A denim jacket is the ideal wardrobe investment. It goes with everything, has a timeless appeal, and doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. But we don't have to prove to you just how worthy of an investment it really is. Style stars like Emily Ratajkowski and Selena Gomez are showing us exactly how to wear the lightweight jacket, whether it's with a pretty Reformation dress à la EmRata or thrown over classic leggings, Selena Gomez–style.
Since we know it's a staple in your wardrobe, too, we rounded up nine jean jacket ensembles for outfit situations you're likely to encounter this season. Whether you're headed to brunch, date night, or anything in between—scroll through to see which jean jacket outfits made the cut. And since now is the best time to put the denim to use, we did some shopping for you and chose our favorite jackets to add to your spring wardrobe.
Where to Wear: Date Night
Dress up your jacket via statement-making accessories like shimmery earrings and pointed-toe pumps.
Where to Wear: Sunday Shopping
Whether you're hitting up your local flea market or doing some serious shopping, choose shoes you can walk around in all day like a pair of combat boots and utility trousers for a casual yet on-trend ensemble.
Where to Wear: Dinner and Drinks
You want to wear that flirty new dress you just bought but, let us guess, you plan to be out long after the sun goes down. Enter a sherpa-lined denim jacket. The extra-cozy layer will seriously keep you warm. And we have to admit, it just looks really cool.
Where to Wear: Exploring a New City
If you're the type to prefer exploring a new city on foot, a solid pair of sneakers is a must. With a sleek fanny pack and graphic sweater, this double-denim look is perfect for exploring.
Where to Wear: Cocktail Event
Take a cue from this winning street style look and wear an oversize denim jacket just off the shoulders. Over a flowing printed dress, the result is a quite forward outfit.
Where to Wear: Brunch With Friends
Let a fun shirt pop from underneath a light-wash or white denim jacket. Come the weekend, you'll want to reach for the lighter color palette.
Where to Wear: Casual Dinner
There's rarely an instance where double denim doesn't work, and this look has the final say. For a weekday dinner or casual date night, elevate the look a bit through an of-the-moment handbag and classic ankle boots.
Where to Wear: Casual Friday
Complement a jean jacket in a darker wash with warm colors like mustard and burgundy. Though the look is head-to-toe denim, the darker wash still looks polished, making it work for more casual office environments.
Where to Wear: On the Go
For running errands or traveling, colored jeans, a beanie, and simple sneakers do the trick.
Shop cool denim jackets:
We love the patchwork effect on this jacket.
Available in sizes S to L.
Wear with cowboy boots for a play on the season's Western-inspired trend.Available in sizes S to L.
Wear over an all-white look.Available in sizes XS to L.
Wear this light-wash jacket with a printed dress and white sneakers.Available in French sizes 32 to 42.
The gold buttons make this jacket more elevated than most.Available in sizes XS to L.
Colored denim makes a stylish statement.Available in sizes XS to XL.
Try this elongated jacket with utility-style trousers.Available in sizes XS to XL.
It doesn't get any more timeless than this true blue wash.Available in sizes XS to L.
Stay cozy.Available in sizes XS to XL.
A cropped jacket is perfect for warmer days.Available in sizes XS to L.
Punch up all your outfits with a raw edge denim jacket like this.Available in sizes XS to L.
This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.