One minute the sun is blazing, the next grey clouds are descending accompanied by our least favourite of all weather variations - the dreaded drizzle. The key to surviving summer sartorially lies in versatile dressing. Lightweight jackets that won’t get you all hot and bothered when the sun decides to put in an appearance but can provide much needed warmth when (inevitably) needed.
The most important thing is that they can be cast off with abandon, aren’t cumbersome to carry around, and can be shoved (with care) into handbags, or slung onto the backs of chairs. These are hassle-free jackets and coats here to save the day.
© Christian VierigHow to pick a spring jacket:
The trick is to consider them a part of the outfit, an extension of it, as opposed to an unwanted appendage being carted around as a point of necessity. Implement your favourite summer 2024 trends into your jacket purchasing process; embrace boho and consider romantic details or head to the blazer section for a touch of preppy energy. Quilted jackets’ popularity shows no sign of slowing and we still can’t get enough of bows on absolutely everything, coats included. And of course, never forget the ultimate classic: the trench coat. It’s timeless for good reason.
The best lightweight spring jackets to shop now:
Short Trench Coat
H&M
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XXS-4XL
The perfect trench coat update for warmer weather, this neat cropped trench gives Chloé energy, without the price tag.
Maronti Jacket
Paige
The Details
- Composition: 100% Suede
- Sizes: XS-L
Western style isn't going anywhere this summer, and this toffee coloured delight adds a touch of cowboy magic into any ensemble without veering into fancy dress territory.
Textured Faux Leather Oversized Collar Bomber jacket
Topshop
The Details
- Composition: 100% Polyurethane
- Sizes: XS-L
The devil's in the details for this glorious Topshop bomber. The soft chocolate shade, the oversized fit and collar detail. Perfect to throw on top of mini dresses for a touch of cool-girl magic.
We The Free Cori Waxed Jacket
Free People
The Details
- Composition: 100& Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
Roll up the cuffed sleeves and pop atop summery dresses and sportier ensembles alike. It comes in three other colours too...
Two-way Zip Oxford Jacket
Monki
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XS-XL
Who said jackets have to be safe and neutral? We would wear this dark green number with denim and red accessories.
Corduroy-trimmed Coated-Canvas Jacket
Toteme
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: DK32-DK42
We don't know how we functioned in spring and summer without the barn jacket, our favourite outerwear trend to hit the big time in the last couple of seasons. They're wearable, versatile and utterly chic.
Meant To Be PU Boxy Jacket
Peppermayo
The Details
- Composition: 40% PU, 55% Polyester, 5% Spandex
- Sizes: XS-S, L-XL
Another fresh colour for a springtime wardrobe palette, rich oxblood or red wine which would look sensational paired with pastel pink, trust us.
Pilcro Embroidered Utility Denim Jacket
Anthropologie
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: XXS-L
Double denim, pah! We say go mad for the stuff, and opt for quadruple denim instead this summer.
Blue Denim Blazer
River Island
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
- Sizes: 6-18
We love the juxtaposition of casual denim and sharp-suiting and this indigo blazer is just the ticket for adding a bit of structure to frothier ensembles.
Black Clean Bonded Leather Jacket
Whistles
The Details
- Composition: 100% Leather
- Sizes: XS-XL
Leather jackets in springtime are a winning combination for a reason. Pair with a shirt and tie, plus micro shorts and kitten heels.
How we chose:
Aesthetic: Letting style (plus practicality) guide me, I picked the prettiest, preppiest and most functional lightweight jackets I could find, that wouldn't compromise your style one iota.
Price: I've selected items from a wide range of price points to try and suit most budgets, without compromising on quality.
Why you should trust me?
Working in fashion is simultaneously the best and worst thing that’s ever happened to me because spending all day surrounded by gorgeous pieces and trends lit a fire under my (already substantial) shopping habit. I love to shop. I live to shop, and summer ensembles are my jam. In a previous life, I worked in Personal Shopping, and I’m the person to take out with you if you want to be wholeheartedly talked into a purchase.
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