There are certain classic pieces I pine after for years, and add to my wardrobe only after I have found exactly what I dreamed of, and at exactly the right price. I’ve spent years looking for the right jean jacket, and a few weeks ago, I came across the jean jacket of my dreams… at a thrift store… for $5.
At Old Navy, this jacket normally retails for $30.
While on my hunt, it seemed impossible to find a jean jacket that wasn’t faded, acid-washed, or otherwise destructed, and under $20. I don’t really go for the distressed look when buying new clothes – my clothes get plenty distressed all on their own.
I also wanted a classic dark wash jean jacket – not a jacket that looked like a shirt, not a belted jacket, not a cropped jacket. Definitely not a ruffled jacket. And, as beautiful as the collar-less styles are, it’s just not what I had in mind.
So you really can’t blame me for squealing right in the middle of the thrift store when I finally found my dream jean jacket! Yet the more time I spent with my jacket, the more I realized how many wrong ways there are to wear a jean jacket.
First, I wore my jean jacket with a maxi dress since it was still August, and still warm. So. Not. Flattering. Even if your jacket is closely fitted and you have the body of a Victoria’s Secret Angel, it’s a tough look to pull off.
Rule #1: If Miranda Kerr can’t pull it off, I can’t pull it off.
Next I tried to make it work over a pair of jeans… which only works in extremely rare situations. Like if your name is Penelope Cruz.
Rule #2: Proceed with caution when doubling up on the denim.
Remember this fiasco from the 2001 American Music Awards?
Yikes.
One look that always works with a jean jacket? A bold-colored shirt with tan / khaki pants. I was thinking about this post at choir rehearsal tonight, when my friend walked in wearing exactly this.
Funny, in this picture those pants almost look gray. Well, whaddaya know? We’re in luck!
Gray is one of this fall’s most popular colors… and now that I know it goes well with a jean jacket, I may need to splurge…
There are a lots of right and wrong ways to wear this fall staple. Jean jackets work well with khaki and gray. They also work with white, black, red, even floral prints. Which means I’m going to wear my jean jacket a lot this fall.
What’s your go-to fall staple?
About Jo-Lynne
Funny story: A few years ago I too was looking for a good jean jacket. I wasn’t willing to pay a lot of money for it, but I really wanted a nice one. I was in Goodwill one day and there it was-my dream jean jacket. It was also an Old Navy piece that I still wear all the time. To wear it in the summer sometimes I roll up the sleeves just a couples times and it looks cute, but also gives me a little extra coverage over a sundress or something like that. Glad you found a great jacket!
Hannah