How to Wear an Oversized Denim Jacket

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

Denim is a classic wardrobe staple, and an oversized denim jacket is a fun twist on the traditional fitted or cropped jacket. It’s a versatile lightweight layer that can be paired with almost anything. Add this piece to your closet to create both casual and more refined spring and summer outfits. Try experimenting with different colors and washes to achieve a variety of looks. Baggy denim jackets are fashionable and versatile for men, too.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing the Perfect Color

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Build a classic look with blue denim. A blue denim jacket goes with almost anything. The most popular type is medium wash denim, which has been washed and dried several times before being sold. It works great for a casual look. If you want something less casual, go for a dark wash denim. A light wash denim can be great for accentuating bright colored outfits.^{[1]
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- You can also find distressed wash denim, sometimes called vintage denim. It will have an especially worn look and works great for daytime casual wear.
- Generally speaking, light blue looks sharp in the spring and summer, and darker blue is the perfect denim color for autumn.^{[2]
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Get a colorful jacket for an attention-grabbing look. You can get denim jackets in a huge variety of colors. Try an eye-catching red, green, or yellow jacket to add a pop of color to your favorite outfits.

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3
Wear a white denim jacket for a versatile springtime day-to-night look. White denim is a fresh look for spring that works both day and night. Pair it with bold colors like coral and turquoise.^{[3]
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- Keep your accessories minimal when wearing white denim with bright spring colors. This will let the contrasting colors take center stage.
- Cognac colored sandals or wedges look sharp with white denim.
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Choose a black jacket for a more refined look. A black jacket will go with just about anything. It is also more refined, so it can easily be worn with nighttime looks.
- A grey jacket is a great alternative to black. It’s just as versatile as black and can make your outfits look a bit lighter.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Dressing Up Your Look

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Pair the jacket with a bright floral skirt to create a sophisticated look. A vibrant floral skirt is the perfect companion for an oversized denim jacket. Choose a blue or black jacket to let the print on the skirt really pop.^{[5]
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- Wear a dark wash denim jacket with a black T-shirt or tank and a skirt featuring bright blue with orange or yellow elements. Complete the outfit with an elegant pair of black pumps.
- Try wearing a vintage blue oversized denim jacket with a salmon colored pleated skirt for the perfect mix of feminine and masculine.^{[6]
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2
Scrunch up the jacket’s sleeves and layer over professional pieces. Put on your favorite pencil skirt and tucked-in blouse. Layer your jacket on top. Scrunching up the jacket’s sleeves will make the outfit a little more cool and relaxed, while still maintaining a professional air.^{[7]
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- Try wearing a white button-up shirt and letting the sleeves peek out from under the scrunched-up jacket sleeves.
- A light-colored pencil skirt and shirt make an excellent backdrop for a blue or black jacket. Complete the outfit with blue or black wedges in a similar color or tone as your jacket.
3
Drape your jacket over your shoulders for a chic fashion-editor style. Top off your work outfit with an oversized denim jacket by draping it over your shoulders. Don’t put your arms into the armholes to get an effortless look.^{[8]
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- Try this look with a dark blue jacket and wear professional pieces with hints of blue that match the jacket. Add nude or beige heels to the outfit.
- Draping an oversized jacket over your shoulders is also a great way to get a little extra coverage if you are wearing a tight dress or mini skirt. Try draping a light wash jacket over a white or grey mini dress to channel an effortless French girl vibe.^{[9]
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4
Wear the jacket over a sleek body-con knee-length dress. If you want to show your curves but still have some coverage, put an oversized denim jacket over a fitted dress. You’ll still be able to see your shape, but the baggy jacket will keep it balanced.^{[10]
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- The color and pattern combinations for this outfit are endless. For a particularly classic look, layer a medium wash denim jacket over a blue and white striped body-con dress.
- A bright colored dress with a black jacket looks especially refined.
- This is also a great way to wear fitted dresses while pregnant. The jacket will minimize the look of your bump without leaving your outfit totally shapeless.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Keeping it Casual

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Layer the jacket over a hoodie and leggings for a casual weekend style. Your favorite leggings and hoodie can be transformed into a sharp casual outfit. Simply layer an oversized denim jacket on top.^{[12]
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- Pairing grey, black, and white pieces work well for this outfit. Try black leggings with a grey hoodie and a black denim jacket for a refined yet casual outfit.^{[13]
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- To keep the look classic and clean, don’t use graphic hoodies.
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Give your white jeans a makeover by pairing them with a blue jacket. Make an all-white outfit shine by layering a denim jacket over it. Use dark and medium wash denim to help the white stand out.^{[14]
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- You can also wear your white jeans in the fall by wearing an oversized, vintage denim jacket on top.^{[15]
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3
Layer an oversized denim jacket over your chunky knit summer dresses. Dresses that are fitted or are drapey with a cinched waist look great under a denim jacket. Rock the look on warm summer evenings or to bring your summer dresses into fall.^{[16]
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- Wear a colorful summer dress with a vintage blue denim jacket for a casual summer evening.
- Try this look with sandals in the summer and black booties as the weather starts to turn colder.
4
Create a balanced look by wearing a crop top under your jacket. If you want to wear a crop top but want to be a little more covered up, throw on an oversized denim jacket. It will still show off the chic crop without exposing too much.^{[17]
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- Wear a white crop with black pants and a light wash oversized denim jacket for simple yet fashionable look.
5
Pair a denim jacket with denim jeans. Don’t be afraid to wear a denim jacket with denim jeans. You can use similar colors, but make sure they have different levels of wear. An old, faded pair of jeans looks great with a new, dark wash denim jacket. Otherwise, try mixing colors, like vintage denim with black. Keep the rest of your clothes and accessories very simple.^{[18]
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- You can also layer an oversized denim jacket over a fitted denim shirt for an extra casual look.
- Try pairing a denim jacket and jeans with a simple striped shirt and sneakers for a great casual weekend look.^{[19]
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Top off your date night look with a denim jacket to make it more casual. If you have a date at a local bar or casual restaurant, dress down your date night look by throwing an oversized denim jacket on top.^{[20]
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- Pair with booties or heels to complete the look. The denim jacket will also make fancy shoes look less fussy.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Styling a Baggy Denim Jacket for Men

1
Pair the jacket with a checkered shirt for a lumberjack look. For a traditional yet modern look, pair a dark denim jacket over a checkered shirt. Finish off the look with a pair of relaxed fit jeans.^{[21]
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- A red checkered shirt and a pair of distressed, vintage jeans are the perfect match for a dark denim jacket.
- Be sure that your jeans and jacket are either different colors or have different levels of wear.
2
Layer the jacket over a hooded sweatshirt. Put a simple, solid-colored hoodie under your baggy denim jacket. Be sure to pair with a tighter fitting pant so the whole look isn’t too baggy.^{[22]
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- Pairing grey, black, and white pieces works well for this outfit.
- This look works equally well with sneakers or boots.
3
Wear the jacket with a T-shirt for an everyday look. The simplest and most casual look for men is to wear a plain T-shirt under a baggy denim jacket. Pick neutral colors like white or grey, or add a pop of color with a red shirt.^{[23]
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- Try wearing a grey shirt and dark wash jeans with a vintage or light wash denim jacket.
- Wear slimmer fitting pants with this look to keep the outfit balanced.
4
Experiment with wearing your denim jacket with denim jeans. Men can pair denim with denim as well. It looks best if you wear different colors and washes. Try a light wash jacket with black jeans.^{[24]
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- Pair a black denim jacket with black jeans and a white T-shirt for a rockabilly look.^{[25]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do I choose a denim jacket?

Stephanie Fajardo
Professional Stylist
Stephanie Fajardo is a Personal Stylist based in Portland, Oregon. Stephanie has over 17 years of styling experience in personal consulting, television, photography, and film shoots. Her work has been featured in Esquire Magazine and Portland Fashion Week.

Stephanie Fajardo

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Any kind of denim jacket is in style right now, so choose the one that makes you look and feel the best.