how to wear: the jean jacket
03. Feb, 2009 by Teresa Morisco 
3 Comments
Reader Question of the Week:
I heard that wearing a jean jacket with jeans is one of the worst faux pas. Can you please give me some suggestions as to what I can wear with a jean jacket?
Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:
Wearing a jean jacket with jeans is only okay if you are Will Farrell doing a Gap ad. The reason why it’s not considered a great look is because it looks old, tired and dated AND it’s too matchy-match for such casual attire. There is also a trend issue to deal with when it comes to the jean jacket that I want to address.
If you are over 40 and own a jean jacket that is more than ten years old, it is probably boxy and therefore too dated for you. You’ll want to make sure to find a cropped jean jacket that is contemporary with a nice fit. If you are young and never wore a jean jacket when it was the trend in the 80’s and early 90’s (because you were under 10!), then you can certainly go for the vintage jean jacket style — just make sure it has a good fit and roll up the sleeves to give it more of an edge. If you wore a trend before, it typically isn’t a good idea to wear the same version of that particular style in a later decade because it ages you — wear a more modern version of it and you’re good.
Here are some fun outfit ideas to try with the cropped version:
Outfit #1
- Cotton dress, JCrew
- Long bead necklace, JCrew
- Via Spiga t-strap sandals
, Zappos
Outfit #2
- Theory linen pant
or stretch cotton pant, ShopBop
- Embroidered yoke shirt, Old Navy (on backorder)
- Frye Molly flat
I love the post. Just wondering what I have to look for as a rectangle (does this jacket work?) and also what is the right lenght of a dress at 40? What does it mean, when the skirt hits the knee – do you still see the knee? I love that dress, but it seems pretty short to me. I am SAHM hitting 40 soon.
Great post! I just bought a denim jacket from Gap and was relieved to see that it fit the requirements you mentioned. I went one size down from my normal size so that it would fit close to the body instead of loose and bulky. Never wore denim jackets when they were in the 80s and 90s (though I was old enough)– but have found lately that they are very useful, especially in the summer. I really appreciate your style pointers aimed at women of different decades– and I love the dress and long necklace idea. Thanks, Teresa!
A cropped jacket can work for a rectangle as long as they are wearing a top underneath like the one on the right (or the dress) that glides over the tummy. If your legs are great, show them off — it doesn’t matter what age you are – the most flattering length is an inch above to right at the top of the knee. But, if it’s a mini, then it’s best reserved for the younger set.