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A denim jacket is a wardrobe staple for any man. It's versatile, stylish, and goes with just about everything. Whether you're headed for a formal gathering or want to keep things casual, your denim jacket can easily be your wardrobe highlight. But since wearing a plain denim jacket with no styling effort can get monotonous, you might not enjoy this sleek piece of clothing as much. That's why we have enlisted the best ways to style a men's denim jacket for any occasion to help you look your best. With these tips, you'll look sharp no matter where you go.
Wear It With A White T-Shirt And Blue Jeans
This is a classic look that never goes out of style. The key to pulling it off is ensuring your denim jacket and jeans are of different shades. For example, if you're wearing light-wash jeans, go for a darker denim jacket. This contrast will give your outfit visual interest and make you look put together. Add a pair of clean white sneakers or boots to finish things off, and you're good to go.
Add A Plaid Shirt To The Mix
Are you looking to add a little bit of edge to your outfit? Ensure your plaid shirt is well-fitted, so it doesn't look too bulky under your jacket. Throw on a plaid shirt under your denim jacket. This combination is perfect for fall or winter days when you need an extra layer of warmth. Plus, it looks great with both dark-wash and light-wash jeans. Lastly, complete your fit with a pair of clean shoes, and you're good to go.
Wear It Over a Dress Shirt
Whether going for a more casual look or dressing up for a night out, throwing a denim jacket over a dress shirt is always a good idea. For a casual day look, pair your denim jacket with a plaid or gingham shirt and jeans. If you're looking to dress things up a bit, exchange the jeans for chinos or trousers and swap out the dress shirt for a button-down shirt in a solid color.
Layer It Over A Hoodie
Want some edge to your outfit? Layer your denim jacket over a hoodie for an instant style upgrade. This look works best with darker-wash denim jackets and hoodies in neutral colors like black, gray, or navy. Add a beanie or baseball cap to the mix for an extra style touch. This style feels best when the air is chilly, and you want your men's denim jacket to protect from its wrath!
Wear It With Chinos
One of the most versatile pieces in any man's wardrobe, chinos can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. And when paired with a denim jacket, they make the perfect transition from day to night. If you don't like a denim-on-denim look or want to change things a bit, your chinos will look the best. Team your chinos with a t-shirt and sneakers for a casual daytime look. If you're going out on the town, switch things up by swapping in a button-down shirt and adding some loafers or Chelsea boots.
Try It With A Knit Sweater
The key to nailing this look is proportion. Choose a bulkier sweater so the overall look isn't too boxy. Try a distressed denim jacket to add some edge and rugged Timberland boots to uplift the look further. Try half-tucking your sweater into your jeans if you want a more relaxed feel. Top it all off with a pair of white sneakers, and you're good to go.
Accessorize With A Scarf
A denim jacket is a perfect canvas to wear your scarf as an accessory. Choose a lightweight scarf in a pop of color or print, and let it peep out from under the collar of your jacket. This is a great way to add a touch of personality to your denim jacket and make it work for any occasion. You can dress this look up with heels or dress it down with flats. Either way, you'll look dashing.
What Should You Not Wear with a Men's Denim Jacket?
As versatile as this piece of outerwear is, there are still some fashion don'ts when pairing a denim jacket with the rest of your outfit. Denim jackets are the perfect topper for a casual look but can also be dressed up for a more refined aesthetic. Here are some denim jacket don'ts for men to avoid when putting their face together:
Don't Wear A Denim Jacket With Formal Wear
If you're looking for a Casual Friday look that's still appropriate for the office, try pairing your denim jacket with dress slacks and a button-down shirt. A denim jacket should never be worn with a suit or formal attire. It's simply too casual of a piece to pair with such upscale clothing.
Don't Wear A Distressed Denim Jacket With Dressy Clothing
A hole in your jeans is one thing, but outright tears and rips in your jean jacket are another. If you're wearing clothing on the more excellent side, such as slacks or skirts, opt for a cleaner-looking denim jacket without any distressing elements.
Don't Wear Overly Decorated Denim Jackets
When choosing the right kind of denim jacket, less is more. If your goal is to create a relaxed and laid-back look, an overly adorned jean jacket with sequins, bedazzled pockets, or large logos will not achieve that goal. Instead, go for something more understated that will complement the rest of your outfit without overwhelming it.
A well-styled man knows how to rock a denim jacket no matter the occasion. Denim jackets are the topper for a casual look, but you can dress them up for a more refined aesthetic. If you want to jazz things up, get some contrasting accessories with your denim jacket, and you'll love how the look turns out. So try the style ideas we've listed above, and stick to the ones that look best on you!
