Everybody Needs a Denim Jacket!

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle. The product selections are my own, and I only highlight and promote items that I truly love. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Sheaffer Told Me To! 

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HAPPY MONDAY, LADIES!

Today we’re talking about what I believe is one of the most important items in my closet.

And listen, this item has been a favorite of mine FOR 10 YEARS.

In fact, I’d even go out on a limb and say it’s the most frequently worn piece in my closet. And it’s probably the most highlighted item on this blog over the last 10 years as well.

I’ve owned many, I’ve had several favorites, and it’s an item I reach for almost all year long.

So what are we talking about?

THE DENIM JACKET, OF COURSE!

The humble denim jacket is a work horse in my closet, and it will be in yours too.

And I’m going to go ahead and put it out there that I think every single one of you absolutely needs a denim jacket that you love.

Today I’m going to share one of my current favorites (because yes, I have many), and I’m going to style it several different ways to hopefully highlight it’s versatility.

OUTFIT #1

Styling a denim jacket with white denim is an obvious pairing and always a great look.

Here is my current favorite denim jacket in all its glory.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

This is my idea of a perfect casual spring outfit.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

I think the title of today’s post says it all, and I firmly believe that a great denim jacket is an absolute necessity for everybody to own. Even if you think you aren’t a denim jacket girl, I challenge you to try one on. I can all but promise you that it will become one of the most worn items in your closet. I reach for mine ALL. THE. TIME.

To style it, I roll the sleeves up and pop the collar. It looks awesome with black denim, grey denim, white denim, cream denim, and colored denim. And it’s often the perfect item needed to throw on over a casual spring dress as well.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

This particular denim jacket is a really great medium wash and works for spring, summer, and even fall.

I think the most important thing to pay attention to when looking for a denim jacket is making sure that it has a bit of stretch to it. If it’s too stiff (and not comfy), you won’t reach for it. And if it’s too boxy, you don’t want that either. It really has to have some give and be comfy! This jacket has some stretch, some give, some shape, and it’s comfy! #winnerwinnerchickendinner

For size reference, I do think this one wears a bit big. I like to have room in my jackets, I’m wearing a small in this one, and I still have room.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

striped sweater / denim jacket / crossbody bag / bracelets / white jeans

I’ve already shared this striped sweater a handful of times on the blog in both flat lays and mirror selfies, but today is the first time you are seeing in styled outfit shots.

I’M OFFICIALLY OBSESSED.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

No doubt about it, it’s spring sweater PERFECTION. I love the colors, the wide stripes, the relaxed fit, and the ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem. It’s lightweight, feels great on, and is just the type of sweater I like to wear with ankle jeans and sneakers in the spring. Talk about a spring uniform!

I would say the stripes are a vibrant orange and a realllllllly light blush. I love the color combo. It’s so fresh and happy!! The sweater also comes in a wavy black and white stripe.

Let’s talk about the crossbody bag too BECAUSE IT’S FABULOUS.

It’s a smooth pebbled leather and a beautiful cognac color (and it comes in black too). It comes with 2 straps that can be adjusted or removed and range from 11″-22″, which means you can wear it as a shoulder bag or as a crossbody. I’m wearing the leather strap here, but you’ll see in the next outfit that it also comes with a wide canvas strap. I love the versatility. There’s a magnetic closure on the front flap and an interior pocket as well. The hardware is a brushed brass, so it’s not shiny. This is an awesome everyday bag.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

My favorite white “jeans” are officially called “ankle skinny pants”. And like the denim jacket, I think a pair of white jeans that you love are a necessity.

Even though they are called “pants”, I totally think of them as just super soft and awesome white jeans. Now that I see that they aren’t called jeans, I get it, because they are SO DANG SOFT and stretchy….but I really do think of them as jeans and will style them like they are jeans. They are 53% cotton, 29% polyester, 15% rayon, and 3% spandex. I think there must be at least 5% unicorn dust in them too because they’re just that good.

Now, full disclosure, you can see the pockets a bit in them. This is usually a deal breaker for me with white jeans, but for some reason it’s not for me with these jeans. I’ve decided that I actually prefer to see the pockets a bit over having white jeans with fake pockets. I really don’t like the fake pockets, so I’m definitely willing to accept seeing some of the pocket.

They are really stretchy, very slimming, and incredibly comfortable. I love the white button and the little side slits at the ankle. They aren’t see thru, but I of course still recommend wearing nude undies. They actually come in 8 colors, and I predict that some of you will like the fit and comfort so much that you will end up ordering them in at least 1 more color.

I’m wearing a regular size 4, but because of the stretch, I suggest sizing down if between sizes.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

These sneakers are a great neutral, with the tone-on-tone color blocking adding some interest. They are casual, they are comfy, and they look great with jeans, skirts, and dresses. True to size for me.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

I love this entire look.

AND I love the individual pieces that make it up.

striped sweater / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / white jeans / sneakers

 

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OUTFIT #2

Here I’ve styled the jacket with some of my favorite athleisure pieces, which is one of my favorite ways to wear a denim jacket.

long sleeve performance crewneck / denim jacket / performance joggers / crossbody bag / sneakers

I hadn’t planned on it, but this ended up being a type of monochromatic look with the grey crewneck and they grey blue joggers.

Notice the different strap I’m wearing with the crossbody bag. Its thicker, its canvas, and its great for casual outfits.

long sleeve performance crewneck / denim jacket / performance joggers / crossbody bag / sneakers

 

I know I keep talking about closet staples today, and these performance joggers are absolutely a staple for me.

Vuori’s star product, these performance joggers have a slim but relaxed fit with a slightly cropped leg, side pockets, and drawstring. They are designed with Vuori’s softest premium stretch fabric, and trust me when I say that they’re going to be your new go-to.

They were definitely the gateway product to the brand for me. Once you purchase the joggers and start wearing them, you will have an undeniable need to try more pieces from the brand. They definitely made me a believer.

I wear a small in the joggers.

long sleeve performance crewneck / denim jacket / performance joggers / crossbody bag / sneakers

These sneakers were a Top 3 favorite for y’all last month, and they were a Top 3 find for me as well. They are just about sold out in this color, but several other great colors are still available. The bungee cords make them easy to slip on and off, and they are so stinking cute. Oh, and let’s not forget comfy! True to size for me.

performance joggers /sneakers

If you see me out and about around my hood, there’s a really good chance I’m going to have on a version of this outfit.

long sleeve performance crewneck / denim jacket / performance joggers / crossbody bag / sneakers

 

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OUTFIT #3

Any outfit where I get to wear my denim jacket and my camo pants is a great outfit in my book.

white tee / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / camo pants / sneakers

It’s such a simple outfit, but the camo pants add a cool vibe, don’t ya think?

white tee / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / camo pants / sneakers

white tee / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / camo pants

white tee / denim jacket / crossbody bag / camo pants

I’m so excited for y’all because my beloved camo pants just went 40% OFF.

They are a muted camo that I love, and believe me when I say that I’m picky about my camo patterns.

These pants are stretchy, comfy, and flattering as all get out. I do think they fit differently on me than they look on the model, and other reviewers stated the same. They are more of a skinny jean look on me than they look on the model, but I truly love the fit. I’m wearing my regular size 4, but I would suggest sizing down if you’re often between sizes. They also come in petite!

white tee / denim jacket / crossbody bag / camo pants / sneakers

camo pants / sneakers

Yep, another perfect spring outfit!

white tee / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / camo pants / sneakers

white tee / denim jacket / multicolor earrings / crossbody bag / camo pants / sneakers

 

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DENIM JACKET OUTFIT PLANNING…

And to further prove the versatility of a denim jacket, here are a handful of other outfits highlighting its powers! 😉

The denim jacket in the next several outfits is a darker denim than the one I featured in my looks above, but it’s from the same maker, so you know it’s good. Kut from the Kloth really knows how to make a denim jacket (click HERE for all of their current options).

A dress with a denim jacket is one of my very favorite outfit formulas of all times.

I think this polka dot sundress is absolutely adorable. It’s 100% cotton and the polka dots are both whimsical and cheerful! I’ve styled it here with wedges and a colorful necklace, but I think it would be just as cute worn casually with fashion sneakers.

polka dot sundress / denim jacket / colorful necklace / crossbody bag / bracelet / wedges

 

Last Monday I showed you this striped sweater with denim ankle jeans and sneakers, but how cute is it here with white denim and the denim jacket!

I wear a small in the sweater, so consider sizing down. I have a 4 in the jeans, but definitely size down if between sizes. Size up a 1/2 in the sandals, and the sneakers are true to size for me.

striped sweater / denim jacket / white jeans / crossbody bag / TB Miller soft sandals / colorful necklace / bracelet / sneakers

And here’s another way to wear a denim jacket with athleisure. And these leggings are ON SALE!

tee / denim jacket / leggings / sunglasses / huggie earrings / sneakers

 

And here’s 1 outfit I planned last week…

This Madewell dress is gorgeous! I love the cut, I love the pleats, I love the ruffle hem, and I LOVE the color combo. I don’t really wear spaghetti straps anymore, but I’ll totally wear this dress with a denim jacket thrown on top! (Update: This dress arrived, and I didn’t realize that it has a partially open back with ties. That doesn’t bother me because I’ll only be wearing it with a denim jacket on top, but I figured that many of y’all would need to know this.)

With spring and summer approaching, you’ll soon be pulling out some styles that might require a strapless bra. Well, this strapless bra is a MUST HAVE. I first found it I think almost 8 years ago now, and I’m telling you, it’s the best strapless bra I have ever owned. I even wear it when I don’t have to wear a strapless. It’s that good. Please take my word for it and try it for yourself. You’ll be amazed. (Again – after receiving this dress I realized that a regular strapless bra won’t work with it – but keep the bra in mind for other items that require a strapless!)

Do you see the cognac TB Miller sandals? I don’t own them yet, but I will soon. Last year I bought my first pair of Miller sandals, not knowing if they were going to be worth it. WELL. They were totally worth it to me. They were easily my most worn pair of sandals last year. I bought them in the neutral “light makeup” color and love them, but now that I know they are worth it, I will definitely be purchasing them in this cognac too.

dress / denim jacket /must have strapless bra / TB Miller soft sandals / earrings / necklace / bracelets / bag

 

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That’s it for today, y’all!

So what do you think? If you don’t yet own a denim jacket, have I made a compelling case that you need to give one a try?!? A great denim jacket is truly a staple that is never going to go out of style, and you are going to have so much fun styling it in sooooo many different ways.

A huge THANK YOU to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post.

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