We're in the depths of autumn, and we're willing to bet that given a choice of outerwear, you're still itching to grab your emotional support denim jacket, right? We'll wear our fave jean trends all year round because denim is evergreen and we're literally addicted to the blue stuff, but a denim jacket has sort of been reserved for the warmer spring and summer months.
We feel that this versatile jacket can't be cast aside just because temps have started to drop. Jeans are the most versatile item in our wardrobe, and a denim jacket should be no different. Judging by the A/W25 runway shows, we're not alone in our denim revolution. Simone Rocha gave us embellished and belted denim iterations built for a festive night out, whilst Ganni leaned into cosy szn vibes with faux-fur trimmed collars.
The street style set is the real place to look for inspo on how to work our wardrobe staple for autumn. Whether doubling up on jacket trends, adding in woollen knits and heavy-duty accessories, or swapping for a full-length trench, it all comes down to perfecting the art of layering. Luckily, this means there are many ways to keep your trusty denim jacket safely in your daily outfit rotation for the foreseeable future.
For outfit inspiration on how to style yours for these chillier times, keep scrolling.
Jackets are the new tops
If you and your denim jacket are in a mutually exclusive relationship, you can still indulge in an on-trend leather jacket or bomber jacket for A/W. It's the art of layering, bb. A tighter-fitted cropped denim jacket works especially well, worn more like a top beneath a boxy bomber.
Glasto all-year-round
This bright, rhinestone denim co-ord wouldn't be out of place at a summer festival, but whilst we wait for sunshine to return in 2026, adding slouchy, western-inspired leather accessories and some subtle sheer hoisery transitions the look perfectly for Autumn. When temps really drop, add a full-length wool coat over the top and the whole ensemble still works.
Everyone's clicking on...
Art school
A beaten jean jacket paired with an (untucked) shirt and vintage woollen knit takes this preppy look from nostalgic back-to-school days and adds a grunge edge. Denim is basically the adult version of a school uniform, right? The collectors' style pin badges, too, because customisation is essential to every cool girl uniform. Oh, and a striped tie? Our OG Sk8r girl, Avril, would approve.
Pretty little layers
Now we've mentioned layering, but this is a masterclass. A classic long-length trench coat is a wardrobe staple for most Brits, as is a blue denim jacket, and paired together, they create the most effortless off-duty look. Keep it simple underneath. Our showgoer below opts for a candy-coloured cardi and a crisp shirt, helping to look polished with every layer. *Chef's kiss*.
The trench
Talking of trench coats. A denim trench is a cool alternative to a classic water-resistant style and provides a lil' more warmth. For all-year-round denim fans, you'll find so many full-length coats on the market right now. To style, opting for double denim in slightly differing shades of blue is an instant style showstopper, but you can also channel its 70s roots with a knee-high boot and skirt combo. For a casual weekend mooch, layer up with a hoodie underneath for max cosy vibes.
Doubling up
We admit it. This edit is mostly lessons in impeccable layering skills. We present to you an oversized denim jacket + shacket combo. How good does camo print and vintage blue denim look together? We're thinking a classic beige barn jacket would also give the same stylish results. Basically, our verdict? Two jackets are better than one.
Brights & prints
One of the great things about denim is that it's basically a neutral. You can overload on prints, textures and bright colours, and it'll work as your fashion stabiliser. Whether it's a bold striped knit jumper, or an eclectic printed skirt, a denim jacket - even if it's sporting quirky details itself, like embossed prints or embellishments - will bring the whole look together. We love the autumnal colour palette in this look, paired with the preppy touches from ribbed socks to on-trend loafers.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
