It can be frustrating to keep up with the ever-changing fashion trends—every season brings a new color, style, and silhouette. Sometimes you feel like everything in your closet is suddenly unwearable. So isn't it nice when you come across an item in that same closet that truly stands the test of time? Something that not only works season after season, but year after year? Behold the jean jacket.
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Denim jackets are great for breezy summer nights or as a chic layer under a winter coat. They look cool with an oversized scarf in the fall and are a perfect outerwear choice for spring. If the one in your closet hasn't seen the light of day in a while—maybe you forgot how versatile it really is, or maybe it got buried under all the other trends in there—now's the time to dust that jacket off for future looks. Thanks to the help of 27 on-trend fashion bloggers, we break down all the different types of jean jackets out there. (Hint: blue denim is only the beginning.) And then we show you how to wear yours.
01 of 27
Pair a Blue Denim Jacket With a Full Skirt
The basic blue jean jacket is every woman's best friend. It's versatility is unmatched—available in countless washes, at every price point, and in all sizes. Balance out the volume of a full skirt with a fitted denim jacket like blogger Color Me Courtney.
Get the look: Two by Vince Camuto Jean Jacket, $99; nordstrom.com.
02 of 27
Use a White Denim Jacket as a Color-Blocking Strategy
If blue denim is not your thing, or if you already one of those and want to grow your jean jacket collection, try a white version. It's clean and crisp, and will elevate any outfit. Try using it as part of a color-blocking strategy like blogger Sydne Summer from Sydne Style.
Get the look: Everlane The Denim Jacket, $88; everlane.com.
03 of 27
Layer a Black Denim Jacket Over a Slouchy Hoodie
The other end of the denim jacket spectrum is, of course, the black jean jacket. Sure, it lends a downtown-cool vibe to any outfit—but it can also serve as a versatile wear-anywhere layer. Layer it over a slouchy hoodie to turn leggings and sweats into a real outfit.
Get the look: Pocketed Denim Jacket, $60; mango.com.
04 of 27
Throw a Blue Denim Jacket Over a Maxi Dress
Toss a jean jacket over a body-con maxi dress (and baby bump!) like blogger Collectively Candice.
Get the look: Pilcro Classic Denim Jacket, $130; anthropologie.com.
05 of 27
Layer an Oversized Denim Jacket Over a Knee-Length Dress
Even though jean jackets transcend seasonal trends, there are more fashion-forward versions out there—if you're in the mood to experiment, try an oversized style. A longer silhouette, like this one on blogger Patty's Kloset, is super-flattering over a body-con knee-length dress.
Get the look: Oversized Distressed Denim Jacket, $30; boohoo.com.
06 of 27
Dress Down a Floor-Length Skirt With a Distressed Denim Jacket
If a plain denim jacket doesn't feel very "you," maybe a distressed version, like the ones below, would be more your speed. A ripped-all-over jacket dresses down a floor-length pleated skirt, like on blogger Sweenee Style.
Get the look: Ksubi Ripped Denim Jacket, $215; intermix.com.
07 of 27
Use a Blue Denim Jacket to Ground a Bright Color Palette
A blue jean jacket grounds an otherwise over-the-top color palette, as seen here on Georgette from the blog Grown and Curvy Woman.
Get the look: Embroidered Denim Trucker Jacket, $96; nordstrom.com.
08 of 27
Wear a Cropped Denim Jacket Over a Jumpsuit
A sleeveless jean jacket, or a denim vest, can be a really fun layering piece to add to your wardrobe. It's also the perfect DIY solution for a jacket whose sleeves have gotten too short. Try a denim vest over a jumpsuit, like blogger Brooke from KB Styled.
Get the look: Frayed Denim Vest, $78; bloomingdales.com.
09 of 27
Look Cute With a Blue Denim Jacket Over a Baby Bump
A blue denim jacket perfectly offsets a black, white and red outfit (and looks great with a baby bump).
Get the look: AG Robyn Jacket, $198; shopbop.com.
10 of 27
Try a White Denim Jacket With a Fun Pattern
If bright white is too much for you, try a printed version as seen on Kate Ogata of The Fancy Pants Report—you may not be able to wear it to the office but you'll live in it every weekend.
Get the look: Tinsel Polka Do Jean Jacket, $30; nordstrom.com.
11 of 27
Align a Black Denim Jacket With Some Edgy Accessories
A black denim jacket is the perfect go-with for edgy black accessories.
Get the look: Rumors Denim Jacket, $98; freepeople.com.
12 of 27
Offset a Girly Vibe With an Oversized Denim Jacket
A borrowed-from-the-boys slouchy silhouette perfectly offsets the girly vibe of a pleated skirt.
Get the look: Levi's Baggy Trucket Jacket $98; revolve.com.
13 of 27
Balance a Lacy Skirt With a Distressed Denim Jacket
Distressed details (and a cool concert tee) help to perfectly balance out an ultra-feminine skirt.
Get the look: GRLFRND Distressed Denim Jacket, $280; net-a-porter.com.
14 of 27
Pair a Cropped Denim Jacket With a Mod Mini Dress
A sleeveless denim jacket with a longer silhouette plays nice with the streamlined cut of a mod mini dress, in this photo from Masha Sedgwick.
Get the look: Levi's Denim Vest, $60; macys.com.
15 of 27
Style Up Your Joggers With a Blue Denim Jacket
Blogger Kendi Everyday proves that a denim jacket with a popped collar and rolled-up sleeves makes even joggers and sneakers look polished.
Get the look: Denim Trucker Jacket, $90; anthropologie.com.
16 of 27
Pair a White Denim Jacket With a Silky Blouse and Black Pants
White denim is slightly more polished than blue, so it plays nicely with a silky blouse and black pants, like blogger Lady in Violet is wearing here.
Get the look: Two by Vince Camuto Denim Jacket, $99; nordstrom.com.
17 of 27
Use Oversized Denim to Balance Heels and Skin-tight Jeans
A hip-length silhouette balances the sexiness of cage heels and skin-tight jeans.
Get the look: Dad Oversized Denim Jacket, $90; topshop.com.
18 of 27
Make a White T-Shirt Pop With a Black Denim Jacket
A light-wash black jean jacket makes a classic white tee really pop.
Get the look: Denim Girlfriend Jacket, $64; asos.com.
19 of 27
Wear a Blue Denim Jacket Over a Red Sweater
A blue jean jacket and a red sweater are a match made in heaven—bonus points if you add in another pop of color, like blogger Geri Hirsch did here.
Get the look: Madewell The Jean Jacket, $118; madewell.com.
20 of 27
Use a Black Denim Jacket to Add Texture to a Dull Outfit
Try a style in a vintage wash to add texture and interest to an otherwise drab outfit.
Get the look: Denim x Alexander Wang Jacket, $450; shopbop.com.
21 of 27
Use a Cropped Denim Jacket to Tone Down Big Stripes
A cropped style ensures horizontal stripes don't overwhelm a petite frame.
Get the look: GUESS Cropped Denim Jacket, $98; macys.com.
22 of 27
Bring White Jeans Into Fall With an Oversized Denim Jacket
An oversized denim jacket with a vintage vibe can bring your white jeans into fall.
Get the look: Boyfriend Denim Jacket, $34; amazon.com.
23 of 27
Pair Black Jeans With a Distressed Denim Jacket
You can never go wrong with a distressed jean jacket and black jeans.
Get the look: Aqua Distressed Denim Jacket, $88; bloomingdales.com.
24 of 27
Show Off Your Curves With a Cropped Denim Jacket
If you have a petite frame, or maybe oversized silhouettes simple aren't your think, try a cropped denim jacket. Show off your curves with a shrunken silhouette.
Get the look: The Cropped Denim Jacket, $78; everlane.com.
25 of 27
Use an Oversized Denim Jacket to Play With Proportion
An oversized denim jacket can be a fun way to play with proportion—try wearing one with wide-leg pants and platform heels like blogger Simply Audree Kate.
Get the look: Ramona Denim Trucker Jacket, $128; freepeople.com.
26 of 27
Use a Distressed Denim Jacket to Downplay Sexy Stilettos
A distressed, oversized denim jacket is a double whammy, but works well to downplay super-sexy stiletto boots.