The Denim Jacket Lookbook

Article By: Alex Woodhall

Category: Men's Fashion Guides

Introduction

In our earlier look at the denim jacket, we put the ‘essential’ tag to the test and broke down how this all-year staple can fit seamlessly into your spring/summer wardrobe; no matter what form your personal style takes.
The denim jacket, for all it’s rugged versatility, really comes into it’s own and exhibits its full worth when the weather starts to worsen. With the soon-to-be dropping temperatures, this menswear staple can easily work overtime as either a bottom layering option or as your top player in outerwear.

Men’s Denim Jackets

In today’s follow-up to last week’s edit, we’re going to be looking ahead to the not-too-distant future to see how the denim jacket can play as big a role in your cold weather wardrobe as it does in your warm weather one.
To do as we did in part one, we’ve groomed the racks to find the hottest denim picks to accompany our seasonal advisory.

• Allsaints Bloomsbury Denim Jacket
• Asos Denim Jacket With Contrast Collar
• Nudie Perry Black Denim Jacket
• Vintage Renewal Acid Wash Denim Jacket
• American Apparel Denim Jacket
• Topman Light Wash Denim Western
• Paul Smith Western Denim Paul Smith Jeans Jacket
• Levis Vintage Clothing 1967 Type 111 Trucker Dry-denim Jacket
• Jean Shop Washed Selvedge Denim Jacket
• Paul Smith Jeans Denim Jacket
• Topman Grey Denim Western Jacket
• Topman Burgundy Denim Western Jacket

The Denim Jacket: Autumn/Winter

As a layering option, the denim jacket is a great way to add texture to your look – a vital ingredient of successful, stylish layering.
The rugged masculinity of denim is the perfect foil for a hefty, insulating parka, or a great contrast to the structured nature of a blazer. The denim jacket is also weighty enough to work as a top layer and when, worn in combination with some intelligent layering underneath, creates the perfect off-duty outfit that appears almost effortless.

Denim Jacket Lookbook: AW

Pair With: A Sweatshirt

The simplest way to wear a denim jacket and fight off the cold in style is as a piece of outerwear; it is a jacket after all. Underneath your top layer, try making use of a rising classic, the sweatshirt. Depending on how low the temperature is, you may want to pop a t-shirt or even a shirt underneath the jumper for the added layering and panache that follows.
This pairing is easily anchored (like most things) by a pair of chinos, or if you fancy something a little different, a pair of cords. A coloured version is definitely an option worth considering if you want to add more of a statement to your look. For the more reserved, a neutral pair are timeless and will never let you down.
Almost every style of footwear will work this look – excluding true formal shoes. I’d personally go for a pair of desert boots, in suede if it’s dry. If the heavens are decidedly open, a pair of leather trainers or boots would be the more sensible option.

• Topman Mid Wash Lined Denim Western Jacket
• Esprit Sweatshirt
• Reiss Jester Casual Check Shirt
• Shore Leave Tan Chino
• Lanvin Suede Desert Sneakers
• Hudson Brown Dip Dyed Leather Smyth Boots

Pair With: A Polo Neck

For a slightly more sophisticated, smart-casual take on the denim jacket, try mixing it with another comeback piece that is set to trend again this autumn/winter – the polo neck.
A darker, more raw denim jacket will work best here; like indigo jeans, it presents a slightly more dressed up approach.
A pair of woollen trousers is the perfect option to keep this look on the smarter side. Equally, you could stick with some neutral coloured chinos. Once again, stick to a darker hue.
Brogues or even monk straps would keep it dressed up, while loafers (temperature permitting) or desert boots would help do the opposite.

• Nudie Organic Denim Jacket
• Canali Rollneck Cashmere Sweater
• Allsaints Charge Chino

Pair With: Other Outerwear

As we progress through the winter season and the snow/rain begins to fall, seize the opportunity to get creative with your denim jacket. This essential piece of outerwear is fantastic for keeping you warm and adding an extra dimension to your look when used as a layering piece.
Button up your jacket while layering it underneath a longer coat; a parka would be a viable option if the temperature were exceedingly low. A pair of heavyweight trousers would complete your look, alongside a pair of sturdy boots and knitted accessories.

• Firetrap Compass Parka
• Allsaints Bloomsbury Denim Jacket
• Burton Grey Herringbone Patch Polo
• Reiss Wickham Pressed Chinos
• Common Projects Mens Work Boot
• Burberry Touch Screen Cashmere Gloves

Pair With: Lightweight Jackets

Make use of your denim jacket under a lightweight jacket to keep warm when the weather isn’t quite yet at freezing. The two outerwear layers together will create a similar effect as a wool coat (or similar winter coat) allowing you to use your spring/summer pieces out of season.
A field or safari jacket is a great piece to work into this look. The differing textures create a great-layered visual. A tucked in shirt, dark trousers and tan shoes and belt finish off this stylish casual look.
This outfit could also be adapted easily by switching the field jacket for a blazer and adding a tie for a business-casual aesthetic – perfect for offices with a less stringent dress code.

• Faconnable Cotton-twill Field Jacket
• R13 Trucker Slim-fit Denim Jacket
• Allsaints Bukowski Regular Fit Shirt
• Topman Peoples Market Trousers
• Folk Fraze Deep Tan Shoes
• Andersons Brown Washed Leather Belt

Conclusion

As our two-part guide on the denim jacket draws to a conclusion, we reflect on just how this versatile piece can fit into your wardrobe all year round – no questions asked – and how easily it can be styled whatever the weather.
What we want to know is…

• How creative do you get when it comes to layering?
• Do you regularly pair a denim jacket alongside a blazer or coat during the colder months?
• Or are you not a fan of this classic jacket?

Let us know in the comments below…