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 summer 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.
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The best lightweight summer jackets to shop now:
We The Free Cori Waxed Jacket
Free People
The Details
- Composition: 100& Cotton
Editor's Note
This oversized silhouette falls below the hip and is perfect for layering, while the double waxed cotton will keep pesky raindrops at bay.
Roll up the cuffed sleeves and pop atop summery dresses and sportier ensembles alike. It comes in three other colours too...
Frilly Fin Jacket - Pink Stripe
Damson Madder
The Details
- Composition: 80% Cotton 20% Recycled Cotton
Editor's Note
Damson Madder never fail to deliver staple pieces with of-the-moment touches. A bang average denim jacket, this is certainly not.
Don't miss the wide sleeve detail, adorable ruffled pockets, or matching maxi skirt.
Regular Fit Bomber Jacket
Monki
The Details
- Composition: 100% Polyester
Editor's Note
A bomber is an often-overlooked yet perfect partner for eye-wateringly short mini skirts and hot pants alike.
The dropped shoulders and shawl collar of this classic shape could also be teamed with tailored pieces to add a spot of nonchalance.
Pilcro Embroidered Utility Denim Jacket
Anthropologie
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
Editor's Note
Who said a denim jacket can't be exciting? The raw hem on this cropped, embroidered number make it a sweet, summery addition to anyone's wardrobe.
Double denim, pah! We say go mad for the stuff, and opt for quadruple denim instead this summer.
Albert Cording Single Breasted Blazer
Sister Jane
The Details
- Composition: 55% Cotton, 45% Lyocell
Editor's Note
Never skip the men's department, they're often a treasure trove of gorgeous relaxed fit pieces, perfect for balancing a frillier ensemble.
We haven't stopped thinking about this blazer since we first set eyes on it and its cording detail on both chest and cuffs.
Ashlar Quilted Shirt Jacket
Aje
The Details
- Composition: 100% Linen
Editor's Note
Is it a shirt? Is it a jacket? It's both, and more! The perfect lightweight layer for those in-between days.
This shirt shape is quilted for a touch of extra warmth but made from lightweight linen to keep you cool as and when required.
Lili Cotton Embroidered Bomber Jacket
Ghost
The Details
- Composition: 100% Cotton
Editor's Note
White embroidery goes with summertime like December nights and mulled wine, a perfect pairing.
This understated bomber adds a touch of texture to your Summer outfits, while the elasticated waistband creates shape.
Payton Soft Trench Coat
Forever New
The Details
- Composition: 65% Lyocell, 35% Polyester
Editor's Note
One simply can't speak about warmer weather layering without mentioning the trench coat. A wardrobe hero, we salute you.
Its tailored shape brings a bit of elegancy to proceedings while its neutral shade means you could sling this coat harmoniously on top of pretty much any ensemble.
Mariah Curved Sleeve Hourglass Blazer
Aligne
The Details
- Composition: 50% Recycled Polyester, 29% Polyester, 16% Viscose, 5% Elastane
Editor's Note
Not just an ordinary blazer, this curved beauty gives a stunning silhouette and would look just at home paired with jeans, tailored trousers, or a pair of shorts.
Who says your summer jacket can't make a statement? We'll be teaming ours with micro-shorts and a pair of trainers.
Cropped Rain Jacket With Hood in Mushroom
ASOS
The Details
- Composition: Coating: 100% Polyurethane, Main: 100% Polyester.
Editor's Note
This jacket gets extra brownie points for having a hood to protect our hair from the British climate.
If only we lived in a world where raincoats and summertime never crossed paths. That might not be the case sadly, but luckily jackets like this exist.
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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