Plus, what to wear them with
Stylist-Approved Denim Jackets and Accessories
- Option No. 1, Boxy ’90s Style: Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket, $54 (orig. $90)
- Chunky Statement Hoops: Senteria Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, $12 (orig. $17)
- Moves With You: Anrabess Tiered Maxi Dress, $32 (orig. $36)
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Option No. 2, Colored Denim: Allegra K Collarless Cropped Brown Denim Jacket, $46
- Celeb-Worn White Jeans Trend: Sidefeel High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans, $35 (orig. $40)
- Pretty Bowtie Detail: Lepunuo High-Waisted Palazzo Pants, from $24 with Prime (orig. $27)
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Option No. 3, Sophisticated Structure: Allegra K Stand-Collar Denim Jacket, $47
- Brushed Gold Hardware: Vonmelli Faux-Leather Belts, 3-Pack, $22 with Prime (orig. $27)
- Best-Seller: Sherlove Gold-Plated Knot Earrings, $10 (orig. $13)
If you’re building your wardrobe with styles that withstand the test of time, a fashion expert just told me what your next investment should be.
Denim jackets are the “rare pieces that do it all,” according to stylist Lisa Emelo, who explains they’re also “one of the essential third pieces every closet needs.” Effortless yet intentional, Emelo says they “instantly pull a look together (without trying too hard).” Even better? She says they’re the “true definition of timeless,” as they work for “just about any situation” with the right accessories.
Below, discover Emelo’s best denim jacket styling tips along with three elegant options worth adding to your summer outfit rotation.
Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket

$90 $54 at Amazon
Related: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Is Almost Here — Everything to Know, Plus Early Deals from $12
“Many of my clients are going for relaxed, slightly oversized trucker styles as a nod to ’90s fashion,” says Emelo. She pointed us to this iconic Levi’s jacket, whose boxy cut offers plenty of room to wear it over tank tops and breezy blouses. It also has four functional pockets, signature brushed-silver buttons, and a little stretch so you can comfortably move with it.
Emelo suggests wearing it with a pretty dress to “add a little edge” or pairing it with tailored trousers and a basic T-shirt for an “elevated everyday look.”
Wear It With These
Anrabess Tiered Maxi Dress![]()
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Senteria Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings![]()
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Stylist Tip
“In my opinion, it’s worth investing in a few different silhouettes for different styling needs. And sometimes, just draping a denim jacket over your shoulders is the easiest way to look instantly polished.” — Lisa Emelo
Allegra K Cropped Denim Jacket

$46 at Amazon
Emelo shared three denim jacket trends that she’s noticed in emerging summer collections: cropped silhouettes, collarless styles, and “unexpected rich tones like brown and olive.” To our delight, this jacket has them all — plus cute puff sleeves, a rounded hemline, and mini pockets for a pop of personality.
Another reason to grab this cropped jacket? Emelo says it’s an ideal length to pair with high-waisted trousers. We’re thinking of styling it either with high-rise white jeans à la Martha Stewart and Anne Hathaway or with palazzo pants and a tucked-in shirt to create a leg-lengthening effect.
Wear It With These
Sidefeel High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans![]()
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Lepunuo High-Waisted Palazzo Pants, $24 with Prime![]()
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Stylist Tip
“I’m loving colored denim this season, such as pinks, butter yellow, and sages. I also gravitate toward lighter, fresher tones such as soft vintage values, crisp white, and ecru.” — Lisa Emelo
Allegra K Stand-Collar Denim Jacket

$47 at Amazon
Related: Jennifer Lopez Swapped Jorts for a Comfy (but Sleek!) Denim Alternative That Works for Brunch, Travel, and Beyond
“A structured style can create shape and give an outfit a more polished feel,” says Emelo. She is particularly fond of lightweight denim jackets with “tailored clean lines” that “lend intentionality.” Using her tips, we found this style that tapers at the waist and has strategically-placed seams, bold buttons, and a crisp stand-up collar.
Emelo says it’s easy to dress it up, too: “Add a belt and some jewelry, and it suddenly looks sophisticated.” The jacket comes in several washes, making it a great option for creating a denim-on-denim look, provided it’s worn with jeans in a contrasting wash to achieve a “very current feel.”
Wear It With These
Vonmelli Faux-Leather Belts, 3-Pack, $22 with Prime![]()
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Sherlove Gold-Plated Knot Earrings![]()
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Stylist Tip
“If you want to have a little more fun with denim jackets this season, try embellished and embroidered denim jackets for standout layering pieces for summer!” — Lisa Emelo
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