Get the look: denim jacket

The denim jacket is one of those pieces of clothing that relies heavily on the whims of fashion. One season it is the hottest thing there ever was. A couple of seasons later it is tired and clichéd. This is unlike, say, a navy jacket, which is seasonless and a true staple. And this season, the fashion winds are blowing in its favour, as it gets a serious style upgrade.

Expect to see denim jackets popping up everywhere once the weather gets chilly as guys begin using them to layer their outfits. Some will wear them over a dress shirt and under a suit jacket. Some will top them off with a puffer vest or a peacoat. Wear one with a leather biker jacket for a look that fuses the styles of Mick Jagger and Kanye West. This layering gives the denim jacket a certain casual cool spin and an injection of youth.

Of course, you can just wear it on its own with a shirt and pair of khakis for that all-American collegiate style, as seen in this look by Natural Selection (top left, Lane Crawford, inquiries: 2118 3388). Or you could switch the khakis with a pair of blue jeans like Club Monaco's (bottom right, inquiries: 2118 2989) but pick a different wash. Matching denim colours is too much like Justin Timberlake in the Britney years.

High-top sneakers like Hogan's (right; HK$3,000) will give you a funky edge. And if you're not sold on the denim jacket, you can transition into the trend with a denim shirt, like this one from Williamsburg Garment Company, available at Lane Crawford (bottom left; inquiries: 2118 3388).