I got a great jean jacket at goodwill last summer for $5 and I can’t wait to break it out this spring to layer over my dresses and skirts.

Love the doggie jacket!

Are denim jackets with jeans still a no-no?

love,
m!

I have a black denim jacket that is military inspired – sort of Sgt. Pepperish looking with defined shoulders and two rows of silver buttons up the middle. I have been on the fence about it. Keep or donate? I keep thinging I’ll pair it with something flowy and feminine, but boho really isn’t my style (or should I say boho is not flattering on me therefore it is not my style).

Shari

Great post Angie. I

p.s. I love dog fashion. I am such a sucker for the dog aisle at Old Navy. My girl is a yellow lab mix w/double fur so she doesn’t need clothes for warmth and probably wouldn’t abide with wearing anything. I am eyeing a pink and green argyle collar for her, but she really isn’t the preppy type. LOL.

Great post Angie. I love my denim jacket. The doggy jacket is adorable.

Oh, the last one on the little cutie is the best one by far

I already have one with a classic styling ( got it at clearance at H&M for $15) and I might get a second one. I really like that moto version from Arden B (third one in the third row), but it is sadly not available anymore. BCBG currently has something similar and if I luck out to find mt size when it goes on sale it will be mine.

Wow look at the doggie! What a fab hourglass bod! Are Jasmine and Rosie going to be indulging in this trend? Those big floofy paws look too cute peeking out from the sleeves.

Most denim jackets seem to have chest pockets which is a problem for me, though the chest-pocketless Arden B jacket is pretty nice. I can’t say I find a denim jacket particularly useful since I wear jeans (or a denim skirt) just about every day. but I might reconsider once I get my dress wardrobe where I want it to be. Until then, I will admire it from afar.

Nevermind, just noticed that the Arden B jacket does have pockets. Sigh. Maybe they’re subtle enough though.

I had a denim jacket in all throughout college that I wore nearly every chilly day, then donated some years ago because it was on the trendy side and like all trendy things went out of style. It was collarless and was cropped-length, like the one on third row left. If I get one now I’d probably opt for a regular length one in a more classic style, like the top left one in a dark rinse. I love jackets that I can machine wash!

What do you think about the denim color of the jacket and jean not matching? Is that OK?

A timely note as I was thinking just yesterday how much I appreciated your selection of a biker-style denim jacket on our last shopping trip. I popped it on over a black t-neck and menswear gray striped trousers and I was set to go all day long (and evening). A perfect pick-me-up for an otherwise boring ensemble!

I have had the same denim jacket from The Gap for about 10 years and it ALWAYS seems to come in handy!

I’ve had a basic denim jacket for years now and just last month, I took it into the tailor to get it nipped in a bit. The alteration makes it look quite updated. I am looking forward to getting lots of wear out of it this spring!

I also have a “jean jacket” style jacket made from black linen/cotton that I can wear with my jeans and other denim bottoms so I can avoid that denim-suit look.

I love denim jackets so I am happy to see you call them “classic” wardrobe staple.
When I was working, our dress code was business casual. If I felt too dressed up (i.e.; matching suit or even skirt and heels) I could toss on a denim jacket and seem to pull it all together. Something about the contrast of dressed up and denim maybe?
I could use a new one – love that slightly biker style.

I love my denim jacket, and definitely want a second in a different style. I’m considering the biker one at Delias. Too cute!

Meredith and Carita, absolutely no denim on denim in the same colour, but as far as mismatching it – sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I can’t really make it a rule. It depends on the integrity of the fabrics. This subject was thrown around on the forum. You might find it interesting:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=10

Goodwill is probably the first place to look for a great denim jacket, which you can have tailored to fit.

Shari, I love the sound of your military inspired jacket. It does not sound boho in style (at least that is my impression). But it doesn’t *really* quality. It needs to be blue denim to be flop proof in my opinion.

Tanya, I think you’d really enjoy another denim jacket. It’s a great casual option which is how you want to evolve your style at the moment.

Maya, now that I have not only seen you but actually DRESSED you, I can challenge your thoughts! You can absolutely wear the right denim jacket. Ideally no pocket flaps on the bust line, but a subtle pocket is just fine. Sometimes the pocket flaps sit high enough that they don’t compete with the bosom. Start the search. It’s ideal for those Summer dresses and skirts. The moto jacket right in the middle is $20. Could definitely work.

Another challenge on my part. Those of you who are still wearing denim jackets that are over 10 years old, are you sure they are tailored enough through the back and torso? I don’t mean to sound accusatory, but I have my doubts. I see a LOT of 10 year plus denim jackets and none of them make the grade without alteration!

I couldn’t resist our handsome little canine model today. He looks like a boy so for all intensive purposes I’m going with “he”. Jasmine and Rosie wear clothes in the cold weather too. As little dogs with clipped hair, they do get cold. I keep them in fine knits at home and pop them in thick cable knits for the snow and ice. They don’t ever wear anything decorative, because dogs should be dogs. Their doggy clothes are for function only. So are their collars. But I do like to pick out stylish ones.

My dear, Chris, I love that you love your denim jacket. But you are violating the “business casual code” by wearing it! Perhaps your work dress code is smart casual? A dark denim jacket would be perfectly acceptable for that dress code.

I have been searching lately for the perfect denim jacket. I almost found one at Eddie Bauer of all places, but they didn’t have my size and it was discontinued. One day, I will find one.

That’s not one of your girls, is it? How cute!

Thanks for the post Angie.

I bought a denim jacket from The Gap a few years ago, and it’s become a wardrobe staple. I wear it with dress pants and skirts and it’s an easy go-to look for me. I think I even had a stonewashed version back in the 80s.

Thanks for this post, Angie. I love my denim jacket, which I got at Gap because you recommended it to me. I find all kinds of use for it. I did have to get mine taken in at the waist, but I really like how streamlined it looks, especially buttoned. I’d like to find one that is even shorter to wear with dresses, because I feel that something is off about the length of my Gap one with dresses, even though it seems okay with skirts? Anyway, I think the BCBG one has definitely moved up on my wishlist after this post, since I seem to be wearing so many dresses lately.

I’ve had the same original style denim jacket for years and its always been a spring and fall essential. (Diana – mine’s an Eddie Bauer!)

Okay, I was hesitant to buy a denim jacket due to the recent 80s trends that have resurfaced…but now I am seeing the light. I am definitely going to add a good denim jacket to the list of wardrobe staples I don’t own and need! Thank you, Angie!!

I just don’t think I can do this one! The photos are really cute. Rationally, I get the concept. But I still can’t get past wearing denim jackets back in college! I know the styles are much more tailored now, as opposed to those awful, huge things we used to wear. But still…I’m going “eek!” I have jackets in other fabrics that are very similar to the ones posted (especially the Arden B) jacket. But I know that the feel of a denim jacket – even a very modern one – throws me backwards! I have a funny emotional reaction to denim jackets! Suddenly I feel like a neurotic 19 year-old. Is that weird? I think I’m weird! LOL

And some people say that clothes are simply functional items, sans emotion!

A few weeks ago, I went to Ann Taylor and found this jacket: http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

I wasn’t going to get it, but couldn’t resist. I can’t wait to wear it! I plan to get white jeans (eventually!), and I think it is dressy enough to wear to work, as well as wear it with shorts!!

Has anyone tried dying a jean jacket that is a medium denim to a dark denim? I have a fitted jean jacket that I like but wish it were very dark instead of wishy-washy light. It’s a thinner denim. Anyone try this?

I have the same question as Stephanie does – I have a nice, cropped jacket but it’s just too light-colored. Can it be dyed darker, or is that asking for trouble?

Angie – where would a tailor take in a jacket? On the sides? back? What is too long?

Hah! I’ve been laughed at for including a well-cut denim jacket on my “essentials” list … but I adore this style, and have for years. It’s a classic, and I’m glad to see it getting more attention.

I’m wearing my denim jacket today! I’ve got the gap one too. I realized my jcrew one is now too large. I also have a Guess denim jacket from the 80s. I keep it for sentimental value only and I never wear it because it’s on the baggy side and I’m not sure altering it would fix it.

I ordered the jacket from Delias! (center row, center column)

i’ve been on the lookout for a denim jacket… thanks for the post!!
the only reason i haven’t before now is because i wear jeans almost everyday and really don’t like the “jean suit” look.
but i esp. like the last one… ha ha ha!

I died my best fitting pair of jeans for this fall. It is tricky, but doable. Dharma Trading Company has the best dye (actually my children’s art teacher gave me direction, she had already died a pair of yuck khaki pants to a beautiful eggplant chocolate for me) catalogue. But really, be prepared to give the piece up, or die it again (as I had to) to get a good color. For me it was worth the risk, because I wasn’t going to wear the jeans a lighter color.

I’m scarred on the denim jacket. I used to wear one and everytime I did husband said I was so in the wrong decade. LOL

Think these jackets are so cute with dresses, but wonder can I get them to work with pants? Not jeans, obviously -and most of my pants are jeans – so what pants would look good? haven’t had too much luck finding the microcheck ones.

I have a few of these, it’s probably a weakness of mine! Fitted dark rinse style denim jacket that I’d classify as smart casual that I got from Talbot’s a few years ago. More traditional style (levi type) good fit dark denim only I think it was izod brand or something like that (so I took a seam ripper & took the “izod” little label off the pocket). More traditional style (levi type) looser fit CK light denim jacket that I wear for casual. And, my newest darker denim biker style DKNY one I got a clearance for $20. As crazy as it sounds I’d love to find another but I need to STOP & move onto other needs! Anyway, I’m really glad to see this post!! Curious about the tailoring also as I have a fun black knit (levi type) SO blue Sigrid Olsen that I got a few years ago that I wear ALL the time for casual but would LOVE to have it more fitted!! Please advise on the alteration. Thanks a bunch!

Yeah for jean jackets! As Chris says, I learned years ago to dress down work outfits (dress slacks, top) by throwing on a fitted jean jacket. This is a popular look in my industry. I also love the look of a jean jacket over a flirty dress or skirt.

I have three, a classic, dark-wash size 14 Girl’s GAP jacket (if you’re petite, try shopping in the girl’s department to get that shrunken/fitted look), a high-end Elie Tahari jacket in a lighter wash that is shaped more like a blazer and has a removable fur color (that I removed and never put back on!), and my newest acquisition, a dark wash, form-fitting Levi’s that I just found at a consignment shop for $18!

At the consignment shop there was a ton of classic jean jackets in boxier styles. You could probably pick one up and get it tailored. I lucked out finding this jacket, which fits perfectly already.

Oh I didn’t mean I’d never try one. I just can’t jusify the cost and effort until I have enough to wear it with. It might have to wait until next season. This season I’d rather focus on dresses. Next season I can think more about what to layer over them.

I found a cute one by Bill Blass at Ross last summer. I am glad to see it pan out. I am not so into the “denim tuxedo” of the first photo, but with my other trousers, I think it’s fun.

In high school we used to dye things with Navy/Black Rit. Two packages. We’d get a pot of water and boil the bejeebus out of the clothing.

Angie – It was a Smart Casual or Fashionable Casual since I worked for a retailer. We did roll it out as Business Casual but it was loosely interpreted. My mistake on the reference!

I searched fruitlessly last summer for a white one, and was gifted a cropped one by my mother. It’s perfect for dresses, agreed! I prefer the white; I find it much less trendy than the wash du jour, and it’s much easier to match!

I loved this post, I love denim jackets!

I love this way of making a dressy outfit a little more casual and own a dark denim Gap and JCrew version as well as a funky thrift store version that may be fun with a graphic tee or go to the give away pile as more appropriate for a younger woman. A white jacket, especially light weight, would be a welcome addition for spring/summer. Shiny, thank you for the idea of looking in the girls’ department.

I’m glad that there is *almost* a 100% thumbs up for this item. Brilliant.

Chris, thanks for chiming in again. I thought there must have been some sort of dress code mix-up!

Maya, I’m glad you’re open to the denim jacket idea. A thrift store might be just the place to look. A $5 price point would be fab.

Amy, you make me laugh. We all have our fashion quirks. Don’t feel weird!

I also got the Ann Taylor dark rinse denim jacket that Telly linked. It fits great and I agree it will look wonderful with white jeans/pants.
Question-I did not see this asked, but is wearing a denim jacket with khaki pants still okay- it seems dated now.

I’m glad to hear that both dark and light wash work. I have a light wash short denim jacket that fits well. I read it somewhere that it has to be either very dark or worn-out to be cheeky, I almost gave it away. Thanks for all the pictures!

Denim jackets were featured in Lucky this month. I had a small little cropped denim jacket that I got in 2006 that I wore a lot. I got rid of it and can’t remember why.

I agree. I’ve had a lot of “stylish” demin jackets in all colors, cuts and washes. But the one that’s held a constant place in my closet for years is a gap outlet fitted jacket with a standard wash and color.

Admittedly though, I break the demin on demin rule. usually with a plain white T and sneakers for a jay-z / big audio dynamite (depending on your decade, musical taste) look.

Definitely agree:))
I just got a new denim jacket!
It is dark washed, and very taylored looking, with a tie waist!
I love it:))
Now all I need is some variety of how to wear it!
If you have any ideas let me know! Thanks!

iluvpink37@hotmail.com