One Denim Jacket. A million Ways to Wear it

Is it just me or has been so frustrating getting dressed lately? I live about an hour from work and usually I just look outside before getting dressed. We had a gorgeous summery day on Sunday made for picnics, beaches and watermelon, so I had already started tossing my winter wardrobe aside. But lo and behold, here we are are slap-bang in the middle of winter again. Add the fact that trends change as frequently as the price of an iPhone charger… and every season brings with it a new shape, colour or trend to follow, and your wardrobe woes seem to get to you. Luckily, there’s on item that you can wear no matter the time of year, trend report or even personal style. It’s the trusty and timeless denim jacket.

It teams well with everything from dresses to jeans to skirts to jumpsuits and fits every body shape. This classic can be matched with any fun or formal ensemble no matter your mood or occasion, and if you shop smartly, you can get it for the price of a t-shirt.

My studded denim jacket is from Superbalist. I have been looking for the perfect denims forever – it had to be the right colour, fit and have a bit of detail to help me escape the office-wear boredom. I shopped for it during the last sale and got it for R219! If you’ve run into me, I’m sure that you can attest to the fact that I can’t shut up about it! It’s unfortunately sold out but not to worry, you’ll find plenty more styles in this post.

No two denim jackets styles are alike: you can have a distressed look, stone wash, dark blue, black, white, longer length, vintage or modern, oversized, tailored, cropped, zipped, buttoned, pockets, no pockets; I’ve even seen a neon yellow option that looked great with a paired down monochrome outfit. So below, we’re sharing some ways of our fave denim jacket inspiration and a few places to shop.

Pretty, airy and perfect
If you’re itching to wear your sun dress in winter, turn up the heat by pairing your favourite frock with a cropped denim jacket in classic or light blue. Keep things light and breezy with a white or eggshell dress. Body con or maxi. Button down or wrap dress. No matter your style, add this must-have closet staple. Two items. Done.

Printed and playful
Nikki and I have shared our love of prints over and over – it’s just so fun and undeniably adorable. And it’s a look that works before and after clock-out time. You can go sophisticated with sequins or polished with stripes.

Flared or fitted and flirty
A skirt that gathers at the waist with a full flare LOVES cropped or tailored jackets. It balances out perfectly for effortless style. Go for a striped skirt or bold and vibrant for envious interest, and match with embroidered denim to keep things cool.

Tall, dark and formal or fun

Black jeans, a white tee and blue denim is a match made in heaven. It’s a classic look that works season after season, year after year from office to outing. If you’re looking to spice things up, try a detailed white shirt, or go bold with stripes or florals, even denim on denim! Add a pair of canvas sneakers for day, or boots at night and you have a look that transitions like a dream. Steal from frat boys and pop the collar, roll up the sleeves and add a structured bag for out-for-errands celeb sophistication.

Light and layered

I can’t get away with wearing white denim. There’ll be roti stains on it by noon. It’s a look that’s so much more polished than the classic blue. Pair it with softer fabrics like a frilled or flared blouse, evening heels and a pop of luminescent colour.

Biker chic

Show off your edgy side with a black denim jacket and black jeans. Or, try a rocker chick tee and pleather skirt with grunge boots or black pleather pants. Opt for a vintage textured jacket for that well worn-in look. It adds some details to an all-black ensemble. Or break black on black with blue.