Unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen the recent return of countless '90s trends. Some, we're happy about (see: Kendall Jenner in a denim mini); others we hope will never make an appearance again (ahem, ridiculous JNCOs). The denim jacket is one that has become a classic.
Denim jackets never really went away, but the specific styles of the '90s are popping back up with a vengeance — from short, cropped variations to grunge-tastic oversized types. Celebs and street style stars alike are taking cues from '90s icons and bringing back the piece that, at least in part, defined the decade. Just in time for fall, read on for all the denim-jacket inspiration you need.
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The Cropped Denim Jacket
Let's just take a moment to soak in this Spice Girls amazingness. Victoria Beckham, pictured here in September 1998, struts hand-in-hand with Baby Spice in a Canadian tuxedo. Cropped denim jackets like hers are must-haves even today, especially when the temperature begins to drop. The modern variation is a bit more boxy, compared to the fit-and-flare shape of the '90s edition. These jackets pair nicely with high-waisted bottoms or over your favorite daytime dress.
Let's just take a moment to soak in this Spice Girls amazingness. Victoria Beckham, pictured here in September 1998, struts hand-in-hand with Baby Spice in a Canadian tuxedo. Cropped denim jackets like hers are must-haves even today, especially when the temperature begins to drop. The modern variation is a bit more boxy, compared to the fit-and-flare shape of the '90s edition. These jackets pair nicely with high-waisted bottoms or over your favorite daytime dress.
The Lightly Distressed Denim Jacket
For a cool-girl vibe like Stella Tennant's (that's her backstage at a Paris fashion show in 1997), let your denim jacket be a little bit rough around the edges. Whether you buy it that way or just wear it down, a denim jacket with a bit of fraying is perfect for toughening up a dress or skirt. It doesn't have to look like it's totally falling apart; subtle tears and small raw patches will provide just enough of a laid-back feel.
For a cool-girl vibe like Stella Tennant's (that's her backstage at a Paris fashion show in 1997), let your denim jacket be a little bit rough around the edges. Whether you buy it that way or just wear it down, a denim jacket with a bit of fraying is perfect for toughening up a dress or skirt. It doesn't have to look like it's totally falling apart; subtle tears and small raw patches will provide just enough of a laid-back feel.
The Dark-Wash Denim Jacket
This is the most polished of the bunch. Natalie Portman, pictured here in 1998, even wore hers to a red carpet film premiere. With a little black dress and pointed Mary Jane heels, this jacket can make for a cool and unexpected going-out ensemble on brisk fall nights. Avoid any fading or distressing and opt for a uniform, allover dark wash to keep things looking put-together.
This is the most polished of the bunch. Natalie Portman, pictured here in 1998, even wore hers to a red carpet film premiere. With a little black dress and pointed Mary Jane heels, this jacket can make for a cool and unexpected going-out ensemble on brisk fall nights. Avoid any fading or distressing and opt for a uniform, allover dark wash to keep things looking put-together.
The Longline Denim Jacket
Brandy proves that not all '90s denim jackets showed off the midriff. The longline version, which hits beyond the lower hip, is the trend's less-common (but super-cool) variation. It still sits close to the body, but its silhouette is flattering and elongating — so you don't have to worry about your jacket chopping off your torso. The modern iteration looks chic over a button-up shirt or with a pair of wide-legged, cropped jeans or trousers. Go long!
Brandy proves that not all '90s denim jackets showed off the midriff. The longline version, which hits beyond the lower hip, is the trend's less-common (but super-cool) variation. It still sits close to the body, but its silhouette is flattering and elongating — so you don't have to worry about your jacket chopping off your torso. The modern iteration looks chic over a button-up shirt or with a pair of wide-legged, cropped jeans or trousers. Go long!
The Oversized Denim Jacket
Long live grunge. We're obsessed with Drew Barrymore in this oversized denim jacket way back in 1993. Embrace all things oversized by pairing the jacket with loose-fitting jeans or pants and a giant sweater. Or, offset its size with black skinny jeans instead. From Miley to Selena, plenty of today's celebs are taking cues from Drew and bringing back this silhouette.
Long live grunge. We're obsessed with Drew Barrymore in this oversized denim jacket way back in 1993. Embrace all things oversized by pairing the jacket with loose-fitting jeans or pants and a giant sweater. Or, offset its size with black skinny jeans instead. From Miley to Selena, plenty of today's celebs are taking cues from Drew and bringing back this silhouette.