What to Wear With Denim Jacket: 10 Best Items for a Timeless Look

Key Takeaways

• We’ll reveal the 10 best items of what to wear with denim jacket to keep you looking stylish, trendy, and effortlessly cool. 
• You’ll also learn how to style a denim jacket with whatever is in your closet to create a look that’s uniquely yours!

T-Shirt 

What to wear with denim jacket? Nothing looks better than a classic t-shirt, making for a clean, simple, timeless, and effortless all-in-one look. The outfit will give off different styles depending on the patterns of your t-shirt, with some common styles being:

• Casual and Cool: When figuring out how to wear a denim jacket, a plain white or a graphic shirt works just fine. Super chill and super easy. You can check out our Old Money Style Guide for something even more sophisticated.
• Streetwear Vibes: For an easy streetwear look, you know exactly what to wear with denim jacket— a bold graphic tee. 
• Smart Casual: A dark, structured denim jacket with a neutral-toned tee (like black, grey, or navy).
• All-Black Look: A black or charcoal denim jacket with a plain black tee or one with a low-key logo. You can’t go wrong with a black combo.

You can also mix t-shirts with every other item we’ll mention later on. 

Long Pants

Long pants make great matches with a denim jacket. Source

Who doesn't have a pair of pants in their closet? Let's make them another option for what to wear with denim jacket. Depending on personal taste, the season, and the occasion, you can choose whichever style is suitable from some popular combinations like: 

• Casual and Relaxed: Some slim-fit jeans or chinos are the perfect choice for what to wear with denim jacket in either light or medium wash. Simple, easy, and always works.
• Street Style: An oversized, distressed, or ripped denim jacket (dark or black) and pair it with baggy jeans or cargos.
• Rugged Look: Dark blue or black denim jacket plus cargo pants, joggers, or anything sturdy. Tough, outdoorsy feel.
• Monochrome Look: If you aim for what to wear with denim jacket in black or gray, go for matching jeans or chinos—super sleek and super simple. You can also check out some minimalist outfits for work or school.

Tips: 

• Consider your physique before choosing any style to looks best on you (ex, avoid baggy pants so you don't look short).
• Choose black, grey, or khaki pants to match any denim jacket easily. 

Floral Dress 

What to wear with denim jacket to bring a sense of femininity? A floral dress. You can pair a shorter dress with an oversized coat or a midi dress with a cropped denim jacket.

Tips: 

• Try adding accessories like earrings, a belt, a hat, a crossbody bag, or sunglasses. 
• Depending on the weather, you can also wear a wool hat, a scarf, or a cardigan for warmth and extra style. 

Maxi Skirt

A maxi skirt can also make a great denim outfit. Source

If you're thinking of how to wear a denim jacket and you love maxi skirts, here’s some ideas to mix and match: 

• Casual Chic: For casual chic vibes, what to wear with denim jacket includes a fitted jacket and a patterned skirt. Simple and stylish.
• Boho Vibes: Distressed or oversized denim jacket with a flowy, patterned skirt. Floral, paisley, or ethnic prints work great.
• Edgy and Modern: What to wear with denim jacket in this case? A distressed black coat and a high-waisted skirt. Bold and sleek.
• Summer Breeze: Light wash, cropped denim jacket with a flowy, bright or tropical print skirt. Perfect for warm weather.

Tips: 

• If you want a boho or casual style, feel free to mix color and pattern, but if you go for a more refined look, you can consider neutral tones to let your accessories pop out. 
• A fitted and oversized denim jacket will give off contrasting vibes.
• Balance out flowy skirts with more structured jackets. 

Pencil Skirt 

A pencil skirt is a good idea for how to style a denim jacket. Source

A pencil skirt is another must-have item on the list of what to wear with denim jacket. It creates a stylish, trendy look whenever and wherever you go. You can consider some styles below when matching your beautiful skirt with a denim jacket: 

• Feminine & Polished: Solid-colored maxi skirt (navy, burgundy, mustard) with a dark wash, cropped denim jacket. Chic and classy.
• Office Chic: If you’re dressing for work, what to wear with denim jacket is a navy pencil skirt and a tucked-in blouse. Sharp and work-ready. You can discover other ideas for Office Chic Look. 
• Casual & Modern: High-waisted, bold pencil skirt with a light wash, oversized jacket, and a fitted tee or bodysuit. Fun and fresh.
• Edgy Style: Looking for bold style? A great denim jacket outfit would have a vintage jacket and a leather skirt. Bold and youthful. For more edgy, retro styles, see our 70s Fashion Ideas.

Tips: 

• Go for a slightly looser or cropped denim jacket so you can feel comfortable. 
• Tucking in the top can highlight your waist, but if you go for a more relaxed style, it's ok to leave the top untucked but remember to go with an oversized jacket. 

Denim on Denim 

Create a trending look with denim species. Source

Often called the "Canadian tuxedo," this style combines different pieces of denim in one outfit. Some of the most trendy combinations include: 

• Contrasting Washes: For a unique twist, what to wear with denim jacket is a light wash jacket with dark jeans.
• All-Black: Black jacket with black jeans or skirt—simple and bold.
• With Shorts: Oversized or cropped jacket with high-waisted shorts—casual and cool.
• Wide-Leg: A wide-leg or bootcut jeans is another choice for what to wear with denim jacket that is fitted or oversized. Classic retro feel. 
• Double Denim Skirt: Distressed jacket with a high-waisted A-line or pencil skirt—timeless combo.
• Layered Denim: For a full denim jacket outfit, try layering your jacket over a denim shirt and skinny jeans.

Tips: 

• Wear a white tee, graphic tee, or even a neutral sweater under the denim jacket to add contrast and make your outfit look more interesting.
• Choose simple accessories so your outfit will be manageable. 

Shorts

Short pants with a denim jacket make you look fashionable and free. Source

For men who wonder what to wear with denim jacket, we have answers for you. There are different styles you can choose from to mix and match your trendy jacket with your favourite shorts: 

• Classic Denim Look: Light wash jacket with dark denim or khaki shorts and a white or grey tee. Simple and timeless.
• Street Style: For an easy street style, graphic shorts are for sure what to wear with denim jacket. Remember to go for a distressed jacket.
• Preppy Casual: Dark wash, fitted jacket with beige or navy chino shorts and a polo or crewneck tee. Clean and preppy.
• Beach Vibes: If you're heading to the beach, here’s what to wear with denim jacket: lightweight shorts and a breezy button-up. You can also discover more ideas for summer outfits.  

Tips: 

• Feel free to add more layers to your outfit if it’s cooler. 
• Try different shades of denim jackets besides black and blue. 

Jumpsuit or Romper 

How to wear your favorite jumpsuit with a denim jacket. Source

A jumpsuit or romper should also be included in your go-to list when asking what to wear with denim jacket. This combination can be ideal for any event or occasion if paired appropriately: 

• Classic Denim: A light wash jacket over a solid jumpsuit. Easy and classic.
• Street Style: For an edgy street style, here's how to style when thinking of what to wear with denim jacket: a black jacket with a graphic romper.
• Preppy Casual: For a more polished look, what to wear with denim jacket is a clean, casual romper (especially when the coat is dark wash and fitted)
• Beach Vibes: A loose, sleeveless romper and sandals under a denim jacket. Perfect for the coast.

Tips: Keep your accessories simple or bold, depending on the look you choose. 

Sweater or Hoodie

Wear a hoodie or sweater under a denim jacket in autumn or winter. Source

When it’s cooler, sweaters or hoodies are absolutely what to wear with denim jacket. 

Tips: 

• Choose a slightly oversized or relaxed-fit denim jacket so it won’t make you look too bulky.
• Go for a plain, classic, simple hoodie in neutral colors is how to style a denim jacket in a casual look. 
• Pick a thinner hoodie so you won’t be uncomfortable and tight when matching with a denim jacket. 

Button-Down Shirt

 A button-down shirt is a need for a denim jacket outfit. Source

Is there anything else left on the list of what to wear with denim jacket? A button-down shirt! Here’s how you style:

• Casual: A checkered or white button-down makes a perfect option for what to wear with denim jacket in light or medium color. Easy, everyday look.
• Smart: Dark or black denim jacket with a white or light blue button-down. Clean and sharp.
• Stylish & Modern: What to wear with denim jacket for a laid-back vibe? Of course, a patterned shirt, but remember to leave a few buttons undone. 

Tips: 

• Tuck in or knot your shirt at your waist, especially with high-waisted pants or skirts.
• Create contrast to add visual interest when figuring out what to wear with denim jacket.  
• Add cardigans, vests, or scarves for more dimension.