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9 Jean Jacket Alternatives to Shake Up Your Summer

You wake up for brunch on a gorgeous summer morning. You slip into a breezy sundress and top it with your favorite denim jacket. I look cute, you think as you pass a mirror on the way out. Then, disaster. You get to the restaurant and see no fewer than 11 women in jackets that are virtually indistinguishable from your own. Damn. To avoid a "Who wore it best?" situation, opt instead for one of these nine denim jacket alternatives.

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woman wearing a ruffled skirt and blazer
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Lightweight Blazer

The beauty of a blazer is that it’s essentially seasonless and dresses up anything you pair it with. In summer, we love wearing our light-colored toppers with short dresses and skirts, for a vibe that’s very borrowed from the boys.


woman wearing jeans and a kimono
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Kimono

Easy and breezy—literally. A flowy kimono provides coverage without making you overheat, and looks just as lovely with boyfriend jeans and a T-shirt as it does with a minidress and sandals.

woman wearing a white dress and denim vest
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Denim Vest

OK, yes, it’s still denim, but a jean vest is way less expected than a full-on jacket. Consider it a chic option for hot days when you want to add a third piece to your look without sweating your butt off.

woman wearing a pink skirt and biker jacket
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Biker Jacket

So damn cool. To keep a tough leather jacket from looking too fall/winter, wear it with an outfit that’s otherwise super-feminine, like this pretty pink midi and ballet-inspired leotard.

woman wearing a sweatshirt and miniskirt
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Sweatshirt

Worried a sweatshirt will make you look bulky? Even out your outfit's proportions with a skirt or shorts that show off some leg. (Or tuck in your sweatshirt to help define your waist.)


woman wearing a skirt and zip up jacket
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Zip-up

So sporty, so fun. Just be sure to pair it with a dressy skirt and summer boots combination, so you don’t look like you just came back from SoulCycle.

woman wearing jeans and a long vest
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Longline Vest

Sophisticated and streamlined, a vest that hits at mid-thigh elevates your outfit without looking seasonally inappropriate. (Plus, how fab is it over an off-the-shoulder top?)

woman wearing a denim skirt and military jacket
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Military Jacket

Note that this guy typically looks best when worn slightly oversize. Pair with shape-defining pieces like a tucked-in tee and denim mini.

woman wearing a plaid skirt and bomber jacket
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Bomber

Like a blazer, a bomber jacket looks stylish all year round. If you’re trying to add a little height to your frame, opt for a cropped version, which creates the illusion of miles-long legs.

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sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

  • Oversees wellness content
  • PureWow's resident book reviewer
  • Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years