How to Style a Denim Jacket (Modest Outfit Ideas)

A denim jacket is the most relaxed layer in my closet, and that is exactly why I love it. It takes a dress that feels a little too dressy for carpool and makes it feel easy. It covers the arms, it goes with almost every color, and it gets softer every time you wear it.

Here is how I wear mine, from everyday errands to a casual Sunday out.

Pick the right denim jacket first

A denim jacket only looks easy when the shape works with your skirts and dresses. Check these things before you buy.

• The length. A jacket that ends at or just above the hip is the most versatile with midi and maxi skirts. A cropped jacket that hits at the waist looks great over full, flowy dresses because it shows off the waistline.
• The shoulders. Classic trucker jackets have a fitted shoulder. Oversized styles drop past the shoulder and feel more casual. Either works, but a fitted shoulder is easier to wear over dresses.
• Room for a layer. Try it on over a sweater, not just a T-shirt. If your arms feel tight with a knit underneath, size up.
• The sleeves. They should reach your wrist. If your dress sleeves are longer, the cuffs can peek out, which looks nice.

Which wash to choose

• Medium wash: the classic. It goes with cream, camel, black, blush and almost any print.
• Dark wash: a little dressier and looks lovely over florals and darker colors.
• Light wash: fresh and summery, and pretty with soft pastels and white.
• Black or grey denim: the easiest option if most of your wardrobe is black.

If you only buy one, start with medium wash. It does the most.

With a long skirt: the everyday look

This is the outfit I wear on busy days when I still want to feel put together.

1. Start with a fitted long-sleeve top or a thin turtleneck.
2. Add a midi or maxi skirt in a soft fabric, like a knit, a pleated skirt or a slip-style skirt.
3. Throw the denim jacket on top and finish with ankle boots, loafers or clean white sneakers.

A medium-wash jacket over a cream top with a camel pleated skirt feels warm and autumnal. A dark-wash jacket with a black knit maxi skirt is simple and sleek. If you want more skirt ideas, see my guides on how to style a pleated skirt and how to style a midi skirt.

One thing to skip: a denim jacket with a long denim skirt in the exact same wash can look heavy. If you want to try double denim, pick two clearly different washes, like a dark jacket with a light skirt, and keep the top a neutral color. My long denim skirt guide has more ways to wear that skirt.

Over a dress

This is where a denim jacket really shines. It turns a pretty dress into something you can wear on a regular weekday.

• Floral midi and maxi dresses: the classic pairing. The denim balances out the sweetness of the print.
• Knit or sweater dresses: a jacket over a fine-knit dress is cozy and casual. Keep the dress fitted so the jacket sits flat. See my picks for modest sweater dresses.
• Nap and smocked dresses: a cropped jacket keeps all that volume looking balanced. My nap dress guide has more.

Add opaque tights and sneakers for an easy fall look, or ankle boots when it gets colder.

With knits when it gets cold

A denim jacket works in fall over thin layers, but it isn't warm enough on its own for real winter.

• A fine-knit turtleneck under the jacket keeps the neckline high and adds warmth without bulk. My turtleneck guide has more ideas.
• A soft scarf in terracotta, camel or cream makes it feel cozy and adds color near your face.
• When it gets really cold, wear the jacket as a middle layer under a long wool coat. See what coat to wear with long skirts.

Small details that make it look right

• Roll the cuffs once if the sleeves are a touch long. It looks relaxed and shows your top's cuffs.
• Wear it open. Most denim jackets look better unbuttoned over skirts and dresses.
• Wash it rarely and inside out in cold water, then hang it to dry. The color lasts longer and the jacket keeps its shape.
• Mind the shoes. Sneakers and loafers keep it casual. Ankle boots make it feel more finished.

The bottom line

A denim jacket is the easiest way to make a long skirt or a dress feel relaxed and wearable every day. Pick a medium wash that ends around your hip, wear it open over a simple top and a soft skirt, throw it over florals and knit dresses, and add a scarf when the weather turns. It is one of those pieces you'll reach for again and again.

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