Spring, summer and fall, a denim jacket is an effortless any-season essential (and cornerstone to every on-point lazy girl outfit formula) that can add a touch of casual cool to any ensemble in seconds. Like a good pair of jeans, a classic chambray topper is a piece you’ll hang onto forever, and once you find the perfect cut and fit, it’s game over. But just like all your much-loved everyday basics, a denim jacket’s versatility can become somewhat daunting, and you might find yourself stuck in a style rut, teaming it with the same duds day after day. Style Resolutions is here to send those sartorial blahs packin’, and reignite that passion for your favorite off-duty outer layer. Below, we’re serving up three RN ways to rock this timeless piece, whether you’re getting your girl boss on or straight-up chillaxin’.
How to Wear a Denim Jacket for Work
There’s just something that feels stuffy about wearing a blazer when temps are hovering around a balmy 80 degrees, no matter what your dress code says. Keep those free-wheelin’ summer feels alive even when you’re on duty by draping a denim jacket around your shoulders. To balance out the casual-cool appeal, team the topper with a crisp button-down shirt and a sophisticated midi skirt with a folksy floral print that feels polished rather than prissy. Skip the expected black pumps and strut your stuff into your nine-to-five in show-stopping yellow suede sandals, and up the fierce factor with architectural drop earrings.
Madewell The Jean Jacket in Pinter Wash ($138) + J.Crew Ruffled Button-Up Shirt ($88), Warehouse Split Side Floral Midi Skirt ($87), Madewell Alena Sandal in Suede ($158), Lulu Frost Geo Drop Earring ($95), Kate Spade New York Lita Street Andrea Colorblock Tote ($258)
How to Wear a Denim Jacket for a Night Out
Channel your inner ‘90s style goddess by taking your denim jacket for a spin on your next GNO with a slinky slip dress that is the epitome of grunge glamour. Bar hopping is better when you have a set of dramatic velvet platforms in tow (these babies were meant to be shown off), so say sayonara to your go-to stilettos and block heels. Before heading out the door, tack on a pair of asymmetric earrings and a bright geometric crossbody that reads street-style royalty. Best dressed? You’ve got this, girl.
Madewell The Jean Jacket in Pinter Wash ($138) + Zara Long Shiny Dress ($70), Mango Platform Ankle-Cuff Sandals ($80), Victoria Lam Lovinni Shoulder Bag ($360), BaubleBar Celine Earrings ($32), Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Sheer Shame ($17)
How to Wear a Denim Jacket for the Weekend
Bomber jackets are rad, but sometimes you just can’t beat a classic. Whether you’re hitting up a crafters’ market or noshing on tacos with your crew, a denim jacket with endless laid-back vibes is so key for weekend adventures. Style it with an embellished tank and printed joggers for just the right balance of Insta-worthy and lazy-girl aesthetics, then work in a few RN accessories, like metallic slingbacks and a bright bandana, for a bit of added panache.
Madewell The Jean Jacket in Pinter Wash ($138) + H&M Conscious Crêpe Pants ($25), Mango Beaded Top ($30), & Other Stories Cross Strap Leather Sandals ($95), J.Crew Signet Bag in Italian Leather ($128), Urban Outfitters Silky Square Scarf ($14), Madewell Riverbeam Ring ($24)
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