A denim jacket and jeans might make you think of country singers and trips to Nashville, but this classic look is making a comeback for 2022.
We all know the power of a matching moment but is it time to give denim jackets and jeans another chance?
With the co-ord trend showing no sign of slowing down, this aesthetic is once again popping up on our Instagram feeds.
We’re deep-diving into the trend to find out everything you need to know, including what to avoid when styling a denim jacket with jeans. Fans of denim rejoice. You can get a double dose of denim in one look.
Jessica Biel, Maya Jama, Alesha Dixon, and Katie Holmes show how to wear a denim jacket with denim jeans (Credit: Rocky / WENN)
Should you rush out and buy a denim jacket? How can you style your signature jeans with an on-trend denim jacket? Find out by reading our in-depth guide below!
Is It Okay to Wear Jeans With a Denim Jacket?
Short answer – yes – if you know how to style it! Denim jeans are versatile and can help transition your outfit from day to night.
They’ve made a comeback as a trend of their own during 2022. You’ll see people styling them with everything from maxi dresses to jumpsuits for spring and summer.
You can wear jeans with a denim jacket provided that they’re in contrasting shades of denim (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Given that they’re such a staple, you would think it would be easy to style a denim jacket with jeans. Except, it isn’t always.
The trick to wearing these two closet staples is all in how you style them together. You want to focus on using contrasting shades of denim or having at least two shades that are visibly different from each other.
Known as “denim on denim,” this trend is synonymous with the late ‘90s and early 2000s. While it’s a tricky trend to master, it’s one that everyone should try at least once. The trend is also known as the “Canadian tuxedo” when you style two matching pieces of denim together.
5 Ways to Style Denim Jackets with Jeans
Mastering the art of the denim-on-denim trend isn’t easy. We’re breaking down some of our top tips on how to wear a denim jacket with jeans without causing a fashion faux pas.
1. Create contrast with color
If you’re wearing a denim jacket with jeans, it’s all about creating contrast. You generally want to avoid wearing these two pieces together if they’re in the exact same shade of denim. It can make your outfit appear flat and give the illusion of a jumpsuit.
Levi’s The Original Trucker denim jacket, $147 at Farfetch; Pistola Denim Dana High Rise Boot Cut Jeans, $138 at Shopbop
If you decide to wear similar shades, look for ways to break up your look with a pop of color. A statement blouse or a graphic t-shirt can help balance out your denim with neutral accessories.
Playing with color will keep your outfit looking fresh and break up the harshness of wearing two same denim shades.
2. Choose denim that suits your body shape
There’s a shade of denim for every color under the rainbow. If you’re styling a denim jacket with jeans, choose shades that compliment your body shape.
Dark denim is an ideal choice for those who want to give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette, especially when styling with a denim jacket.
Fidelity Denim Gwen High Waist Crop Skinny Jeans, $224 at Nordstrom; Good American Good Oversized Trucker Jacket, $175 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Comparatively, lighter denim shades are great for drawing attention to your features – whether it’s with a cropped denim jacket or low-rise jeans.
Don’t forget to consider your natural silhouette when choosing which denim to mix and match.
Levi’s Premium Wedgie Straight Jeans, $89.50 at Zappos; Remain Mariona Cropped Denim Jacket, $190 at Farfetch
3. Choose denim with detailing
If you’re wearing denim-on-denim, you want to look for pieces that incorporate intricate detailing.
Whether it’s embroidery or distressed detailing, this type of denim will give you a touch of contrast without taking too much away from your matching look.
Johnny Was Umoya Oversized Denim Jacket, $320 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Silver Jeans Co. Avery High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, $79 at Zappos; Slink Jeans Tie-Dye Denim Jacket, $98 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Saint Laurent Colombus Low Rise Non-stretch Denim Jeans, $790 at Nordstrom
4. Elevate your look
Denim-on-denim doesn’t have to be casual. In fact, this trend usually looks best when it’s elevated with stylish accessories.
Distressed jeans and a denim jacket are the perfect outfits for heading out with friends. Style your denim-on-denim look with open-toe sandals and layered jewelry.
Acne Studios Morris Oversized Cropped Denim Jacket, $430 at Matches Fashion; Pistola Denim Stevie High Rise Flare Jeans, $168 at Shopbop; Bony Levy 14K Gold Hoop Earrings, $195 at Nordstrom; Senso Raegan Lace-up Sandals, $176 at Farfetch
How Not to Wear a Denim Jacket and Jeans: 3 Style Tips
By now, you probably think it’s easier than you expected to wear a denim jacket with jeans.
While this might be true, there are still a few mistakes you want to avoid. We’re breaking down the most common styling mistakes people make when wearing denim jackets and jeans.
1. Forget about denim accessories
Two pieces of matching denim is enough. Trust us. Put down the denim handbag. While they may be chic with a little black dress, they can be overkill when styled with too much denim.
If you’re wearing a denim jacket with jeans, keep your accessories neutral to let the denim shine through.
Kut from Kloth Jacqueline Denim Jacket, $79 at Nordstrom; Pistola Denim Charlie High Rise Jeans, $138 at Shopbop; Carvela Bailey Quilted Shoulder Bag, $92 at Farfetch; Sam Edelman Open-toe Sandals, $126 at Farfetch
2. Avoid wearing the exact same shade
While you may think a matching moment is cute, it’s hard to pull off the look of matching head-to-toe denim.
Instead, choose jeans at least two shades darker or lighter than your denim jacket. If you want to break up your outfit more, choose two contrasting shades of denim.
Hudson Jeans Brea Denim Swing Trucker Jacket, $245 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Dsquared2 Cropped Denim Jeans, $715 at Farfetch
A classic blue wash denim jacket is the perfect match for black denim jeans. Choosing these two shades helps you make your legs appear slimmer while giving your denim jacket its moment of glory.
3. Stay away from Wild West inspiration
One thing that puts people off the denim-on-denim trend is its similarity to outfits made famous in the Wild West and cowboy movies.
You can avoid this fashion faux pas by skipping out on high boots and wide belts. These accessories will inevitably make your denim-on-denim outfit look like something from a John Wayne movie.
Hudson Jeans Gia Cropped Denim Jacket, $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue; Raey Angel Organic-Cotton Bootcut Jeans, $155 at Matches Fashion; Schutz Open-toe Heeled Sandals, $139 at Farfetch
Wearing a denim jacket with jeans isn’t as difficult as it might seem. It’s all about breaking up your denim and choosing complementary but contrasting shades. We hope this styling guide inspires you to wear your signature jeans with a denim jacket this season.
Trust us. The denim-on-denim trend is one everyone has to try at least once!
What do you think of wearing a denim jacket with jeans? Is it a trend you’ll try this season?