Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas For Spring and Summer
36 Fresh Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas For Spring and Summer, Plus Our Favourite $48 Version
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Few layers work as hard in our wardrobes as the trusty denim jacket, 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 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 in both classic blue and off-white — my favourite for Summer!
POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket
Wear this POPSUGAR Denim Cropped Jacket ($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 ($48, originally $64) to wear with literally anything.
A light-wash denim jacket makes evening pieces feel daytime appropriate.
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 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.
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 and style with a midi skirt and pumps for work.
White denim head to toe feels edgy with Western boots and a bright bag.
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.
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.
An oversize denim jacket quickly tones down an electric-yellow outfit.
The ultimate "running errands" ensemble: jeans, a denim jacket, a sweater, and sneakers.
