If you’re scoffing at the title of this article, you’re not alone. I know some people (including a few clients) who aren’t into layers – especially in spring and summer. After all, why do you need layers when it’s warm out? And you’re already hot (without wearing a jacket)?
But here’s the deal – yes, it’s warm out. It may even be super hot already (depending on where you live). But when it’s hot, there’s typically blasting air conditioning that makes it almost frigid inside. Or you may have warm days, but cool nights. Or you may live somewhere that it doesn’t get all that hot, but you still want to enjoy spring and summer style.
So, I wanted to share a key layer that I’ve recommended to clients for years. And the best part is that it works over so many outfits – and it already may be familiar to you. It’s a white denim jacket.
I love a white denim jacket for many reasons. First, it has the versatility of a regular denim jacket (read this for why I love denim jackets in general). Second, white goes with basically everything (so you’ll be grabbing a white denim jacket often). And third, the fact that it’s white elevates it beyond blue denim jackets (especially faded blue and distressed ones). So, it’s the perfect works-with-almost-everything, goes-almost-everywhere layer.
And the best part is that it’s on trend right now - but I don’t mean that you need one solely because it’s on trend. That just means that there are many options in stores and online (seriously, Google ‘women’s white denim jacket’ and see what comes up). So, you can choose white or off-white or ecru. And you can check out different fits that work for you. (And if you don’t like denim jackets, here’s my other favorite white layer for spring and summer.)
As a little inspiration, check out over a dozen outfits I created for clients with white denim jackets. And then see how many different outfits you can create with a white denim jacket, with what’s already in your closet.
When you’re not sure what to wear over a printed dress, a white denim jacket is your answer. And you can never go wrong with metallic accessories.
A white denim jacket feels more elevated than a blue denim jacket mainly because it’s simpler - no fading, no distressing, no details that make it super casual. So, it’s a bit more versatile.
Of course, white works over any bright or saturated color. And I typically prefer white with brights (over pairing them with black). Black can suck the life out of a color, while white highlights it.
White with leopard and cheetah prints? A big yes! This is a great way to take a denim jacket to the office.
White with pale neutrals is such a sophisticated statement, whether you’re dressing up or dressing down.
If you’re a fan of black, a white denim jacket is the ideal way to summer-ize your all black look.
This outfit was actually a reminder to my client that her white denim jacket isn’t only for spring and summer. It’s just as versatile in cool weather as a mid-weight layer.
You may be a blue denim jacket fan, but what jacket do you wear with blue jeans? A white denim jacket, of course!
A never-fail spring/summer casual outfit formula: white denim jacket + striped t + blue denim shorts + sneakers
This jacket is actually ecru, since my client prefers that color. And it’s just as versatile as white, if you like something less stark.
The same ecru jacket as the last photo - and it’s a great way to tone down an outfit based in print and color.
This client already had the top, skirt & accessories before we shopped. The white denim jacket was the perfect layer to finish off many of her outfits.
Quick tip: cuff/roll your denim jacket sleeves at least twice. It adds a line near your waist, and is a subtle way to balance your proportions.
Are you inspired to try a white denim jacket? Comment to let me know how you’ll wear it!
And if you’re looking for more style inspiration, click here to sign up for Style Mail – my twice monthly email with the advice and wardrobe strategies I share with my clients. Style Mail is a great place to start if you’re not feeling great in clothes (but you’re not sure what to do about it). And when you sign up, you also get my free list of style basics that you may be missing – based on what many of my clients were missing before we started working together.