Fresh Ways To Style Your Staple Denim Jackets For Spring 2023

The arrival of spring means budding flowers, warmer afternoons, and birds waking you up a bit too early in the morning. It also heralds the arrival of a brand-new wardrobe. In the fashion world, seasonal collections are introduced well in advance, with 2023 spring and summer styles hitting runways in fall 2022, per Grazia magazine. This year, waistlines will continue to get lower and lower, and oversized fashion will reign supreme. 

Social media plays a key role in determining trends — TikTok subcultures like Balletcore, Clowncore, and Regencycore (among dozens of others) have not only received millions of views on the app but their influence can be spotted in the most recent collections of high-brow designers like Ludovic de Saint Sernin and Miu Miu.

However, no matter the decade, denim remains a consistent staple. Specifically, jean jackets are in that seasonal sweet spot — they're not quite warm enough for winter, and often too heavy for the height of summer. Whether you're caught in an April shower or enjoying the May flowers, here's how to style a staple denim jacket like a pro in 2023. 

Wear a neutral-toned hoodie underneath an oversized denim jacket on those cooler spring days. For bottoms, go with anything from black wide-legged trousers to yoga pants, completing the look with weather-resistant combat boots and a tote bag. This fit is perfect for a casual afternoon of errands or even long-distance plane travel. In fact, the aesthetic is so popular that some denim jackets are even made with built-in hoods — for instance, see this design available on Amazon. 

Miu Miu revolutionized the modern-day mini in 2022, cutting the hemline extra short and the waistline even lower à-la the early 2000s. Though a denim mini from the designer brand retails for over $1,000, there's no need to dip into your retirement account early in the name of fashion. Instead, check out this Mango mini for just under $60. Pair it with a denim vest and complete your ensemble with knee-high black boots and chic shades.

Based on '80s power suits, oversized blazers have been dominating red carpets and runways for the last few years. Not only are they comfortable, but they're also incredibly versatile. You can match them with everything from bike shorts to evening gowns. Specifically, an oversized denim blazer makes for the perfect spring coffee date or study session look. If you're going for that academia-inspired aesthetic, style your blazer with a turtleneck, flared pants, and heeled boots. 

There's nothing quite so comfortable (and stylish) as flowing patterned pants in the spring. Style floral bottoms with your go-to cropped denim jacket, a white tee, and matching shades. As Miranda Priestley famously noted in "The Devil Wears Prada," floral patterns in the spring aren't necessarily a new concept — but they are timeless. To shop the exact outfit above, check out Girl With Curves. Complete the brunch-worthy look with heeled sandals or sneakers depending on how you're feeling. 

Elevate your Canadian tuxedo with expert pops of color. Specifically, bright red pairs nicely with blue denim. Match your jean jacket with red boots, a vintage-inspired red manicure, and a bright red lip. On stormier days, go the extra mile by layering on a red trenchcoat like this vinyl design from ASOS. Even fictional symbols of Americana like Rosie the Riveter are fans of the blue and red combination. She famously paired a denim jacket with a red polka dot head scarf all the way in the '40s. 

Both formal and informal, two-piece sets are growing increasingly popular on social media. They allow for effortless style, which is especially nice if you're in a rush. Best of all, you can wear each piece individually, mixing and matching it with your other wardrobe staples. This spring, style a skirt set with knee-high boots and your go-to denim jacket. Take it up a notch with a denim skirt and vest set for a full-on jean aesthetic. 

The "no pants" trend is taking the fashion world by storm, turning underwear into outerwear. In the past year, it's been popularized by the likes of Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, who are both fans of pants-less streetwear in all weather. This spring, capitalize on the trend by styling bike shorts with an oversized tee and your favorite denim jacket. Whether you're heading back from a yoga class or you're grabbing a quick coffee, this look's got you covered (if not physically, at least on the style front). Like Hadid, pair the ensemble with mini-platform Uggs for maximum comfort.

Trenchcoats are a street-style staple, typically worn in shades of brown and beige by influencers and off-duty models alike. This season, shake it up with your go-to denim duster. Pair it with a matching wash of blue jeans, a black or neutral button-down, and platform shoes. Style the coat with pleated suit pants and heels on more formal occasions, completing the look with a statement handbag and a tie for a more masculine edge.

These days, it's increasingly popular to rock a bra as a top. In fact, model and actor Julia Fox famously wore an underwear-bralette set and a denim jacket to pick up groceries in the midst of the pandemic. Though you don't have to take it to that extreme, pair a simple Calvin Klein bra top with high-waisted pants for added coverage. Layer your go-to denim jacket on top. Or, fully commit to the Julia Fox aesthetic by wearing a Clavin Klein denim bustier, letting your midriff breathe with low-rise jeans.

Ankle-length skirts present a conservative alternative to the micro mini. Now beloved by fashion It-girls, maxi skirts are spring's newest staple. "Sometimes, trends are hard to jump on when you feel like you have nothing in your wardrobe to go with them, but the maxi skirt is a great way to apply a trend to an everyday wardrobe," personal stylist Christina Stein encouraged newbies, in an interview with InStyle, recommending that people replace their jeans with a denim maxi. Alternatively, stay comfy in a flowing cotton skirt, styling with a plain tee and a denim jacket.

Wear a denim jacket with your go-to mini dress on a night out. Not only will it keep you warm, but it also has much-needed pockets in which to store the necessities: phone, wallet, keys, etc. Although you can't go wrong with a Coco Chanel-inspired little black dress, reimagine the classics with cut-outs and color blocks while staying warm with colorful tights. Check out these opaque leggings from Calzedonia in over 16 shades — remember, purple and Valentino pink are high fashion's most recent favorite colors.