to the street style scene, where fashion insiders and It girls are championing looks like head-to-toe denim, offsetting feminine staples with the laid-back layer, or mixing it with sporty and tailored pieces for a refreshingly modern look. On the funkier end of the spectrum, they're mixing denim jackets with coloured denim [2] for a playful take on the Canadian tuxedo and even combining with athleisure pieces for comfy-cute looks you can wear while running errands, on the weekends, or when travelling.
So, in the spirit of rethinking tried-and-true basics we'll never quit, I've pulled 36 of my favourite outfits from the street style scene, all of which offer a fresh perspective on the denim jacket, whether your style is eclectic, feminine, sporty, or polished. Plus, I've included two affordable denim jackets to shop from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's [3] in both classic blue and off-white — my favourite for Summer!
POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket
Wear this POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket [4] ($48, originally $64) with white jeans for a Summer-perfect look, or layer over a dress or tank top when it's cool.
POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket
It doesn't get more classic than a medium-wash blue denim jacket like this POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket [5] ($48, originally $64) to wear with literally anything.
A light-wash denim jacket makes evening pieces feel daytime appropriate.
Give your LBD the casual treatment in an oversize style.
What's fresher than white denim head to toe in Summer? A pop of red gives the look an Americana feel.
Give an old denim jacket new life by cutting it to a cropped silhouette. If it's oversize enough, try layering it over a blazer for a street-style-inspired look.
When it gets hot, tie your denim jacket around your waist like you would a sweater or hoodie.
A denim jacket perfectly offsets the sweetness of a floral-print dress.
Channel an athleisure vibe by styling one over a sweatshirt with sneakers.
A DIY [6] way to give your denim jacket a new feel? By skimming the bottom with scissors and fraying the hem.
That cocktail dress and heels you thought you'd never wear again? Think again.
For a polished look, style a denim jacket with tailored trouser jeans and heels.
Bright heels and a cool bag are a punchy finish to head-to-toe denim.
Think outside the box when styling a denim jacket by buttoning it halfway and wearing it off your shoulders.
Futuristic sneakers and paper-bag-waist pants feel sporty-sleek with a cropped denim jacket.
Don't be afraid to layer — a lightweight duster over a denim jacket and jeans feels fresh for Spring with minimal '90s heels.
Level up a head-to-toe denim look with a chambray shirt and cute neck scarf.
Can't decide between feminine and sporty? Then don't! A denim jacket ties together seemingly opposite separates.
When you need a layer over your Summer dress, a white denim jacket is perfect.
Give your denim jacket a sporty feel with a bright hoodie, sunglasses, and a bucket hat.
Make your denim jacket office approved by layering it over a midi dress and finishing with sleek pumps and a stylish tote.
Nothing wrong with a denim jacket over tailored neutrals for work.
What better way to temper a punchy dress and bright bag than with a classic blue jean jacket?
Cinch your denim jacket with a belt [7] and style with a midi skirt and pumps for work.
White denim head to toe feels edgy with Western boots and a bright bag.
A slinky dress can work for day with a denim jacket on top.
The ultimate Summer combo: a white dress, sandals, a denim jacket, and sunnies.
A denim jacket is the perfect way to temper two trends at once, like neon and cargo pants [8].
Toughen up a ruffled lace dress with a denim jacket and hefty boots. Bonus points if you have an iconic Dior saddle bag to finish.
What's cooler than a denim jacket with low-slug trousers, a colorful knit, and chunky sneakers?
A mix of white and blue denim is a fresh take on the Canadian tuxedo.
Our ideal Summer Friday look: a graphic t-shirt, a pencil skirt, mules, and, of course, a denim jacket.
White stiletto booties are an edgy accent to a denim set.
An oversize denim jacket quickly tones down an electric-yellow outfit.
The ultimate "running errands" ensemble: jeans, a denim jacket, a sweater, and sneakers.
A denim jacket gives sweet Summer separates a cool spin.
A white denim jacket makes earth tones feel summery.