How to Pick Your Next Favourite Denim Jacket

How good is a denim jacket! It is the work horse in the wardrobe that keeps you warm during any trip, elevates a casual outfit and dresses down a smart outfit just right.

I have had a selection of denim jackets over the years who have been with me for a long time. A true testament that they were the right fit for me at that time.

Inspired by last week’s personal shopping session with my lovely client Linda where we looked for her new denim jacket, I set out this week to try every single denim jacket I could find at Westfield. From Aje to Kmart.

I documented the fits, lengths and colours. And I may have fallen in love with a few along the way, just by the sheer comfort I felt when I put them on.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A DENIM JACKET

When picking your next denim jacket here are some of the elements to look out for.

• How tailored is the darting? A Pear body shape will love the extra cinching, but the Rectangle and Inverted Triangle love a bit of extra room without looking too boxy.

• What is the length? This is where upper/lower body proportions and your height come into play. For example, I tried a very short Marcs jacket and matched on my extra-long upper body, it did not work. But for many petite clients, this is perfect. So, pick in tune with your proportions.

• What is the colour? Every colour season is suited to a certain light and dark tone. Will the jacket lift you or wash you out? And what colour do you love the most?

• What do you need to pair it with? If your favourite colour does not match everything in your cupboard, ok…. almost everything, what is the point?

• Price point? I have curated a Pinterest board from Luxe to Less with choices from Myer, Kmart to Zimmerman, Aje and Net-a-Porter. Click here.

 

 

BODY SHAPE TIPS

As I was looking at the styles in store, I made a few side notes for each body shape:

PEAR: Darts are in so go for it! Cinch away. If you love pairing your jacket with an a-line skirt perhaps opt for a shorter cut to bring attention to your slim waist. If you love wearing pants then a fit that finishes on the waist band is perfect. Watch the shoulder fit is not too wide.

RECTANGLE: You will look great in boxy styles as well as a bit more tailored. Watch the tightness around the arms and look for a little extra room in the shoulders.

INVERTED TRIANGLE: A shacket (shirt and jacket combined) is quite a good option for you especially is a softer material. Don’t worry about trying to do the buttons up, you look better with a looser fit layered with a V-neck top underneath for a vertical colour block.

HOURGLASS: Cinch away again and make sure upper body has enough room. Again, jacket looks better not done up with a nice lower V-neck or round neck tight layer underneath to accentuate your slim waist. Depending on if you love skirts, a shorter waist fit can look great.

OVAL: Longer lines in the upper body that fall well below the hip line are helpful. So, a trench or shacket in a softer supple jean material can work quite well. Layer it up underneath to create a slimming vertical colour block.

 

Would love to hear and see your denim jacket success stories.