Are denim jackets smart-casual?

Denim jackets have been a wardrobe staple for decades, but the question remains: are they smart-casual? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Pairing a denim jacket with dress pants and a button-up shirt creates a stylish, but not overly formal look. However, wearing a denim jacket with jeans can come across as too casual. The key is to balance the dressiness of the outfit with the laid-back nature of the jacket.