The debate over whether denim jackets are too “young” a look for over-40 ladies is one that bores me—if you want to wear a denim jacket, wear one, and don’t sweat it. I like that there’s so much variety in them at the moment, and am especially partial to this fleece-lined number from Madewell. I also like that it has pockets big enough to forego a handbag if you so choose.
Here’s a sort of crazy patchwork specimen that I love nevertheless.
Lee’s chore jacket is a very cool option, and it rings in at just under $100.
This utility jacket is a slightly more polished way to go.
I’m a big fan of the dark indigo here, and the fact that it’s completely un-distressed. It’s also from Universal Standard, so it comes in every size imaginable.
A classic Levi’s trucker jacket with a removable lining and a really cool wash.
Etsy is a treasure trove of vintage Wrangler jackets, of which I am slightly obsessed, as my friend Andrea has a really great one. This is in such good shape, and I dig the slit pockets.
Here’s one from Nili Lotan that costs a fortune for sure, but is just so minimal and chic.
I like the relaxed shape of this kimono jacket.
And finally: this looks as spiff as a blazer, and has a very nice price.
I loved that you said the discussion about denim jackets being “too young” is boring – to me the whole topic is pointless! Haven’t we been told all our life that certain garments make us look too old/young/fat/thin/slutty/uptight/boring/attention seeking…etc? If you feel happy and confident, wear it!
Yes yes yes! How is it even an issue?
I have the wrangler one that I bought on Kims recommendation (thanks Kim ) and I wear it all the time! It’s just a little bit cooler than the usual. To cool for my teenage daughter, which is fine by me.
I’m kinda loving the Lee chore jacket also.
WOW! What a stupendous selection! I like the patchwork and the kimono and the Uniqlo and the Nili……
CS I found the same hoodie and assumed it was the same. I even tried to post the link here, but it wouldn’t go through so thank you for getting the job done! I would definitely make use of the Madewell fleece one because the reviews say it’s warm. On other fronts…street style in Austin has become so so good! Yesterday I saw a woman of a certain age striding down the street in a midi skirt, a light waist length jacket and No.6 clogs all monochrome in beige taupes––an outfit I would have never thought to put together, but she looked amazing!
cw, I’m an Austin native, but I haven’t lived there since the early ’90s — an entirely different Austin. Where do you recommend shopping/streetstyle spotting? I’m visiting in November and want to branch out from my usual tired spots.
Hey Jenny, yes an entirely different Austin–some for the better some not so much. I live downtown near the new Austin public library and the street watching is great on the weekends. The East side of Austin is where most of the younger people hang out and it is pretty wonderful with new restaurants and coffee places and boutiques––Cuvee Coffee Bar is my favorite, but Flat Track Coffee is on East Cesar Chavez which is worth visiting. Also, South Congress remains steadfast as a go-to location––Jo’s Coffee will be my forever favorite place because it’s outside, but Mañana is also great and there’s a Torchy’s on South Congress which is terrific on the weekends particularly with loads of outdoor seating. We really should try for a GOAC meet-up in Austin. Are there enough of us?!
Thank you! Good to know that South Congress is not totally passé. I love Jo’s vegan frito pie.
Any denim jacket I bought this past year had a terrible smell to it. The smell would not come out after laundering either. I had to return a few purchases because of it. I read that stretch denim now contains formaldehyde, which is not good for our bodies. It could be mixed in the lycra/elastane/spandex fabric. Does anyone know any more about this? I settled for an oversized 100% cotton denim jacket and shrunk it.
I am in my late 50’s and wear lots of cropped denim jackets…I always get compliments and love the look.
I don’t need another denim jacket (not that I often let that stop me) but would have been tempted by the hoodie pictured with the Levi’s trucker jacket but can’t find it.
Eloise — I also liked the hoodie. I searched the Levi’s site but could only find a men’s version, but the color isn’t quite the same.
https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/clothing/men/sweaters-sweatshirts/levis-wellthread-hoodie/p/861420007