How to Get the Most Out of Your Jean Jacket

A denim jacket is the ideal wardrobe investment. It goes with everything, has a timeless appeal, and doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. But we don't have to prove to you just how worthy of an investment it really is. Style stars like Emily Ratajkowski and Selena Gomez are showing us exactly how to wear the lightweight jacket, whether it's with a pretty Reformation dress à la EmRata or thrown over classic leggings, Selena Gomez–style. 

Since we know it's a staple in your wardrobe, too, we rounded up nine jean jacket ensembles for outfit situations you're likely to encounter this season. Whether you're headed to brunch, date night, or anything in between—scroll through to see which jean jacket outfits made the cut. And since now is the best time to put the denim to use, we did some shopping for you and chose our favorite jackets to add to your spring wardrobe.

Where to Wear: Date Night

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Dress up your jacket via statement-making accessories like shimmery earrings and pointed-toe pumps.

Where to Wear: Sunday Shopping

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(Image credit: @brooklynpetite)

Whether you're hitting up your local flea market or doing some serious shopping, choose shoes you can walk around in all day like a pair of combat boots and utility trousers for a casual yet on-trend ensemble.

Where to Wear: Dinner and Drinks

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

You want to wear that flirty new dress you just bought but, let us guess, you plan to be out long after the sun goes down. Enter a sherpa-lined denim jacket. The extra-cozy layer will seriously keep you warm. And we have to admit, it just looks really cool.

Where to Wear: Exploring a New City

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(Image credit: @claire_most)

If you're the type to prefer exploring a new city on foot, a solid pair of sneakers is a must. With a sleek fanny pack and graphic sweater, this double-denim look is perfect for exploring.

Where to Wear: Cocktail Event

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(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Take a cue from this winning street style look and wear an oversize denim jacket just off the shoulders. Over a flowing printed dress, the result is a quite forward outfit.

Where to Wear: Brunch With Friends

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(Image credit: @double3xposure)

Let a fun shirt pop from underneath a light-wash or white denim jacket. Come the weekend, you'll want to reach for the lighter color palette.

Where to Wear: Casual Dinner

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(Image credit: @adenorah)

There's rarely an instance where double denim doesn't work, and this look has the final say. For a weekday dinner or casual date night, elevate the look a bit through an of-the-moment handbag and classic ankle boots.

Where to Wear: Casual Friday

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

Complement a jean jacket in a darker wash with warm colors like mustard and burgundy. Though the look is head-to-toe denim, the darker wash still looks polished, making it work for more casual office environments.

Where to Wear: On the Go

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(Image credit: Collage Vintage)

For running errands or traveling, colored jeans, a beanie, and simple sneakers do the trick.

Shop cool denim jackets:

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.