Try this instead of a denim jacket

I love a denim jacket, the true Jane of All Trades for a closet. It works over a dress, with linen and wool, and can go to many workplaces, and can also be worn when working in the yard or on the car. It can be outerwear, and it can be part of your indoor outfit. Denim jacket trends change over the years but they never fully go out of style. That being said, us grown-ass women have been wearing them for decades and may be looking for an alternative.

Alternatives to the Denim Jacket for Grown Women

What makes a denim jacket so great? Versatility. Blue denim is a universal neutral, working with most every color in one's closet. The timeless Americana chic vibe of a denim jacket can be punk, prep, trendy, classic, goth, pop, vintage, modern, and everything in between. It is hard to find something as versatile as a denim jacket.

But as a grown woman, you know yourself. You know your vibe. You love a feminine touch, or you prefer a more gender neutral aesthetic. Slouchy and oversized is your M.O., or you feel your best in tailored pieces. Your closet is like a rainbow, or more like the palette of the desert, the beach, or the forest. And my suggestions for denim jacket alternatives will likely have you scrolling fast over some and pausing to learn more about others. This is good; knowing yourself is the key to developing personal style!

Instead of a denim jacket, try a lady jacket

The lady jacket is another piece that goes in and out of style, but never fully becomes passé. And the lady jacket trend has been here for a few years now and isn't going anywhere. I think a lady jacket is a safe bet when seeking an alternative to denim jackets.

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While most of the jackets above are denim, do not feel you need to stick to that textile or color. The lady jacket is a great choice for those wanting a piece appropriate for the workplace, for those who love to play with fashion genres, those who love vintage, and those who embrace a more classic aesthetic.

Keep it denim, but play with the silhouette

What makes a denim jacket so versatile is the denim. Like jeans, denim jackets are a neutral that dresses up and down and works with so many colors and aesthetics. Keep the blue denim, but play with the silhouette to find something that better fits your personal style.

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Throughout the year and into next year, you will see a lot of atypical garments in denim. Elegant dresses, suiting, blouses, and yes, jackets in various washes, playing with proportion and architecture. This is a great time to buy such items if it's already your aesthetic, as I don't see them going out of fashion too soon (unless they incorporate current trends like Y2K, shrunken/crop, distressing and unusual washes, cut-outs, and mixed media).

Keep the silhouette of a denim jacket, but switch up the textile

Since denim jackets have been a wardrobe staple for decades, the classic silhouette of the collar, snap front, patch pockets, and snap cuffs is often found in other fabrics and textiles. Like a denim jacket, this non-denim jacket will feel timeless far longer than many other silhouettes, and fit with a great range of clothing types already in your closet.

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Consider your lifestyle and where you live. If you're in the PNW, you may not want to deal with rain and suede. If you're in sunny Florida, wool won't work most days of the year. And if you're not the type to visit the dry cleaner on the regular, look for a fabric that can handle spot cleaning and the occasional trip in the washing machine.

Embrace your more relaxed lifestyle with a utility jacket

I use the term utility jacket, but this also includes safari jackets, field jackets, chore jackets, and modified barn jackets. This is a casual jacket with a straight hem that falls mid-hip to high-thigh, features a classic collar, two chest pockets, two hand pockets, and is made from durable fabrics such as twill, canvas, or denim. Seek out more tailored or cropped styles to fit indoors and out, with jeans and with dresses.

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Just like traditional denim jackets, your choice of color, wash, and hardware can make this piece dressier or more casual. The more saturated the dye and the shinier the hardware, the more elevated the piece will look. That being said, if you have a casual lifestyle, a washed-out color with subtler hardware may be the perfect topper for your favorite ensembles.

Find your signature jacket and rock it for decades of style

Who says your everyday jacket has to be basic? I am a big believer in signature pieces. If you can have glasses in a color that doesn't match anything in your outfit, or colorful sneakers that are that unexpected but perfect pop of color, your jacket can do the same thing.

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This is a chance to find what truly brings you comfort and joy, and becomes a fantastic bookjacket to the novel which is your life. Maybe you picked it up on a trip overseas, or it stood out on the racks at the thrift store. Maybe it used to have long sleeves but you had it tailored to a bracelet length, or you jazzed up the collar with flowers you embroidered yourself. You're a grown woman, you have earned the right to have fun with your fashion and your everyday jacket is a great opportunity to do just that.

If you don't like any of these, that's cool. If you're happy with your denim jacket, I support you. Hell, I am one of you. I love my denim jackets (I still have one I wore back in high school). But we grown women often find at this stage of life our closets do not match the people we have become. And maybe the new you needs a new option in place of a denim jacket. And I am here to help, and support you on your journey!