Reader Question: "I bought a cute denim jacket... now what?"

Hi EWP,

I stumbled across a fabulous sale at the Gap today and finally got myself a cute jean jacket to wear for the fall. My question is what do I wear it with? I don't want to be too matchy/matchy in the denim department. Can you give me some pointers???

Denim Diva

I must admit it's been years since I last wore a denim jacket. They really aren't my thing. But they can be cute with the right look.

But before we get to what to wear with your denim jacket, let's memorize the number one commandment of denim jacket wearing: Do NOT pair your jean jacket with a pair of jeans. I think it's called something like a farmer's suit or something, but nevermind what it's called, I just call it a major fashion faux pas.

Another thing about my preferences for jean jackets - I think they make a great spring/early summer jacket option and work well with a sundress. But we're in October, so make it a more fall-appropriate look with a darker wash.

Here are some denim-jacket pairing options for fall:

1) Pair with some pants/leggings. This is a nice casual look for fall. Try it with flats or boots. Just remember if you go with the leggings, be sure to wear a long enough top to cover your lady bits!
2) Pair with a cute fall skirt and tights. This look I'm especially loving. Nothing I love more than a nice tweed skirt. And you get to wear tights. *sigh* I love tights. Once again go with cute boots or flats or heels. So many options! This also depends on the color of your jacket. The darker the better. A lighter jacket may be too light to go with this tweed, and too light for cold weather. I love the shade and the cut of the jacket on this model.

3) Pair with a printed dress. I like that this dress is belted. I'd have to see it all together to know for sure it'd look cute, but this is the idea I have. Add tights and boots to make this a fall look.

4) Pair with a shirt dress. I saw this olive dress and just thought "fall." Wear with tights (of course) and some nice brown boots. A great look for fall.

And these two options I found online and loved the look they had going. A full getup for what I was saying. Of course these pics were for spring/summer (which is more my idea of denim jacket wearing) but change out the shoes to something fall-appropriate and you get the idea for a fall look.

Hope that helps!