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alaskagirl, mo and All re: White Denim Jackets

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

alaskagirl, mo, all all, regarding white denim jackets after reading the comments in the other post:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....p-and-down

I've been wondering myself if I will ever wear my white denim jacket again (or my dark blue one). I've only worn the white one like twice so it's def. taking up space if I'm not going to reach for it. I decided to look around again and see if I could find any inspiration photos that looked like "me" in a white denim jacket. I really like the idea of the outfit being very neutral, minimal and not "suburban" as mo mentioned in that other thread - or whatever style that I seem to associate with denim jackets. I wonder if I could style mine to be wearable enough. I do love the fact that the white denim jacket I have is very light weight and great for our very warm weather. AND its very easy care, machine washable, etc.

I found at least two images that seemed "me" enough. But I wonder what you two think since you seem to share similar feelings about denim jackets.

And I wonder what others think? Can a white denim jacket be styled to be minimal/modern or not? I must admit, these are some of the only outfit images I saw that I could relate to maybe wearing.

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38 replies

Latest reply was from Kiwichik

Missey

Veteran

I have the exact same problem with my white denim jacket- loved the idea ot the time but have only worn once. However, your shared imaged gave me hope! I never wear the jacket because it is usually too much contrast with the rest of the outfit, I don't consider it to be a neutral topper that I can just throw on. Why have never thought of going low contrast without going all white? Photo #1 appeals to me the most. Thanks for sharing!

rae

(website)

Veteran

I'm not much help... I seem to have these same thoughts whenever I buy a denim jacket, and then I end up purging it. I'd wait until you can find more inspiration photos that feel like you.

Adelfa

Veteran

I had a white denim jacket a year or two ago that I really enjoyed wearing for a couple of months, but then I shrank it in the wash and I have not replaced it. Recently I was looking at a colleague wearing hers and not liking the look. I do like pic 1, and you could do the same with any pale color, like pale taupe or sand, or blush.

I have a faded denim jacket that I wear two ways. One is with tonal colors (grays and soft pinks) and the other is over my navy and cream Breton tee.

I missed the other thread so now I will have to read it!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I can only find 2 pics of me wearing mine. And each outfit I would prefer with my white Dorothy Perkins jacquard moto (pics 3 & 4). So that pretty much answers that for me lol.

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texstyle

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It's funny that we all buy these and then have reservations about wearing them. I used to wear my dark denim one quite a bit in the fall with olive, gray or black pants and I enjoyed it well enough.

Missey- I'm glad pic 1 gave you hope for yours too.

rae - I recently returned my faded denim jacket to AE (after 2 full years it sat in my closet unworn and finally I called to see if I could return it and they said Yes! Hard to believe but it did still have the tag on and they still sell the same style)

Adelfa - funny as I said above, I returned my faded denim one as anything faded up near my face feels wrong for me - maybe I feel it's aging to my 50+ face.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Mo, I do prefer the moto style too - but I already own the white denim jacket and I can't invest in another jacket right now - I have way too many already for our warm climate. I notice that your white "denim" jacket has quite a few buttons and embellishments and wonder if that is part of the issue. The outfits I included in the pics above are VERY simple - no belt, no noticeable jewelry, no pattern. The buttons on the white jackets are sort of THE accessory, you know? I think that may be the key for me. I'm going to give it a go sometime soon. Before it gets REALLY hot and I can only wear a jacket in the AC.

catgirl

Veteran

I think it is just too classic for me personally even though I know it's an edgy look. I don't know how to explain it. And it isn't a poison eye because I'm always admiring it on others and tempted to purchase one again. Kind of like the white button down shirt - unless there is a big twist, it's not going to work. And sometimes that means my white shirt is not even a white shirt. I know I'm not making any sense here...

Diana

Veteran

Hmm I wear my white one more than my blue one. But maybe it works for me bc I got my denim jackets specifically to wear with dresses and skirts. I don't wear them much with pants. Occasionally with clam diggers (not denim ones though) or linen pants but that's it. For me they are a summer only item. I like the white one best over a simple sack dress or the like. Bare legs and sandals.

Because of the dress preference I only wear short and somewhat shrunken denim jackets. So maybe you need to consider what style will go best with your proposed outfits.

On phone so can't add pics. Will try to remember to do so later.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Diana, I already own a white denim jacket (AE) and it's about the length as the ones in the pics I included above. I don't wear dresses/skirts so the longer length works better for me. I'm really looking for ways to style it to be minimal/modern and somewhat monochromatic.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Funny, I wear my white denim jacket almost more than my faded blue one! It's a good length for dresses and skirts, so I use it to edge up and add interest to my spring/summer casual dress outfits. Plus I also throw it on with pretty much any old thing for a layer of warmth when the temps are not summer-like. It's one of my go-to jackets for wearing to air-conditioned places in the summer -- grocery store, movie theater, etc.

kkards

Veteran

interesting converation, i am trying to decide what to do with my white one, its probably about 10 years old, but still in really good shape. but its been years since i wear it.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I wonder if you all wear cardigans or some other less structured topper, and if those end up serving the purpose of the white denim jacket. Just a theory?

Diana

Veteran

Tex, mine is the AE too. I think it's too short for long pants personally, so maybe that is why you are having trouble with it? (I have it in faded blue too, but for whatever reason the blue is like an inch shorter). I prefer to wear my white blazer instead with pants.

Here's a picture of the way I like to wear mine.

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Laura (rhubarbgirl)

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Both of my denim jackets - I've got a white one and a dark denim one - end up being worn most in the summer, in the evening or inside with a/c, over dresses or casual tops and non denim bottoms. I don't like the double denim look personally so I think that's why I don't wear them as much in the other seasons, where I am often wearing jeans. I've thought about getting cropped ones, or at least a white cropped one, because I know the proportions would look better with dresses. But I don't think I wear them enough to really justify another one right now. So I guess I'm in the middle somewhere - I wear them, but I don't wear them constantly.

Nebraskim

Veteran

I wear mine more than any other jacket. I have two, both from Gap. One is XL and the other L. I wear the XL when I'm layering a lot of stuff under it. I am a preppy, classic kind of style. The white denim jacket is kind of signature for me. So it may not be edgy enough for most of you.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Janet - I do wear a lot of different toppers - light weight moto style, linen or light knit blazer, or new linen cardigan.

Diana, you look super cute in yours - love it over that cobalt and deep blue dress. I feel like the length is actually okay with pants too (the inspiration photos are certainly no longer and both are wearing it with pants and I like them both).

Laura - I don't like the double denim look either and it is true that I wear a lot of jeans (and jean shorts in summer) so that is part of it. But I also own several pair of non-jean shorts, more than ever this year with recent additions, so I'm hoping to work the jacket back in to my wardrobe - or pass it on.

It could be partly my fear of wearing white (because that's always when something red seems to spill).

Janet

(website)

Veteran

You know what's funny? I have a red denim jacket that fits me beautifully and looks nice…and I never wear it. Every time I think about selling it, I try it on and think, "that looks good" and yet, I never reach for it. I seem to have a block about wearing red, for some reason. My red items mostly go unworn.

cciele

Veteran

Interesting thread, since I have similar feelings toward white denim jackets! I had a white denim jacket for awhile, never really wore it, and passed it on to a good home. I realized I was more often reaching for a long bleached, almost-white jacket instead. I use it for double-denim looks

I like your inspiration photos and think you're onto something. I like the idea of a minimalist, monochromatic look with the white denim. But as others have mentioned, there's something that skews classic with the jacket. That's probably why I prefer my non-classic light-colored denim jacket

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texstyle

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Veteran

That is funny Janet - I do love red but have never worn a red jacket. I tried a bright neon-coral but it felt too "loud" for me. I'll be you look great in that jacket - maybe you will be inspired to try it again? In Texas red, white and blue are very popular. ;-).

missvee

Veteran

Hmm, lots of similar feelings here. I bought the Gap one last year and it saw action only twice. Your thread has inspired me to take another look at it. I have a new textured semi sheer white sweater, quite long, with a shirttail hem and I just tried it underneath. Success! I like the fact that the under layer is white because like some of the other posters I find the jacket too short over jeans. I think the other problem with my jacket is that it's a bit bulky. I will try it again this spring, and if it's not earning its keep, then out it goes,

DonnaF

Veteran

Hmmm. I have an ancient EB blue denim jacket and a faded RL red denim jacket, and a Dalmatian print dirty white cropped denim jacket. Since I am pretty much always between sizes, the blue and red jackets are a loose, rather masculine fit and seem to be an awkward length: A bit long for skirts/dresses, yet a bit short for pants IYKWIM. I probably need to play around with them more, and if I still can't get them to work I need to pass them on. The arms of the Dalmatian print are tight so I can wear a shirt underneath, just a (preferably short-sleeved) T, and the color doesn't work with white bottoms so its versatility is a bit limited.

IMHO, getting the cut, length, and wash of a denim jacket is much harder than one would think!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

DonnaF - I think you are so right about the challenge in finding the "right" denim jacket. The AE jackets were Angie recommended and I like the fit and length (for me). I also do like my jcrew dark wash denim jacket but it's a bit heavy except for the fall here in Texas.

missvee- I'm glad you feel inspired to try again - me too!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Count me in with those who wears my white denim jacket all the time in the warmer months! It works well with my summer cobalts and is easy to wash. I wear it mostly with skirts and dresses, almost never with pants. But then I wear pants infrequently in summer.

I also wear my cropped faded denim jacket and a new darker wash one with leather sleeves, and find them quite versatile. The faded one works mostly with dresses, rarely pants. The darker one is longer so I wear it with pants more often.

I think the idea of a monochromatic or neutral outfit with the white is fantastic, and will work really well for your style preferences, texstyle.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I wear mine like Janet - instead of a cardigan (I'm not a lover of cardis). I think the cut & fit are crucial - I remember reading that Angie had hers tailored, that was a light bulb moment for me.

catgirl

Veteran

Ha! Maybe that is the issue for me as I never wear cardigans either. Only longer drapey jersey ones. Lightbulb!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I suppose it was a good omen for my white denim jacket that I found it while shopping with Angie and she gave her stamp of approval. It has been a workhorse.

Diana

Veteran

Janet has a good point. I think I like the denim jacket because it provides some structure to my summer dresses, which tend to be a bit unstructured, breezy, and sacklike.

Aida

Veteran

Interesting discussion! I don't have a white denim jacket, but I probably wouldn't wear one either. I do have two blue denim jackets, one cropped (faded blue) and one normal (dark blue); the cropped one gets tons of use, and the normal length one gets average use. If I did have a white denim jacket, I'd probably only wear it cropped; however, for any outfit that I'd consider a white denim jacket, I think I'd much rather have a white moto instead (though I don't have one of those... yet). Like Janet and Diana, the denim jacket is particularly good at adding structure to dresses (my summer dresses are also breezy).

Gigi

Veteran

I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with denim jackets. I have thought about buying one, but it was more for utilitarian purposes—they would go great over some spaghetti-strap dresses I have when I need to make them more modest. But they don't feel like "me," and I can't figure out why. Maybe it is that they feel "suburban," as you noted. I did order one that seemed well made and fit well, but I just felt "not me" in it. So I keep my eyes open for interesting cardigans and nondenim jackets instead..

It sounds to me almost like you are trying to style the denim jacket in a way that downplays it a lot, which makes me wonder if it would be better to pass it on.

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