25 Ways to Style a Denim Jacket, Inspired by the Stars

By Alexandra DeRosa
Updated Apr 10, 2015 @ 3:15 pm
AKM-GSI

As we transition into spring, it can be a bit tricky figuring out which pieces to put away for next year. Those in-between seasons months, like April and May, bring about so many style questions (like when do you stop wearing tights?), but if there's one piece that works any time of year, it's the denim jacket.

This staple is as reliable and versatile as you can get. It's completely seasonless. It works in the winter under your favorite coat; in the fall as an extra layer; in the summer as a must-have for those chilly beach nights; and in the spring ... for just about anything. This time around, the options are endless, as nearly everyone is trying out the denim trend. Sure, there are the usual suspects, like Levi's and J Brand, but others, like Parisian brand Sandro and fast-fashion retailer Zara, are also joining the party. In turn, there's a flood of denim jackets fit for every taste. Keep scrolling to shop traditional toppers in every wash and more playful pieces, like fringed, cropped, and quilted styles.

RELATED: How to Wear One of Spring's Trickiest Trends: Unexpected Cutouts

Shop it (from top): Mango, $60; mango.com. H&M, $40; hm.com. Citizens of Humanity, $308; otteny.com. J.Crew, $150; jcrew.com. Topshop, $90; topshop.com. Zara, $60; zara.com. Levi's, $126; houseoffraser.com. Whistles, $180; whistles.com. J Brand, $366; mytheresa.com.

RELATED: Sophisticated Backpacks for Every Occasion

Non-Traditional Denim Toppers Take a walk on the wild side with these far-from-basic denim styles.

Shop it (from top): French Connection, $188; frenchconnection.com. Kenzo, $608; farfetch.com. Rebecca Taylor, $325; rebeccataylor.com. Sandro, $340; sandro-paris.com.

Runway inspiration at top: Burberry Prorsum spring/summer 2015

PHOTOS: 23 Ways to Style a Denim Jacket, Inspired by the Stars

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1 of 25

Kate Hudson

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Hudson's chic laidback uniform consists of a casual gray drawstring jumpsuit and a classic true-blue jean jacket.

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2 of 25

Selena Gomez

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The "Hands to Myself" singer channeled a '70s look, styling her long hair and heavy bangs into a sleek 'do. Gomez flaunted her toned abs in a tiny gray crop top, which she paired with fitted black trousers, black loafers, and a glittery statement necklace. She finished off her retro-inspired ensemble with a denim jacket that she wore off her shoulders.

3 of 25

Kylie Jenner

kyliejenner/Instagram

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star shows off her toned physique in a thin-strap bodycon dress and beige Yeezy Season 2 ankle boots, which she styled with a jean jacket and a few delicate bracelets.

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4 of 25

Sarah Jessica Parker

Rex USA

Steal Parker's style and add a cool-girl edge to your look: Button up the jacket over a half-tucked print blouse and pair it with black distressed cuffed skinnies.

5 of 25

Reese Witherspoon

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Witherspoon made a stylish statement while out shopping, topping off her white tee and black jeans with a Current/Elliott denim jacket and turquoise accents.

6 of 25

Dianna Agron

Splash News

The actress lightened up for warmer weather, opting for summer white (as opposed to classic blue) over her two-toned Sea print dress.

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7 of 25

Mandy Moore

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Moore gave her ladylike Tanya Taylor separates-a white floral crop top and caramel leather pencil skirt-a casual spin by draping a denim jacket over her shoulders.

8 of 25

Alessandra Ambrosio

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Who knew a romper and a denim jacket paired so well together? Ambrosio completed her look with cool navy shades and flat espadrilles.

9 of 25

Selena Geomz

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Gomez stepped out in a printed black-and-white Ella Moss jumpsuit, nonchalantly slinging her ombre denim jacket over one shoulder.

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10 of 25

Miranda Kerr

Splash News

Kerr took son Flynn to lunch, elevating a denim jacket with a striped top, a pleated black midi skirt, a Chanel carryall, and red kitten heels.

11 of 25

Julie Bowen

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The Modern Family star proves that a denim topper is fancy enough for the red carpet, pairing hers with a Catherine Deane Olencia dress and open-toe booties.

12 of 25

Miranda Kerr

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The model never skips a stylish beat, even while off duty, adding interest to a striped maxi with a denim jacket and a printed silk scarf.

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13 of 25

Hilary Duff

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Duff sizzled in red-hot coated J Brand skinnies, revving her look even further with a too-cool moto-style RtA jacket with exposed zippers and black trimming.

14 of 25

Katie Holmes

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Holmes found a way to break up double denim-with a gingham print top.

15 of 25

Amy Adams

©2013 RAMEY PHOTO

Fake an effortlessly casual-cool vibe, similar to Adams, by adding a cognac woven belt to your look and half-tucking a worn-in tee under a denim jacket (with the sleeves slightly rolled up).

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16 of 25

Jaime King

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Got a denim vest? Create the illusion of a jacket by slipping it on over a denim shirt dress, like King. Elevate your look with patent black brogues.

17 of 25

Gwen Stefani

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While pregnant with her third child, Stefani aced maternity style by topping her LBD with dark denim.

18 of 25

Nikki Reed

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A denim jacket serves as the quintessential season-to-season transition piece. Case in point: Reed dressed for both cold and warm weather, pairing her topper with shorts and ankle boots.

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19 of 25

Heidi Klum

SANTIAGO BAEZ/©2013 RAMEY PHOTO

If you're headed to a tropical destination, consider a short-sleeve denim jacket, like Klum's, with a boho-chic maxi.

20 of 25

Reese Witherspoon

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The best way to update a black-and-white print dress? Pops of color. Witherspoon topped off her Sea tank dress with denim blues, a brilliant yellow Elizabeth and James bag and cherry red ankle-strap sandals.

21 of 25

Alessandra Ambrosio

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If you love a tough look, take a cue from Ambrosio who accented her printed ombre maxi with a leather-sleeved denim jacket.

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22 of 25

Doutzen Kroes

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Street style perfection! The Victoria's Secret model grounded a pair of crisp white trousers with a denim vest and slip-on sneaks.

23 of 25

Busy Philipps

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For lazy days, steal Philipps' style and team your denim jacket with a printed dress. No thinking required!

24 of 25

Cameron Diaz

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Ever the globe-trotter, Diaz integrated the classic piece into her jet-setting style, pairing it with faded red skinnies, a white tee and slouchy boots.

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25 of 25

Anne Hathaway

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Going monochromatic has never looked so easy. Color coordinate your jacket with a printed dress, like Hathaway, but diversify your look with a neutral gauzy scarf.

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By Alexandra DeRosa