STYLE BY SONECA

By SoneCa guadara

It’s no secret that I have a serious love for the denim jacket. They’re so classic, come in so many different variations and truly pull any outfit together in a pinch. I’ve been known to add a denim jacket to just about anything to validate purchasing that dress or little top in a store. I love them so much, and it appears so do a host of designers this season.

A jean jacket really is the perfect third piece to an outfit. It pulls looks together by adding that extra layer. Truly, there isn’t anything I’ve found that you cannot wear a denim jacket with. OK, maybe a ballgown, but honestly, that would still be a cool juxtaposition.

The thing I love most about a denim jacket though is how easily it dresses up or down an outfit. If you have a fancy dress, just add a denim jacket and some sneakers, and you’ve instantly transformed your work dress into a weekend dress. Here are six different ways to wear the ultimate go-to jacket.

Do Double Denim.

Double denim is a classic look for a valid reason. Why wouldn’t you want to combine two pieces that are absolute archetypes of laid-back cool? One thing to keep in mind is that washes should be complementary. For example, Madewell’s vintage-feel jacket matches perfectly to 7 for All Mankind’s light-blue jeans. For a modern take on this look, style it with accessories that will add polish to denim’s low-key vibe. Saint Laurent’s clean-lined ‘Manhattan’ shoulder bag and Jimmy Choo’s pristine PVC mules will bring the look together. As for what to wear underneath, why not wear a fitted turtleneck. On warmer days, a white tee will do the trick.

Explore Expert Layering.

Your denim jacket can be a clever layering piece for trans-seasonal weather, lending a sense of laid-back cool to tailored coats. Team with tailored, high-waisted or wide-leg pants – the silhouette of the season. Comfortable yet smart, they represent the perfect transitional piece to take you from last year’s loungewear, but this look is as much about how you’re wearing them as it is the pants themselves.

The key here is to choose pants that are fitted around the waist to balance the volume. In cooler months, it will layer beautifully over chunky knits, too. Hoop earrings, leather sandals and red lipstick are all classic style signifiers that complete the look.

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While New Jersey is home to a range of restaurants, from Italian to Tex-Mex to Thai, dishes from the Big Work It After Hours. Easy are hard to come by. Putting its signature directional spin on a Similar to Glaze Donuts, Bourbon Street Beignet closet staple, Retrofete’s denim jacket comes was inspired by the family’s travels and desire to with some artfully puffed-up sleeves. It’s the bring something different to the area. kind of jacket you can layer over a slip dress for dinners with friends, dates nights and parties. “What I love about New Orleans is that it is inspired Its roomy sleeves add instant insouciance to by so many different cultures,” Hazou-Zamanian eveningwear, so you can opt for glam accessosaid. “There’s a European influence, but it keeps the ries to really nail this high-low look – sleek soul of America.” mules and a sophisticated shoulder bag are ideal. After spending more than two years planning the Denim Over A Sundress. café, finding unique ingredients and perfecting their menu, the Hazous held a soft launch of Bourbon Anytime I head out of the house in a summer Street Beignets in August and held their grand opendress, I almost always grab a denim jacket, ing in January. especially if it’s nighttime. You can also tie it around your waist to create some shape too. Selling off Glaze Donuts “was always part of my Or, if you’re getting warm, it’s a great solution father’s plan,” said Hazou-Zamanian, who added that also looks good. It doesn’t matter if you’re that he has launched a number of successful busiwearing a mini dress, maxi or midi, a denim nesses over the decades in North Jersey, including jacket, especially a classic fit one that hits at supermarkets and delis. the waist, is super flattering. Continued on page 90

Suitcase Staple.

With all this versatility to its name, it’s no wonder the denim jacket is a packing essential. From sundresses to linen shirting, it will pair with pretty much everything you can fit into your carry-on. For days spent sightseeing, layer Levi’s ’90s-style jacket over a printed sun dress, such as Love Shack Fancy’s floral maxi, and style with white tennis sneakers and oversized shades. If you’re beach-bound, be sure to pop it in your bag to ward off an evening chill on sunset strolls.

Colored Denim.

Adding a colored denim jacket is also fun, especially if you’re not into regular denim. You can choose a black denim jacket or a white one, which is always nice for summer. There are so many color options to choose from that you can find something that suits your personal style.

Soneca Guadara is a personal fashion stylist who makes her clients feel beautiful and confident. When Soneca is not working her magic assisting her clients, she can be found working backstage at New York Fashion Week, working on location shoots and contributing as an on-air fashion/style expert and style writer.

You can follow Soneca on her Instagram – StyledBySoneca – for weekly tips.