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We consider them to be the LBD of outerwear. They work for any and every body type and age range. They can be easily dressed up or down to fit your plans. We are, of course, talking about the jean jacket. This beloved denim topper will never go out of style, but there are some tricks to making it (and yourself) look its best. Here are six fashion “rules” (in the words of Captain Barbossa, they’re more like guidelines really) we’re following in 2021 to get the most out of our denim outerwear.

RELATED: 16 Jean Jacket Outfits That Are Super Easy to Copy IRL

1. Roll the Cuffs on Oversize Silhouettes

We love the ease of a loose-fitting denim jacket, but sleeves that go way past your wrists (or even past your finger tips) can leave you looking like a kid playing dress up, especially if you’re petite. The solution is simple—just roll the cuffs up so the end of the sleeves hit somewhere between your wrist and three inches above your hands. This shows just enough skin to avoid you being swallowed up by your outerwear, without exposing you to too much crisp fall air.

Shop similar styles: Urban Renewal jacket ($69); Club Monaco sweater ($170); Wit & Wisdom jeans ($78); Converse sneakers ($60)

2. Pair Oversize Cuts with Slim-Fit Bottoms

This doesn’t necessarily have to mean skinny jeans or leggings, but whatever pants you choose, they should fit fairly close to the leg to help you maintain some shape and avoid turning into a denim blob. Skinny jeans, straight-leg and other slim-fit cuts are ideal while Boyfriend jeans, flares and ‘90s skater styles are better paired with a cropped jacket. P.S. Adding a heeled bootie can also help elongate your stems and balance an oversize jacket up top.)

Shop similar styles: Outland Denim jacket ($265); BP turtleneck ($19); Frame jeans ($228); Frye boots ($398; $239)

3. Wear Cropped Styles with Shorter Hemlines

Wearing a longer, looser jacket over a minidress or shorts might leave you looking like an apple propped up on two popsicle sticks. A jacket that hits right at your hips, or even higher at your natural waist, helps maintain your proportions in a more flattering way.

Shop similar styles: Roxy jacket ($80); Goodlife T-shirt ($60); Lee shorts ($68); UO shoes ($59)

4. Sport Multiple Blue Washes at Once…

If you’re going to rock head-to-toe denim, we recommend choosing a variety of washes rather than trying to match pieces together. Pale chambray shirts, deep blue jeans, distressed jackets, acid washes—feel free to mix things up with wild abandon. You could even add in some black, gray or white wash denim if you wanted, but save the patterned or colorful options for a different ensemble.

Shop similar styles: Reformation jacket ($112); Rails shirt ($158); Noend jeans ($158); Børn boots ($165; $115)

5. …Or Go for a Matching Set In Anything Other than Blue

On the other hand, if you prefer a totally monochrome look, opt for pieces from the same brand in the exact same color or wash. We prefer bright hues, patterned options or neat black or white washes over any classic blue jeans. They feel much more modern and fresh, and don’t run any risk of making you look like a rancher lost in the big city.

Shop similar styles: Hidden Jeans jacket ($98) and jeans ($80); Reformation jacket ($148) and jeans ($178); Outdoor Voices T-shirt ($38); Cole Haan loafers ($160; $96)

6. Use Your Jacket as an Inner Mid-Layer

Layering your outerwear is a fun way to get more use out of lighter jackets while adding depth to your ensemble. And while we love our classic denim styles, they aren’t the most exciting to look at. This is why we suggest layering them under your plaid blazer or floral trench coat, rather than on top. You’ll still get that bonus warmth and a fun pop of blue, but it looks much more fashion forward than having a plain denim jacket front and center.

Shop similar styles: Reformation blazer ($174); Wash Lab jacket ($138; $83); AG turtleneck ($138); PTCL jeans ($45); Marc Fisher Ltd boots ($179)

RELATED: Black Jeans Outfit Ideas: 13 Looks for Every Event on Your Calendar

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