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How To Wear a Denim Jacket in Summer and Look Effortlessly Chic

Apple Body Shape· Fashion

18 May

A great denim jacket should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Here’s how to wear a denim jacket in summer for an easy, polished look.


My denim jacket is the workhorse of my wardrobe.

Because I live in Southern California, I wear it year-round and I wear it a lot.

But my favorite time of the year to wear it is during the summer. It’s a perfect layer for cold, air-conditioned buildings, for cool summer nights in the backyard, and for bonfires at the beach.

But if you’re not sure how to wear a denim jacket in summer, you’re in the right spot! Here are seven ways I love wearing mine when the weather warms up.

**This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Read my affiliate disclosure for more info.**

How To Wear a Denim Jacket in Summer

A classic blue denim jacket will last you for years and goes with pretty much everything. The only thing I don’t wear it with is blue denim jeans because I don’t like the denim on denim look.

I prefer a lighter blue denim during the summer because it pairs well with the light, airy colors of the season.

Try rolling up the sleeves and showing off a fun watch or bracelets.

Shop Denim Jackets
Gap Icon Denim Jacket

Gap Icon Denim Jacket

Madewell The Jean Jacket

Madewell The Jean Jacket

Madewell The Jean Jacket

Madewell The Jean Jacket

J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket

J.Crew Classic Denim Jacket

1. Over a Summer Dress

Wearing a denim jacket over a sundress is the most common way I style a denim jacket in summer. It covers my shoulders in church, hides my arms when I’m self-conscious, and blocks the breeze on a cool day.

Jean jacket over summer dress
Shop Summer Dresses
Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

Anthropologie The Somerset Maxi Dress

The Somerset Maxi Dress: Linen Edition

The Somerset Maxi Dress: Linen Edition

Madewell Striped Tiered Maxi Dress

Madewell Striped Tiered Maxi Dress

Loft Clip Stripe Smocked Ruffle Midi Dress

Loft Clip Stripe Smocked Ruffle Midi Dress

Faherty Isha Dress

Faherty Isha Dress

Faherty Gemina Dress

Faherty Gemina Dress

2. Over a T-Shirt Dress

A denim jacket dresses up a casual t-shirt dress and gives it a little something special. Short, midi, or maxi t-shirt dresses all work! Pair your dress and jacket with some sneakers or flat sandals for a comfy yet put-together look.

Jean jacket with t-shirt dress
Shop T-Shirt Dresses
Madewell Organic Cotton Crewneck Tank Midi Dress

Madewell Organic Cotton Crewneck Tank Midi Dress

Madewell Brightside Ruffle Tank Mini Dress

Madewell Brightside Ruffle Tank Mini Dress

Old Navy Vintage Slub-Knit T-Shirt Shift Dress

Old Navy Vintage Slub-Knit T-Shirt Shift Dress

Banana Republic Factory Mini T-Shirt Dress

Banana Republic Factory Mini T-Shirt Dress

3. With Joggers

Denim jackets help elevate a casual pair of joggers for running errands, going to the park with your kids, or traveling. It’s a nice layer to have in a cold airport or on a chilly airplane, and can be worn with many outfits during your vacation!

Shop Joggers
Athleta Cabo Linen Jogger

Athleta Cabo Linen Jogger

Athleta Farallon Jogger

Athleta Farallon Jogger

Athleta Brooklyn Jogger

Athleta Brooklyn Jogger

Vuori Performance Jogger

Vuori Performance Jogger

4. With Shorts

A denim jacket looks amazing over shorts, including white denim, linen, and patterned shorts. Your shorts should be mid-length with a medium-width leg opening (not too tight, not too wide) to keep the silhouette balanced.

Jean jacket with shorts
Shop Shorts
Express Super High-Waisted Linen-Blend Pull On Paperbag Shorts

Express Super High-Waisted Linen-Blend Pull On Paperbag Shorts

LOFT Riviera Short

LOFT Riviera Short

LOFT Admiral Riviera Short

LOFT Admiral Riviera Short

J.Crew High-Rise Denim Short

J.Crew High-Rise Denim Short

Hudson Devon High-Rise Biker Short

Hudson Devon High-Rise Biker Short

5. With a Midi or Maxi Skirt

Midi and maxi skirts are typically less formal than a dress, but not as casual as shorts. They’re the perfect in between! They’re also super versatile because you can wear them with many styles of shoes, including sneakers, flat sandals, and heels.

Shop Midi and Maxi Skirts
Target Universal Thread High-Rise Tiered Midi A-Line Skirt

Target Universal Thread High-Rise Tiered Midi A-Line Skirt

Marine Layer Corinne Maxi Skirt in Navy

Marine Layer Corinne Maxi Skirt in Navy

Old Navy High-Waisted Tiered Seersucker Maxi Skirt for Women

Old Navy High-Waisted Tiered Seersucker Maxi Skirt for Women

Old Navy High-Waisted Tiered Seersucker Maxi Skirt for Women – Blue

Old Navy High-Waisted Tiered Seersucker Maxi Skirt for Women – Blue

Madewell Striped Pull-On Ruffle Tiered Maxi Skirt

Madewell Striped Pull-On Ruffle Tiered Maxi Skirt

6. Over an All-White Outfit

Does anything say summer more than an all-white outfit? Throw on some white sneakers, gold jewelry, and a neutral tan handbag, and you have yourself a simple, yet elegant ensemble for those backyard barbeques.

denim jacket in summer over all-white outfit
Shop White OutFits
Old Navy High-Waisted Tiered Seersucker Maxi Skirt for Women

Old Navy High-Waisted Tiered Seersucker Maxi Skirt for Women

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

Everlane Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee

J.Crew High-Rise Denim Short

J.Crew High-Rise Denim Short

Athleta Cabo Linen Jogger

Athleta Cabo Linen Jogger

Athleta Farallon Jogger

Athleta Farallon Jogger

Hudson Devon High-Rise Biker Short

Hudson Devon High-Rise Biker Short

Gap Modern V-Neck T-Shirt

Gap Modern V-Neck T-Shirt

7. With Cropped Pants

Don’t feel like wearing shorts? Is a dress too dressed-up for where you’re going? Didn’t shave your legs? Reach for a pair of cropped pants to go with your denim jacket! I love wide-leg cropped pants with a slim-fitting top and flat sandals.

Denim jacket with cropped pants
Shop Cropped Pants
Athleta Avenue Wide-Leg Crop Pant

Athleta Avenue Wide-Leg Crop Pant

Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Culotte

Lululemon Softstreme High-Rise Culotte

Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean

Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean

Final Thoughts on How To Wear a Denim Jacket in Summer

We always spend part of our summer in Columbus and Buffalo, where the days are warm and the nights are cool.

And my denim jacket always makes the trip.

RELATED ARTICLES:

  • The Best Dresses for Apple Body Shape Women to Wear
  • The Absolute Best Jeans for Apple Body Shape Figures
  • The Best Hairstyles for Broad Shoulders

This post is about how to wear a denim jacket in summer.

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Welcome to my honest, unfiltered adventures dressing my apple body shape, navigating the world of clean living, and trying to be more eco-friendly. I share my experiences to help women everywhere live thriving, healthy lives.

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