Princess Anne's denim blazer was a style plot twist at Commonwealth Games and it's got me excited to embrace jacket weather
We're slowly moving towards layering season and denim will work with pretty much any colour and so many different silhouettes
Princess Anne famously believes that there's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing and I couldn't think of a more "appropriate" jacket style for summer than denim. It's incredibly versatile and the Princess Royal just wore a rather fabulous denim blazer for a day at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
It's possible she's had this in her collection for decades but it stood out as something quite different for her. Anne's jacket was a mid-blue wash and I firmly believe this is the best colour to go for if you want all-round wearability. Indigo, black and white denim are less mottled and can often be stiffer too.
This makes them feel quite formal, whilst light blue washes are naturally casual. Going for a colour that falls in between these makes denim pieces easier to dress up or down - and this applies to jackets as well as jeans.
Shop Denim Jackets For Summer
Shackets like this can be worn on cooler summer days and well into autumn, offering a longline fit that can also work under thicker jackets. The Mint Velvet design has a classic collar, buttoned cuffs and a cinched waist for a flattering finish. There's four pockets and buttons at the front.
A classic, mid-blue denim jacket is such a useful piece to have in your collection and this one is affordable and has an authentic, faded wash. It's got a regular fit and is made from cotton, with two front pockets and a button-up fastening.
Dark indigo denim naturally feels more formal and this luxurious ME+EM jacket is made even more so because it has a notched lapel collar. Not quite a blazer, not quite a utility jacket, this is a lovely blend. There's a pleat at the back for shaping and several functional pockets on the front.
This timeless Levi's jacket comes in several different washes, including this versatile mid-toned blue. There are waist tabs at the back so you can adjust the fit and a point collar, front slant pockets and chest patch pockets too. Throw on with jeans for a double denim look, or over a summer dress.
This design is part of M&S's Per Una range and offers a utility-inspired look, with top-stitched seams that add authentic detailing. It's got an oversized fit which creates a relaxed shape and means you can layer it over knitwear easily when autumn arrives. There are side pockets, patch pockets and classic metal button fastenings.
Complete your day-to-day looks with this understated denim jacket. It's got a contemporary collarless neckline and subtle contrasting thread that gives it extra dimension. The front pockets are practical and it's slightly cropped, which means it finishes at the perfect length to go with high-waisted trousers, jeans or skirts.
The Princess's choice of a blazer with notched lapels and contrasting stitching elevated the material and makes sense, as she rarely goes for casualwear when she's making royal appearances. Denim blazers are also quite fashion-forward and contemporary.
If you want something that's a bit more timeless, I'd recommend a trucker-style jacket or even a shacket - a cross between a shirt and a jacket that's long-line. Any of these will work as a summer capsule wardrobe staple and you can pair them with dresses and trousers, as well as with jeans if you like a double denim look.
Cropped denim jackets are perfect with high-rise items or dresses as they accentuate the waist, whilst longer designs have a lovely frame-elongating effect when worn with trousers.
It's completely down to personal preference, but I wouldn't necessarily wear a long-line denim jacket with a midi skirt or dress, as they can bunch up or cut off at a tricky point. Regardless of the shape, when autumn arrives denim jackets can then be worn over knitwear or under thicker coats.
Cotton denim is very breathable, so whether you’re wearing it in the heat or you're concerned about over-heating in layers, these kinds of jackets are a clever pick. The Princess Royal tends to prefer having more layering options and for the Games in Glasgow she was wearing a beige trench coat over the top at certain points.
The rest of her outfit was chic and simple - dark blue trousers, a striped shirt, blue scarf and navy and white trainers.
She also sported her trademark snazzy sunglasses from adidas, which she's owned since at least 2008 and have a wraparound design. The Princess was there with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence, her brother Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie.
Perhaps it was her strong connection with Scotland that inspired her almost entirely blue ensemble, as it's featured heavily on the country's flag. Princess Anne is Patron of Scottish Rugby and she and Timothy got married in Aberdeenshire in a Church of Scotland ceremony.
Whatever the reason, the different shades of blue complemented her denim blazer and the pops of red in her striped shirt were a fun contrast.
