How to Wear a Denim Jacket with Jeans

First things first: There's no wrong way to wear a denim jacket with jeans. If you want to wear seven Canadian tuxedos in slightly different washes every day of the week in perpetuity, go for it. Fashion should be fun and denim-on-denim dressing is a trend that not only demands you go for it, but that you have fun with it. Pairing a denim jacket with jeans is a great way to dip your toes into the fully-denim-outfit waters without floundering in too much look, too fast.

In fact, some of fashion expert Bella Gerard's favorite denim jacket and jeans outfits are less about matching and more about creating contrast. Read on for Gerard's tips on how to make this trend all your own, plus our favorite ways to wear all denim, all day.

Slip on a Statement Jacket

Denim jackets have come a long way and you can now find countless statement denim jackets featuring everything from coquettish ruffles to distressed washes and even asymmetrical colors. As Gerard points out, "Your denim jacket doesn't have to look like the one you owned in middle school!" A look that features a statement denim jacket delivers all the cohesion of a denim-on-denim look without feeling overwhelmingly one-note. If cropped or embellished denim jackets aren't your thing, you can go the classic route like Gerard who shares, "I'm partial towards a denim blazer or even a denim trench."

Keep Things Colorful

One way to remix the classic take on wearing a denim jacket and jeans is to break away from basic blues and pair a colorful denim jacket with equally colorful jeans. Keep the rest of your outfit rooted in a similar color family for a beautifully rich monochromatic look or add a pop of contrast for a bold color block effect.

Break It Up with Black

We can't quite call it quiet, but breaking up the similar color and texture of a jean jacket and jeans with a black top and accessories is a luxurious way to wear a denim jacket with pants in a similar wash.

Commit to Contrast

"I like the look of a Canadian tuxedo done in all one wash, but if you do want to clash washes, make sure you fully commit," says Gerard who explains that going just a wash or two lighter on either end can look like you tried—and failed—to match denims. To avoid this, she advises, "Be drastic with your choices!" While Gerard loves "a funky acid-wash jacket styled with true-blue jeans, or even black denim paired with a lighter wash," you can take her expert tip to a place of even more minimalism with dark blue jeans and a light-blue denim jacket.

Try Head-to-Toe Oversized

"If you do want to go all-or-nothing on one 'fit, definitely opt for oversized head-to-toe for a relaxed, cool-girl feel," says Gerard. If all-oversized everything sounds dowdy, don't worry, there's a hack for that. "It can be very Rihanna when styled with a pointy-toed heel," Gerards adds of this street-style go-to approach to a denim jacket and jeans outfit.

Play with Proportion

Another way to create a denim-on-denim look with lots of depth is to switch up the proportions of the jeans and denim jacket you wear. Rather than going for two oversized pieces, aim for maximum contrast by choosing opposing silhouettes. " An oversized denim jacket pairs well with tighter jeans, and a more fitted denim jacket worn like a shirt looks incredible with wide-leg or baggy bottoms," says Gerard.

We love a cropped denim jacket worn with wide-leg jeans, but you can take the concept even further by considering sleeve shapes, from cuffed to puffed, and asymmetrical details for an even more standout approach.

Wear with Statement Boots

One way to ensure your denim jacket and jeans look doesn't fall flat is to include an even bigger statement-making piece in your 'fit like a great pair of over-the-knee boots. Tall boots will balance out all that denim, especially if you opt for a pair in a bold, contrasting color or texture like trendy red or a pair of crystal-encrusted thigh-high boots.

Try a Canadian Tuxedo

We've come a long way from the Canadian tuxedos of the early aughts and the trend has never felt fresher. If you're channeling your inner blue jean baby, opt for a layered approach with three denim pieces, jeans, a jacket, and a top, making sure to include at least one curve-hugging piece — think: wide-leg jeans that cinch your waist or a form-fitting denim shirt—so you're not lost in a sea of blue denim. Alternatively, you choose denim separates in an unexpected wash like black or white for a slightly more subdued, but equally streamlined take on the denim-on-denim trend.

Add Additional Outerwear

If you're overwhelmed by a look that's over 50% denim, you can switch up the ratio by adding additional layers of outerwear. For an edgy vibe, try a long, lightweight trench coat under your denim jacket. For a more casual feel, opt for a bomber jacket or chunky collegiate cardigan over your denim look. And, for extra icy days, don't discount the classic combination of a wool pea coat worn over a jean jacket.

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