I’ll take this as my annual opportunity to share the belief that all of those Don’t-Wear-This-After-40 lists that fashion websites and magazines push are are complete and utter bullshit. Denim jackets are inevitably on the list, and I always wonder why: they’re easy, casual timeless pieces that look good on most everyone. The ones I’ve chosen here are all, in different ways, slightly less classic and a little more interesting, starting with this one, which has such great pockets.
Here’s one in the ever-popular chore jacket shape.
The grey hue here is nicely unexpected, and I like the slightly oversized silhouette.
This one is just desperately chic, and comes in a very good khaki brown too.
This is actually a pretty straightforwardly classic denim jacket, but the dark black and body-skimming fit make it just slightly dressier than the rest here.
Such a nice clean shape on this one, and I really like the buttons.
If I were to allow myself to purchase just one of these jackets, I’d go for this because the stitching at the collar is so damn cute.
And finally: another chore jacket, nicely priced.
What good timing! I recently hired a personal stylist to do a closet assessment, and one of the holes she identified was a cropped black jacket. The Alex Mill one looks perfect, I’m going to buy it and fingers crossed it fits my petite frame!
I 2nd your sentiment, Kim and Tahe Z. Classic is called “classic” for a reason!
I’m 52 and wearing one to work right now, over a navy T-shirt, patterned cotton skirt, and wedges. Love it!
What a great compilation — truly something for everyone. Another great option is the Universal Standard side-button chore jacket — I recv many compliments and questions every time I wear it.
https://www.universalstandard.com/products/denim-chore-jacket-dark-indigo
Wow! This is beautifully made, reasonably priced, and size inclusive!
Thumbs up! There is no expiration date on denim jackets (though my oversized version covered with heavy metal band patches is in the attic). I work at an—ahem—mature woman’s boutique. Denim jackets are forever in the rotation and always selling out. To me they show a woman still has spring in her step (that’s spring AND Spring). You are right, there’s a style for everyone.
That’s definitely BS! I was going to say something like, it’s all in the styling, but that’s not really true, either. A good denim jacket works nearly all the time! I love that Alex Mill shrunken number…thought I was in love with the faded denim color way, but darn it, Kim, the black is excellent! And it’s not quite like any of the (too many, too many) jackets I already have… Thanks for another great post!
I’ll never understand the lists that tell women of any age what and what not to wear or do with their make-up. I once read that women over 40 should not wear black eyeliner and gave it up and tried brown as suggested but it looked so terrible on me and just wasn’t right. So, I went back to black and feel like myself again! I also own two jean jackets and share them with my 15-yo daughter!
Oooowe…the “what are you reading” post is so much safer for my credit card! Such a great selection, Kim. The Alex Mill brown (and I don’t wear brown) may have made it to my shopping cart. Here’s another request…on the recent podcast you and Jenn talked about interesting looking shoes––I’m ready for that post. Particularly if it includes shoes that are not sneakers, but more along the lines of going-out-to-dinner-at-a-nice-restaurant-without-wearing-heels shoes.
Utter bullshit indeed, especially since denim jackets (and denim in general) are historically workwear.
Also, one of my favorite jackets is an 1980’s classic Levi’s denim jacket that belonged to an old boyfriend of my sister. It’s a perfect specimen!
Love all of these! And love seeing the “chore jacket” coming back.