This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle. The product selections are my own, and I only highlight and promote pieces that I truly love. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Sheaffer Told Me To!
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HAPPY FRIDAY, LADIES!
Today we’re talking about one of my very favorite items in my closet.
And listen, this item has been a favorite item FOR 10 YEARS.
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!
Here is my current favorite denim jacket in all it’s glory. She’s a beaut.
This year (and last year) there’s been a lot of denim jackets that have come on the scene that are realllllllly oversized. I was never interested in those, but when I saw the one I’m wearing throughout today’s post, I knew it was the right jacket for me. It is an oversized and relaxed fit, but it’s not huge. I wanted a jacket that wasn’t huge, but that wasn’t fitted either either. I also wanted some additional length.This jacket was just what I was looking for. I’m like the Goldilocks of Denim Jacktville.
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.
On today’s post you will see it with white jeans, black jeans, athleisure, and a couple of super cute dresses.
I’M TELLING YOU.
I WEAR IT OFTEN.
And by often, I mean AT LEAST once every single week.
I’m going to need you to trust me on this, ladies. You need a denim jacket THAT YOU LOVE. And if you find one you love, you too will wear it constantly. #FACTS
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OUTFIT #1
This outfit (and several variations of this outfit) has been on SERIOUS repeat.
I mean, I own several different colors of this tee and several different colors of these leggings, so I just keep mixing and matching them.
THE OUTFIT WORKS.
AND SO I CONTINUE TO WEAR THIS OUTFIT. Again and again. And again.
For size reference: I’m wearing a medium in the tee, a medium in the jacket, and a small in the leggings. The sneakers are true to size.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / MUST HAVE leggings / tote / sneakers
I own the sunglasses in tortoise and in black, and I love them both.
These huggie earrings are the top portion of the 3-way convertible earrings I’ve been talking about for the last couple of weeks.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings
See how this jacket has some length to it? My other denim jackets over the years have all been quite a bit shorter, hitting either right at my waist or a bit above it. The little bit of extra length on this one allows me to wear it with leggings.
This long sleeve tee is another favorite of mine. I own it in 5 colors, and I’m not even embarrassed. I wear it under the denim jacket, I wear it under sweatshirts, and I wear it alone. In addition to wearing it with leggings, I also throw it on with denim shorts.
The tote is an item I’ve owned for at least 3 years and it’s a bag I know many of you have. This is the cognac/black, and it’s reversible, although I always wear it with the cognac side out. I’ve heard from so many teachers that say it’s the perfect tote to carry back and forth between home and school (filled with papers), but I also know that many of you carry it as an everyday purse.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / MUST HAVE leggings / tote
The apple green MUST HAVE leggings are the newest color that I’ve added to my closet.
I have them in black, blue, pink, and like a heathered olive.
I wear all of the colors, but I’m super excited about this fresh apple green! The color is perfect for spring and summer.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / MUST HAVE leggings / tote / sneakers
Y’all know I can’t shut up about these leggings.
I can’t help it. I ADORE mine, and I think that everybody needs to give them a try.
They are high waisted like the Zella high waisted live in leggings we all know and love. But get this, the waistband is a soft ribbed material. They don’t have as much compression as the original leggings, which actually makes them even more comfortable! And I’ll take comfort over compression every day of the week.
In addition to the cute pockets and the awesome ribbed waistband, there are also cute little bands at the bottom. I keep getting questions on if they are more like leggings or more like joggers, so here’s my official answer: They fit like leggings, but they are more in the style of a jogger (with the big pockets and banded cuffs). They’re awesome.
Also. THEY ARE SO SOFT. Like reallllllllllly REALLY soft.
And I’m telling you, the fit is adorable.
I’ve heard that some people are sizing down in these, but I like the fit of my regular size small.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket /MUST HAVE leggings / tote / sneakers
Here’s a close-up look at the ribbed waistband.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / MUST HAVE leggings / tote
And check out the cute “cuff” detail at the bottom.
I think these sneakers are so much fun. I’m wearing the punchy raspberry, but they come in 3 other color combos as well. They have a wide toe box, which I don’t typically like, but it doesn’t bother me in these particular sneakers. I think they’re awesome. True to size for me.
MUST HAVE leggings / tote / sneakers
I FLIPPING LOVE. THIS. OUTFIT.
I’m soooooo comfy in it, but I feel totally put together.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / MUST HAVE leggings / tote / sneakers
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OUTFIT #2
Okay, so this outfit is similar in that it’s athleisure paired with a denim jacket again.
short sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / restore soft pocket joggers / sneakers
Cropped joggers, a short sleeve tee, and a denim jacket makes up my kinda outfit for a great sprint day.
short sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / restore soft pocket joggers / sneakers
The jacket has a bit of stretch in it, which is awesome.
I could wear this jacket every single day.
I mean, I won’t.
But y’all wouldn’t judge me if I did, right? 😉
short sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / restore soft pocket joggers
short sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / restore soft pocket joggers
These restore soft pocket joggers are a relatively new addition to my closet, and I’m so happy to have them. I lounge around in them at the house, and I wear them around town as well. They are so soooooo soft, they are very lightweight, and they just feel great on. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
short sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / restore soft pocket joggers / sneakers
If the raspberry sneakers in outfit #1 are a bit too vibrant for you, these sneakers are a great option. I always love blush and grey together, and this color combo is a much more neutral option. They have a slimmer look and the entire shoe is more narrow. Also true to size.
restore soft pocket joggers / sneakers
I love this outfit too.
I mean, I know I can’t wear athleisure every single day, but I wouldn’t mind if I could.
short sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / restore soft pocket joggers / sneakers
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OUTFIT #3
Now that I’ve shown you two different outfits that are super casual, let’s kick things up a notch!
swing dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / necklace / gold cuff bracelet / similar wedges
This swing dress is a darling black checked gingham, and it’s my favorite dress silhouette. Y’all know I love A line and swing dresses, and the tiers on this one are too cute.
swing dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / necklace / gold cuff bracelet
You can kind of see here that the neck has a precious tiny little ruffle detail. (I apologize for totally forgetting to take pics of the dress without the jacket. #bloggerfail ) Head to the online pics to see the entire dress. You’ll notice that the neckline is a bit low when looking at the online pics. It was definitely low for me, and to be honest, the dress would probably be better suited to somebody with a smaller chest. For size reference, I’m wearing a small.
My hoop earrings are from Kendra Scott’s newest line. They are a gorgeous teal/turquoise color with golden accents, but they also come in a stunning lapis and a beautiful amethyst.
I was going to make a huge deal about the necklace , but I found out yesterday that there’s only 6 left (with no plans of a restock), so I’m not going to go on and on about how adorable it is because that would just be rude.
swing dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / necklace / gold cuff bracelet
swing dress / denim trucker jacket / necklace / gold cuff bracelet
swing dress / denim trucker jacket / necklace / gold cuff bracelet
This gold cuff bracelet is from last year, and I was absolutely thrilled when they restocked it this year. It makes such a statement.
swing dress / denim trucker jacket /necklace / gold cuff bracelet
I originally ordered these neutral BP wedges for this post, but I found them to be very uncomfortable, so I didn’t want to feature them. I ended up wearing a pair I already had in my closet for these pictures, but I think these wedges look awesome, so I’m going to order them in the cognac to to try.
AND Y’ALL! When writing this post, I realized that my wedges from last year have been restocked as well! They are AWESOME.
swing dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / necklace / gold cuff bracelet / similar wedges
My wedges from last year come in these 4 awesome options. I have no idea how I’m just finding out there’s been a restock (wish I would have figured it out before I took the above pictures), but these are tried and true and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND them. I own the “tan suede” (top left), and I’m completely smitten with raffia option too. I would recommend sizing up a 1/2.
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OUTFIT #4
So this is the same outfit as Outfit #1. Just like I said, I mix and match everything and wear the same outfit formula ALL THE TIME.
This time I changed the white tee to blue, and I changed the green leggings to the black leggings. (Officially these are the “black” leggings, but I think they are more of a really dark charcoal grey.)
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / huggie earrings / MUST HAVE leggings / sneakers
I wore this to Carter’s soccer game last weekend, and we grabbed a quick lunch after.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / huggie earrings / MUST HAVE leggings
So if the green leggings from Outfit #1 are a little “too much” for you, go with the much safer black option. Again, I’m wearing a medium in the jacket and the tee and a small in the leggings.
long sleeve tee / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / huggie earrings / MUST HAVE leggings / sneakers
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OUTFIT #5
Pairing a denim jacket with a great pair of white jeans is a classic combo that’s really a no brainer. You’ll see me wear this outfit formula over and over again. You can switch out other components and mix up the colors, but you’ll always have a winning outfit with a denim jacket and white jeans.
denim jacket / twist neck tee / sunglasses /earrings / butterfly necklace / white jeans / cognac tote / gold chain sandals
denim jacket / twist neck tee / sunglasses /earrings / butterfly necklace / white jeans / cognac tote / gold chain sandals
You guys. THE JEWELRY.
Check out the earrings! That top hoop is a huggie earring (and you know I’m obsessed with huggies), and the bottom dangle can be taken on and off! Also, one side of the dangle is silver, and the other side is gold, so you can wear these earrings 3 different ways.
The butterfly necklace is flipping adorable. I love the bright pop of turquoise, and the butterfly is so playful. It comes in lilac and blush too.
denim jacket / twist neck tee / sunglasses /earrings / butterfly necklace
gold bracelet / colorful bracelet
denim jacket / twist neck tee / white jeans / cognac tote
My favorite white “jeans” are officially called “ankle skinny pants”.
However, 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.
Now let’s talk sizing. Last year I wore these in a regular size 4. This year I ordered them in a 6P. Now remember, I didn’t realize I was ordering the same pair of jeans, but I liked the idea of them being not super tight and a little bit cropped. I often order up a size in white jeans, and if I’m getting a petite I often order up a size too. To sum it up, these do run a bit big, so you probably want to consider sizing down from the size you normally get in white jeans. Both the regular 4 and the 6P both fit me, but this year I’m going to be rocking the 6P.
denim jacket / twist neck tee /white jeans / cognac tote / gold chain sandals
These gold chain sandals are fabulous. They look designer and are much less expensive than you’d think. BECAUSE Y’ALL, THEY’RE ONLY $34.95! They are very comfortable, true to size, and I love the super slim profile. And I of course think the chunky gold chain makes the sandal. Now I will say this, the chain makes a bit of a clanking sound when I walk…but I don’t think I care. BECAUSE LOOK HOW CHIC.
white jeans / cognac tote / gold chain sandals
denim jacket / twist neck tee / sunglasses /earrings / butterfly necklace / white jeans / cognac tote / gold chain sandals
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OUTFIT #6
This puff sleeve shirt dress is the most gorgeous and vibrant pink.
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / butterfly necklace / studded sandals
I immediately fell in love with the highly saturated color.
I’m also totally smitten with the cut and fit of the dress. It’s so flirty and playful!
More on the dress (without the jacket) in a minute.
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / butterfly necklace
The turquoise jewelry against the pink dress was so pretty.
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / butterfly necklace / studded sandals
tennis bracelet / colorful bracelet
These studded sandals are a wonderful neutral, but the studs up the sass factor tremendously. True to size up for me, but size up a 1/2 if in between.
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / studded sandals
The dress is a 100% cotton poplin and has great puff sleeves.
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / butterfly necklace / studded sandals
It’s cool, crisp, and ADORABLE. For size reference, I’m wearing a US size 6.
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / butterfly necklace / studded sandals
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / butterfly necklace / studded sandals
Love. The end.
puff sleeve shirt dress / denim trucker jacket / sunglasses / hoop earrings / butterfly necklace / studded sandals
And just for fun, I rounded up some more dress options for y’all too because an easy breezy dress and a denim jacket is one of my all-time favorite outfit formulas. All of these of course look great on their own, but they would also be awesome under a denim jacket.
striped maxi / floral maxi / tiered cotton eyelet dress / stripe cotton dress / black tiered midi dress / strapless maxi
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OUTFIT #7
And another classic combo (that you might remember).
denim jacket / tee / sunglasses / hoop earrings / blingy necklace / layered necklace / cross body bag / bandana / black jeans / sneakers
The first thing you need to do when you put on a denim jacket is immediately cuff the hem of the sleeves up one. It gives it a more relaxed fit AND it totally ups the cool factor.
denim jacket / tee / sunglasses / hoop earrings / blingy necklace / layered necklace / cross body bag / bandana / black jeans / sneakers
denim jacket / tee / sunglasses / hoop earrings / blingy necklace / layered necklace
denim jacket / tee / sunglasses /cross body bag / bandana / black jeans
Let’s spend a second on the jeans. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that every closet has a pair of great black jeans. They are classic, they can be worn year-round, and they are the easiest kind of jeans to dress up. For size reference, I’m wearing a 4Petite in these jeans. I’m 5’4″, and I’m still cuffing them by just turning up the hem. It does seem that this pair of black jeans is better suited for people 5’4″ and below (and the appear to be better stocked).
I do want to mention my best black jeans tip here: Don’t wash them every single time you wear them.
In fact, unless they are dirty, I would estimate that I only wash mine about every 4-5 times I wear them. I’m able to keep them looking new and fresh by spreading out the washings! In between washings, I do turn them inside out and pop them in the dryer with a dryer sheet. This freshens them up and shrinks them back up if they’ve stretched out any.
cross body bag / bandana / black jeans (black jeans with better stock HERE)/ sneakers
These are my Dolce Vita sneakers from last year, and I’m still wearing the heck out of them. They recently got a pretty major restock (yay!), but you can find all Dolce Sneakers currently available HERE.
cross body bag / bandana / black jeans / sneakers
I mean, perfect for spring.
denim jacket / tee / sunglasses / hoop earrings / blingy necklace / layered necklace / cross body bag / bandana / black jeans / sneakers
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OTHER DENIM JACKET OPTIONS
Okay, although I’ve highlighted one jacket all day today, let’s check out some other denim jacket options from Nordstrom! Because although I’m obsessed with the jacket I spotlighted and really think it will work for a whole lot of people, I’ve got some more denim jacket options for those of you that are looking for something a little different than what I’m showing. Just click on the number you are interested in. Note: If you want to be able to wear a denim jacket with jeans (but don’t want to go full denim on denim), consider jackets #3, #4, and #8!
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
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AND JUST FOR FUN…
I stumbled upon this dress a couple of days ago (the day it hit the site), and I threw it into my cart and checked out immediately. It’s definitely one of those dresses that I’m afraid will no longer be in stock by the time I get it, photograph it, and share it because I think it’s going to fly off the shelves. And it’s just the kind of dress that you’ll find me wearing under a denim jacket. It’s not supposed to arrive until Monday, but I’m so excited to get it!
I’m showing two different ways to style it below. One with wedges and gold jewelry, and one with flat sandals and turquoise jewelry. AND HOW GREAT ARE THESE BAGS!
LEFT: bag / butterfly earrings / gold cuff bracelet / wedges
RIGHT: butterfly necklace / hoop earrings / MUST HAVE strapless bra / bag / Tory Burch sandals
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So I think its more than obvious that I feel 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!
It’s my hope that this super comprehensive post has given you a ton of styling ideas and that it’s been very helpful to you. I’ve shared lots of easy outfits to help your denim jacket fulfill it’s style destiny. Haha!
A huge THANK YOU to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!
Erika Slaughter says
A denim jacket is hard to beat!! Happy Friday, Friend!
Shay Shull says
Let’s talk about that day at the mall about 10 years ago when you told me I needed a denim jacket and I said no. And then you pulled out “the” denim jacket right then in the food court and I stood up and walked into Nordstrom to purchase it. Bahahaha! Sheaffer always tells me to 🙂 !