So, you got the denim jacket memo years ago, right? You wear your denim jacket over dresses as an easy layer. You grab your denim jacket for casual edge with a blouse and pants. You toss your denim jacket in the backseat of your car for when afternoon soccer games go into overtime. You even bought another blue denim jacket because you loved your first one so much.
I’ve been on the denim jacket bandwagon for years, too. It’s a go-to piece for a lot of my clients – I actually call it the ‘I don’t know which jacket to wear’ jacket. I’ve even written an article about the virtues of a denim jacket (click here for 3 ways to wear one and a dozen outfit examples from my clients). And I’m still introducing new clients to denim jackets as a supremely useful third piece.
But, you may be getting bored with your denim jacket. While you appreciate its versatility – it might feel repetitive to finish off your outfit 5 days a week with a blue denim jacket. So, here’s my advice when you’re getting tired of something that’s super useful:
FOCUS ON ITS FUNCTION
Focus on the function that the item serves in your wardrobe. Because that’s often a key indicator of a function that may need expanding. When we’re talking about a denim jacket, it may serve the function of a mid-weight layer. Or it may serve the function of a blue jacket that goes with a lot in your closet.
For most of my clients, a denim jacket serves the function of a relaxed, short third piece that works over dresses and everyday outfits. And it adds a casual note to otherwise dressy pieces.
So, if you’re tired of your denim jacket, here are 3 options to a blue denim jacket that you can add to your closet. They should slide seamlessly into your wardrobe and inspire a bunch of new outfit ideas.
NON-BLUE DENIM JACKET
I know, this one may seem like a no-brainer. But if you’re stuck in a blue denim jacket rut, the easiest way to try something new is to switch to a different color (read this for other easy ways to try something new). And in many cases, a non-blue denim jacket feels a bit more elevated than a blue one – since some blue denim jackets have super casual details and distressing.
I specifically love a white denim jacket as a go-with-anything layer in warm weather. It’s as easy to wear as blue denim. But with cleaner details and no fading, it’s more like a simple cropped white jacket. And if you’re not into white:
Ecru is a great option, especially if you like monochromatic neutrals.
Black feels a little edgy.
Olive and grey are super versatile neutrals.
Bright colors can have a bold or sweet vibe.
A few non-blue denim jacket outfits I created for clients. Options that aren’t blue denim take these jackets out of ‘jeans’ territory, which can make them a bit more elevated and polished (but just as easy to wear).
CROPPED UTILITY JACKET
Military/utility jackets come in handy year-round (and they’re one of my spring wardrobe must-haves). They’re actually my first choice for clients who need an everyday casual jacket, but they don’t want (or already have) denim. And when you find a cute cropped one, it can be as versatile as your favorite denim jacket.
What makes a jacket a utility jacket is usually the details – epaulets, pockets, etc. And although you’ll often find options in olive, you can also find choices in other colors that coordinate with the majority of your wardrobe. One thing to keep in mind - while some denim jackets can be nicely fitted, utility jackets are typically a looser shape. So, just be aware when you’re deciding if it’s a good choice for you.
A lightweight utility jacket is perfect for variable spring weather. And many of my clients who are devoted to denim jackets love a cropped utility jacket as their new favorite.
MOTO JACKET
You may think of a moto jacket as a cold-weather only, biker-chick vibe third piece. But it can be so much more than that. It’s a great juxtaposition to a floaty, feminine, floral dress (check here for a quick example). It adds a big dose of edge in black leather – but it adds subtler edge in browns and paler shades. It’s the perfect stand-in for a blazer when you want something that feels less traditional. And it can be as easy to outfit as a denim jacket.
If you’re wondering how a moto jacket works in your spring wardrobe, here’s how. Skip the heavy black leather in favor of a lighter weight suede (or faux suede) version. Or look for a moto jacket silhouette in a knit fabric. And I’ve even found options in lightweight cotton or linen – they’re perfect for coverage on sunny days or when you just need a thin layer.
A moto jacket may be more versatile than you think. Wear one over pants or jeans or a dress for a little unexpected edge.
BONUS OPTION TO A DENIM JACKET: If you’re looking for an easy, breezy spring/summer layer, don’t discount a good cardigan. Cropped cardigans are ideal to toss over a dress at an afternoon wedding. Or over a tank and denim shorts for brunch. Or over a sleeveless top when you just want to cover your shoulders. And if you feel like cardigans are too sweet:
Go for a v-neck cardigan instead of a crewneck.
Stick with neutrals – black and white may be the easiest ones to integrate into your wardrobe.
ONE MORE THING: If you want to update your denim jacket because you’re tired of the shape, how about looking at some new options? You can go for something relaxed and oversized. Or a denim ‘lady jacket’. Or a chore coat or shirt jacket (if you like something longer). Or something quilted, distressed or embellished to add a unique touch.
So, are you ready to ditch your current denim jacket in favor of something new? Let me know in the comments.
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