Is there an age limit for the classic denim jacket? Of course not. It’s a season spanner, the perfect wardrobe staple, and a basic that goes with almost everything. Let’s have some fun and take a look at How to Rock a Jean Jacket After 50.
You can style up your favorite jean jacket with a twist from Mermade Brooklyn. I was introduced to Meredith’s work via Annie in this post from Annie, How to elevate wearing your denim. I can’t wait to send Meredith a pair of my jeans to customize, or maybe a denim shirt? I found this patchwork jean jacket from Ralph Lauren, and knew I wanted Meredith to work her magic on it.
Meredith added my name and the vine down the front. I just love it. I am wearing it with Native American Jewelry, a Brixton hat and an older CP Shades Lily Skirt. There are many of these jackets (without Meredith’s embellishment) on eBay here. I have linked them below the pic as well. Her work would be even more beautiful on a simple unembellished jacket. I wanted to choose something different from Annie and Mary Ann so you could see different options.
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I love denim with red. Here I am wearing Meredith’s embellished RL jacket with Bryn Walker linen pants from Maison Marianne in San Luis Obispo, a Michael Stars tee, and old Madewell Sandals. All items or similar are linked below the picture.
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I have had this blue denim Gap Jean Jacket forever. I am wearing it with a shirt from Tancredi & Morgen, J jill white jeans (no longer available but similar linked below), and Korkease sandals and my Dragon Diffusion tote.
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Balance out the volume of a full skirt or pants with a fitted jean jacket. I have paired the CP Shades Wendy linen pant (this color no longer available) with the same gap jean jacket, Ganni leopard top, simple accessories and Dolce Vita sandals. Banana Republic has a great pair of linen pants that I have linked below as well.
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I love pairing a maxi t-shirt dress with a jean jacket & sneakers. I have worn this look year after year. This look is something you can wear everywhere. The t-shirt dress is from Eileen Fisher (sleeveless), Olukai sneakers (dishtowel as scarf) & older MZ Wallace bag.
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This photo was taken last year. I am wearing a light wash (very old) gap icon jean jacket with a Target t-shirt dress that is no longer available but similar linked below. You can read my post on how I styled this dress multiple ways here. You could easily switch out the flip flops for sneakers.
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This photo is also from a few years ago. The t shirt dress was from Target and the jean jacket is my white Icon Jean Jacket from Gap that I have also had for years. The t shirt dress and jean jacket are classic pieces that don’t go out of style. I don’t normally wear sleeveless but under a jean jacket I don’t mind. The necklace is from Paula Carvalho.
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Here I am styling an Anthropologie skirt from last year (similar on eBay here) with my classic gap icon jacket (a closet staple for years) . You can also find inexpensive chiffon maxi skirts like this on Amazon here. You could also wear one of the new cropped denim jacket styles with a maxi skirt like this. I prefer the classic style that is more versatile. If you happen to have a frillier dress (I don’t) that you think you could only wear to a wedding, try this look only with simple sandals. I am wearing this ensemble with sandals from several seasons ago from Laidback London. There are a few similar pairs on eBay here.
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If you live in a climate where a traditional jean jacket is too warm, and love neutrals, try a linen version like this from Tommy Bahama. Grab a white tee, your favorite linen pants, and sandals and you are good to go!
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I love these Lisa Bayne for Artful Home pants. I coveted them and finally purchased when on sale. They are super flattering. Unfortunately they are from last year. Lisa has a great lineup of wide leg pants on Artful Home here. I spoke to Lisa and the french terry has the same silouhette, the Caterina is longer and fuller but available in lots of prints.I think I need the Coquina in my life.
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You might enjoy the following articles for more styling ideas:
REAL SIMPLE HOW TO WEAR A JEAN JACKET
BETTER AFTER 50 JACKETS WITH AN EDGE
WHO WHAT WEAR-HOW TO DRESS DOWN A DRESS
Many thanks to Meredith Segal for gifting us her beautiful work. I love supporting artisans that create beautiful personal one of a kind items. Mermade Brooklyn is a one woman shop committed to providing beautiful, handmade, one of a kind creations. Born and raised in Brooklyn,NY Meredith began her career as an actress with stops along the way as a photo editor, teacher and mother(favorite role to date)
She was inspired by my mother, Robin, who was a painter, masterful knitter and embroiderer who always encouraged her to see the flowers. She will embroider just about anything I can push my needle through – including, but not limited to sneakers and vintage photographs.She loves to collaborate with people to give them something special. I handle each piece with love and care and hope that it is used and enjoyed for many years. You can follow her on Instagram to see her latest creations here.
Thank you for reading How to Rock a Jean Jacket after 50. I hope you found some inspiration and ideas for an outfit idea or two. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when styling your denim jacket. If the classic silhouette doesn’t work for you try one of the more fashion-forward oversized denim jackets or a shacket type with straight leg jeans or a straight-leg pant. I think you can rock a jean jacket at any age!
Now let’s pop over and visit my friends for more inspiration.
Cindy, you always look so chic in whatever you wear, and jean jackets are no exception. I had pushed my Jean jackets to the back of my closet but after seeing these wonderful posts on jean jackets, I brought them out and plan on wearing them this spring and summer. Thank you for your style and inspiration!
Hi Gail
Glad you are going to give your jean jacket a run!
Funny I should run across your article on jean jackets. I’ve had my eye on one at Chicos since last fall. I stopped in today and they had my size marked down more than half off! Perfect for right now when the weather can’t decide what to do!
Hi Kathy
So glad you found a jacket you like at a great price!!
Hi Cindy,
What size are you wearing in the natural color Tommy Bahama linen Jean jacket? It looks like a medium. I like my look and fit to be a bit over sized. I find them more comfortable and especially when you have something under neath.
Thanks❣️
Hi Kathy
I am wearing a medium. I did not find much difference between the medium and the small but liked having just a bit more room in the medium. I think either would work for you.
Cindy, you sure know how to rock a denim jacket … and make this wardrobe staple seem limitlessly versatile. Meredith’s embroidery is amazing … I loved Annie’s and your’s too. Can’t wait to see Mary Ann’s. I really like your light linen jacket as well … something I’m definitely going to consider. You’ve got me excited to get my denim jackets back in rotation … if it would just stop raining. xo
Hi Juliet
Isn’t Meredith’s embroidery beautiful? I think you would love that linen jacket. Kim is the one that cinched it for me. I was on the fence and when I saw it on her…well what doesn’t look good on Kim haha!
I can’t wait until SUMMER can comment!!!
I think you should interview her for the blog!!!
You can definitely wear the short Jean jacket I cannot, and have a very cute one made by my girlfriend. She changed out the buttons and added pink tulle but I just can’t wear it.
Hi Elizabeth
Maybe I will do just that for a Sunday post what a great idea!! I love my jean jackets!!
Hi Cindy,
I just finished ordering a red skirt similar to the one you are wearing, and can’t wait for the weather to turn warm enough to pull out my spring and summer clothing! I love my jean jackets and have five or six of them, in white, different washes, embroidered and linen. They are basically all I wear as a top layer during the warmer months You styled yours so well! You are always such a fashion inspiration for me!
Xo Heidi
Hi Heidi
I bet you look fabulous in RED!!
Hi Cindy,
I think you rock all the Jean jackets so well. The custom jacket that Meredith designed for you is so special. You look really fabulous in it.
It is also helpful that you have such a natural way of styling your clothes.
Hi Kathy
Thank you so much I always appreciate your kind comments!
Hi Kathy
I love Meredith’s work!Thank you so much,
I LOOOOVE this post Cindy! I always admire your style and how you keep it age appropriate but never not-chic! Those linen pants are going in my shopping cart, stat, as is that oversized straw bag. Thank you SO much for including me as always, and for sharing the beautiful work of my dear friend Meredith! xoxo
Hi Sheri
I loved how you styled the glitzy pants with the jean jacket. I always love a high and low mix. I may repeat that one!!
You knocked it out of the park again, Cindy! After you posted the linen jacket, I ordered it and have found so many stylish possibilities, thanks to you. Love your style! Meredith’s designs are on the list for our family of three generations of jean jacket lovers. Keep inspiring us!
Hi JoAnne
Thank you so much. I love a great jean jacket. You will love that linen one. I don’t know why I waited so long!!
Cindy! I love every one of your looks! The new denim jacket with Meredith’s embroidery with red looks fabulous! And those print pants with the flax colored jacket! Love!!
Hi Annie
Thank you so much for introducing us to Meredith! What a talent!
~ Hi Cindy H. I love your posts and your smile is infectious! My husband and I live in the mountains which calls for denim; a rugged and practical fabric. I have two denim jackets: one by Ralph Lauren with 3/4 length sleeves. It’s a simple snap front but with beading on the front and back yokes. I added a red floral embroidered patch below the studs for added emphasis. The second one is from Chico’s; beading all over–including the sleeves. It’s a longer cut with a tad heavier lining in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. They both pair well with my denim Carhartts, RL jeans, Spanx leggings and boots (which I wear year round). And let’s not forgot my cowgirl hats and turquoise gems which I wear every day. ~
Hi Mrs. M
Always so great to hear from you! You always inspire me!
Love this post. I”m trying to rock a jean jacket at nearly 80! I have two from Ralph Lauren men – XS, covered with patches and three from YSL (black, weathered and cream – very costly, but worth it). I wore the black jacket with black velvet jeans and a sequin tee to a Christmas party. Last summer, I bought that Tommy Bahama linen in tan, white and black and they were perfect for hot weather.
Hi Lynn
I have considered buying one of the men’s jackets. How do they fit? I have considered buying one of the boys XL as well! Why are the mens items always less expensive?
LOVE all the great outfits! Gorgeous ! Thanks so much for having me!
Hi Meredith
You are going to get me into a lot of trouble! I just know it!
Love all these looks on you gals! I love my jean jacket – it has pins on it… all sorts of fun pins. Makes me think of your bling posts a while back. How fun that would be on a jean jacket.
Hi Leila
I meant to do a jacket with pins and I forgot! Next time!!
I hope you don’t mind my commenting on this: I noticed for the first time that you have bunions. I do not have bunions, but my sister does, and she has been horribly incapacitated by them. Your choice of shoes — stylish, yet accommodating — is inspiring me to help my sister find new shoes. Thank you — and I hope you are not in pain as she is!
Hi Bette
Absolutely not, I mention it all the time. I have a bunion on my left foot. I am not in pain, but I would be if I didn’t wear the right shoes. That is why you never see me in heels or pointed toe shoes unless they are mules!
Could the Rory dress could be worn as a duster?What size did you choose for the Rory dress by Frank and Eileen? We are about the same size. Pricey but could be an investment that may ever go out of style.
Hi Theresa
I think the Rory dress could absolutely be worn as a duster. I am a size S, but I am sure a medium would work as well.
Hi there! Love it all- thanks for the inspiration.
I know that you must have told us before, but would love to know more about your sunglasses 😉 unusual and very flattering look!
Hi Sally
I will be doing a post week after next with my eyeglass guru Kyla!!
Gorgeous looks thanks for sharing Cindy so love your style !
I don’t believe there is an age restriction on jean jackets. If you like them, wear them. I love my Jean jackets. I look for ones with a feminine touch. I’m thinking I should add a white jean jacket to the rotation after seeing you style it.
Hi Joanna
I love my gap white jean jacket!
What a clever gal Meredith is! Her embellishments are so original. You look fabulous!! You always do my friend. xoJennifer
Thanks Pal! Right back at you! Loved your dress styling…
Hi Jennifer
Isn’t she talented?
Thank you!!!
thank you so much !
Love all your looks. I have reached out to Meredith to get little jackets for two great nieces. Her children’s pieces are darling!
Hi Gray
I am so happy to hear that! I think Summer needs a Mermade jean jacket!!
What size do you purchase in the Gap jackets? Sometimes I have a problem buttoning them up but if I try a larger size, then they’re too large. Do you purchase petite or regular sizing? I’m intrigued by the linen jacket also—what size did you purchase in that one please?
Hi Annie
The white one is a medium and the older ones are smalls…I think I really need a medium. My two older ones are from the era when we wore everything a little bit too tight. I always button the waist on the last button. I can never wear a petite in any kind of jacket or shirt as I am too long waisted. I seriously could wear a tall. The linen is a medium and I really like the way it fits. I had been eyeing that jacket for years and when I saw Kim had it I asked her the same question. I could not tell much difference between the medium and the small, but I preferred the fit of the medium. I can’t tell you how much good I get out of that jacket in the summer! I am so happy I purchased it!
You look beautiful in everything you try on! I’ve said it before, love, love your style!
Hi Dottie
I so appreciate that. It pleases me that you enjoy the looks.
I inherited a jean jacket from my stylish mother in law. It’s embellished with black beading. I’m not sure how to wear it. Any suggestions?
Hi Harriet
What about a nice pair of black linen pants?
You are so amazing. I need more red in my like. Love all your creative looks!
Hi Mary Ann
I didn’t wear red until my hair went white! I think I am technically an autumn but the white hair changed that!
Maybe I can’t wear red then…until I’m all white.
Oh yes you can!!