6 Different Types of Jackets You Need in Your Wardrobe

Whether you call them truckers or jean jackets, classic denim jackets still make everyone over 50 feel like a rock star, rapper or country-western singer. They transcend age (theirs and ours), so there’s no reason to toss out your vintage denim jackets. Still, you may want to try a black denim version such as the Levi’s Premium Men’s Trucker Jacket in Dark Horse-Black ($98, levi.com/US) and the Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Stretch Denim Jacket in Carbon ($228, nordstrom.com). It’s an elevated change from blue that slides into a neutral wardrobe and looks dressier. But denim jackets are no longer just about the iconic style. The Chico’s Denim Blazer in Sycamore Indigo ($149, chicos.com) and the Mango Women’s Denim Jacket With Belt in Dark Blue ($80, mango.com) project that same cool feeling and let you feel like you’re wearing jeans without actually wearing jeans. For those wondering about wearing a denim top and bottom: Yes, double denim is a fashion win for some, but for the 50-plus set, it can look gimmicky and forced. Do yourself a favor and choose just one.

Quilting makes Chanel bags and fluffy down blankets coveted items to own. It also makes jackets warmer and cozier without excess weight or structure. One of the best jackets to own is a very light insulated quilted style that’s water-repellent and designed for colder weather, rain and wind. Forget about the big puffy styles of the past that were unflattering and cumbersome to wear. The new quilts are streamlined and styled for active lifestyles, driving, commuting and traveling. The Athleta Whisper Featherless Jacket in Acacia Olive ($199, athleta.gap.com) has a swingy shape with a high-low hemline that’s perfect for wearing over the thickest sweaters or long tunic tops and is lined with Thinsulate. For more warmth, head for body-skimming lightweight down jackets designed with slimmer quilted “channels” such as the Uniqlo Men’s Ultra Light Down Jacket (Narrow Quilt) in 37 Brown ($80, uniqlo.com/us) and the L.L. Bean Women’s Ultralight 850 Down Jacket in Field Gold ($249, llbean.com) — so airy they roll and fold into a pocket for easy packing or storing.

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and style editor who focuses on women 50 and older. She was the beauty and style editor at Ladies’ Home Journal and a founding editor of More magazine. She has written three books: The Makeup Wakeup, The Wardrobe Wakeup and The Woman's Wakeup.

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