This week we are going into detail about casual outfit formula 2: jeans with a jacket.
This is a favorite formula for many of you and one of the easiest ways to give your casual looks a more chic vibe.
I personally don’t wear this look so often anymore as I live in such in a hot climate, but it would be my go-to outfit when I lived in The Netherlands and Australia.
You may also like my guidelines on how to wear jeans after 40
For today’s look I selected another pair of jeans that were sent to me for review. They are the Bootcut Dark Denim blue jeans from Isabi.
I picked a size 12 (UK sizing) and they are very comfortable. The rise is a lot higher than any other jeans I own, so no ugly tummy rolls peeping out.
As you can see they are not mum jeans though and they look good with your top tucked in too.
They are actually really good for my vertical body type as they elongate my proportionally shorter legs. The fit is very comfortable and the jeans very stretchy, so I think I could have also fit into a size 10 which would give a closer fit.
If your measurements come up in between size as was the case with me, I would advise you to take the smaller size. They are the perfect height for me (I’m 5’7”) when I wear them with flats.
The first look is with my all-time favorite D&G casual short jacket that you have seen many times before here at 40+Style. Great for a casual on-the-go look.
With my second jacket, a cream white blazer from Zara, the look becomes a lot dressier.
I emphasize the dressier look with a pair of printed ballerinas, doing a bit of pattern mixing with the top, belt and shoes. This look is still casual but could serve you for a lot more occasions, like casual Friday in the office.
Let’s take a look at the outfits you submitted.
2 fabulous looks from Glenda (So What to Twenty) even though I’m not sure they still fit in the casual category as they are so chic. I absolutely adore that first look with the very on trend short golden jacket and the colorful statement necklace! The shoes are fab too.
Catherine (Joly Look) looks very stylish with these jeans and a coral cardigan. Love the shoes she paired with it!
How fun is this reversible jacket! Sunny (Home where story begins) calls is the “Perfect” travel ready wardrobe item as it adds color and options. Shown here with jeans by New York & Company and sleeveless white T-tank. Accessorized with a Ta Prohm recycled rice bag purse from Cambodia, contrasting scarfs (one handcrafted and beaded), bracelets and nude flats.
Jeans and a jacket is one of Ana’s (Mrs American Made) favorite outfit formulas and as you expect she wears this style to perfection. My favorite of her 4 looks here is the last one. Love that combination of greyish/brwn jeans paired with the printed top and short jacket, fab shoes and red bag!
Jeans and a jacket is one of Greetje’s (No fear of fashion) favorite looks as well. All these looks are fab but her jeans worn with a Japanese style kimono (middle right) really stands out!
Here is Linda with her favorite go-to outfit for a casual vibe. Love the relaxed chic looks with her boyfriend jeans combined with her jackets and accessories!
Belen de Belle Epoque dressed up her ripped jeans to great effect.
Lorrraine looks very chic in her dark jeans with both jacket and her 2 cardigans while combining her jacket with colored jeans looks more playful and funky. Tough to pick a favorite!
Finally, how chic does Laura (Buckle Button Zip) look in these jeans with white blazer and pumps. Great look!
Thanks ladies for submitting your photos. You all look fantastic!
Tips and takeaways for wearing jeans with a jacket or cardigan
- You can make jeans as casual or chic as you like. It’s the ultimate wardrobe staple.
- Jeans look good with short jackets, casual jackets, cardigans and blazers.
- Want to make your look less casual opt for a chic short jacket (see Glenda) or a more classic blazer.
- To add the chic factor wear heels with your jeans or an arty flat.
- Accessories often add to the look. Use jewelry, belts, scarves or even a hat!
- It’s great fun and very chic to combine your jeans and jacket with a printed top.
- Or keep the top plain and wear a printed jacket .
- It’s also very chic to keep your top and jacket in the same color as Laura’s outfit shows.
You may also like my guidelines on how to wear jeans after 40
Do you like this casual outfit formula? How do you like to pair your jeans?
Feature image by Abi
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.
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Great looks from all the ladies. Thanks Sylvia for showing my photo’s.
Catherine
Joly Look
As always, another great post, Sylvia. Everybody looks great. And I do love this “outfit formula” as I call it, but I am excited to try the same color jacket/top idea. Something new! Thank you, : ) Ana
Glenda looks amazing doesn’t she? Like, wow 😀 I also like Greetje’s style – that red jacket with the jeans is amazing on her!
This is NICE in capitals. Love the spirit of joining in.
For Lorraine I could pick one: the bottom right one is my favourite, with the green trousers.
And Mrs American Made … I would go for the combination with the red trousers. For you I cannot choose as I like both.
Linda, the white cardigan, Glenda is always great in styling and indeed her golden jacket is fabulous.. but heck.. this is too difficult. Love them all.
And I learned one thing too. From Laura and you. Although I loved the picture, it didn’t dawn on me till you pointed it out: the same colour blouse and jacket make it chic. Indeed.
Next challenge is not for me as I do not own printed jeans. Not one pair. Trousers yes, jeans no.
Greetje
Hi Greetje
Thanks for your feedback. My husband also liked that outfit the best! As you know I am still experimenting. I don’t own any printed jeans/trousers but I think you are OK with your Max Mara pants!
Greetje, the next challenge is for ALL printed pants and you do own a few of those….
OK.. But it won’t be very casual then my dears… As I dress up these trousers. But i will come up with some.
That’s fine. My rendition is not super casual either. This challenge is more about how to look casual chic anyway!
I’m loving the looks and I’m going to borrow a few too! Thanks!
All great looks! I totally forgot to send my email to you. Will do for the next challenge.
These jeans are stunning on you, they make your legs go on for miles.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I love how creative everyone is. There are a lot of ways to wear this combo and I’m happy to get some more ideas. I just noticed that you and I are wearing the same Zara blazer. I love how you styled it with the graphic blouse underneath. I’ll have to try that.
x Laura
Jeans dressed up with jackets and great accessories are my favorite looks. I find jeans to fit better than most trousers out there so I have a nice assortment of them.
The photos are terrific and the participants have done a wonderful job in creating attractive, modern and flattering outfits.
Thanks Sylvia for all the information and the ladies look amazing. I didn’t think there were so many ways to put jeans and jackets together in such a stylish and modern way.
I love this look. On other women. I wear jeans and cardis all the time. I work in a library. So cold. But jeans and jackets? I think I must be doing it wrong. But you ladies look fab. Maybe because you all seem to be wearing more fitted styles?
I think it can look really nice with boyfriend jeans too though. I love the mix of casual with more chic!
If you’re not used to wearing jackets they can seem a little restrictive but I think the key is to find a really well fitting one in a fabric with some ‘give’ in it. Sometimes, if a jacket is too big or the sleeves too long, it can seem as if it is wearing you rather than the other way round.