What do you do when you want to continue wearing your favorite summer dress, but the weather is cooling down? Simple, just pop a jean or denim jacket over the top and you’re good to go. If it’s particularly cool, you can always switch your sandals for sneakers or boots to keep your feet warmer too. In this article, we bring you the best denim jacket for dresses picks as well as stylish denim jackets with dresses ideas.
Can I wear a denim jacket with a dress?
Yes, of course. That’s what this article is all about! A denim jacket worn with a dress is a classic outfit choice that will always be on trend. Fonda @savvysouthernchic above opts for a white denim jacket worn with her floral dress.
Check out this similar dress, denim jacket, sandals, bag and earrings.
How to style a denim jacket with a dress?
Styling a denim jacket with a dress is a versatile and stylish way to create a variety of looks, from casual to chic. Below, you will find lots of ideas on how to pair a denim jacket with different types of dresses.
Are denim jackets still in style in 2024?
Definitely. In fact denim is more on trend than ever. Lots of designers have chosen to feature top-to-toe denim on the catwalks for 2024.
similar jacket, dress (another oprtion here)and FLY London Bani sandals
denim jacket and dress outfits
Let’s move onto some specific ways to style a denim jacket with a dress. Below, you will find eight different types of denim jackets as well as dresses, shoes and accessories. Take a look below at how you could put them together to create chic outfits.
Denim blazers
While a denim blazer isn’t what you would traditionally think of when you picture a denim jacket, denim blazers can really elevate your outfit and are perfect if you want a more formal look.
Below, you can see different styles of denim blazer, including short sleeves, bright colors and stripes.
Generation Love Ollie Sheen Denim Blazer – L’AGENCE Wayne Striped Denim Crop Jacket – Cinq à Sept Khloe Dyed Denim Blazer – Generation Love Melbourne Denim Short-Sleeve Blazer
Denim jackets
Now, let’s move on to denim jackets with a more ‘classic’ look. You could also choose a denim moto jacket or a denim jacket with a print.
PAIGE Kiya Denim Lady Jacket – Veronica Beard Holden Cropped Denim Jacket – Good American Belted Crop Denim Jacket – Alice + Olivia Nelson Floral Cropped Denim Jacket
Straight dresses
You can pair any style of dress with a denim jacket. Any shape will work. Straight dresses go particularly well with blazer jackets.
Eileen Fisher Crinkled V-Neck Midi Dress – Tanya Taylor Hayden Striped Cotton-Blend Dress – FARM Rio Endless Floral Stretch Tulle Midi Dress – Nordstrom Sleeveless Shift Maxi Dress
Adaline @sdmomstyles above shows how you could wear an oversized jacket with a more streamlined dress.
Steal her look with this similar dress, denim jacket, sneakers, handbag and necklace.
Flowy dresses
Flowy summer dresses go wonderfully with traditional or moto styles of denim jacket. This is the perfect way to ensure that you can wear your summer dresses in cooler weather.
Proenza Schouler White Label Juno Cotton Broderie Anglaise Midi-Dress – NIC+ZOE Dotty Palms Halterneck Dress – FARM Rio Mantas Cotton Tiered Midi-Dress – Joe’s Jeans Lindsey Floral Puff-Sleeve Midi-Dress
Shoes to go with your denim jacket and dress outfit
There are so many shoe styles you can wear with a denim jacket and dress combination. For summer, stick with your sandals. Switch to sneakers or boots when the weather cools down.
Tory Burch Miller Sandals – Dolce Vita Rianne Crinkle Patent Flat – Steve Madden Remmi Heeled Sandals – Taos Footwear Plim Soul Sneakers
Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish above (read her style interview here) shows off a perfect way to wear your denim jacket with your summer maxi dress while on vacation.
Get her look with this similar dress, jacket, sandals, clutch, earrings and sunglasses.
Accessories for your denim jacket and dress outfit
Of course, like any outfit, don’t forget your accessories. Opt for statement earrings, hobo, crossbody and handle top bags.
GUESS Levia Top Zip Shoulder Bag – Tory Burch Mini Ella Bio Tote –Petit Moments Cascais Drop Earrings – Ana Luisa Kiara Gold Statement Earrings
Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here) wears her denim jacket with a polka dot dress.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), denim jacket, sandals and tote.
More tips for wearing a denim jacket and dress combination
Consider the fit
Like with every outfit, you’re seeking balance. So consider the fit of your denim jacket in relation to the dress. A fitted jacket works well with voluminous dresses, while an oversized jacket works well with more form-fitting dresses. You could also mirror the look of a formal denim blazer with a formal pencil dress for a work or dinner look.
Experiment with washes
Just like jeans, light-wash denim jackets are great for casual, daytime looks, while darker-wash jackets can be more sophisticated for evening or work settings.
Roll your sleeves
Rolling up the sleeves of your denim jacket can add a casual, relaxed touch to your outfit, making it look effortlessly hip.
Layer for cooler weather
As the weather starts to cool down, you can simply start by adding a denim jacket over your dress. When it cools down further, you can switch your sandals for boots, wear tights and add a scarf.
Your denim jacket and dress outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see many of the denim jackets and dresses together in one capsule. You can see that you could easily switch around the different jackets and dresses to create different looks.
Continue reading:
- Not just for jeans! All the denim outfits and trends you need to know this year
- How to wear jeans over 40 – guidelines and lots of ideas
- Lightweight summer jackets for women that are perfect for summer layering
Like this article on denim jacket for dresses ideas? Share on Pinterest
Feature image by Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!