Spring forward: Top 12 jackets for the transitional period
Spring weather is notoriously changeable. Between sudden showers, rays of sunshine and gusty winds, all within hours, you need a jacket that’s up to the task.
The ideal between-seasons jacket should be light enough to stand up to the heat, yet durable enough to withstand a bit of rain and stylish enough to complete an outfit without being so valuable that you don’t wear it for longer sunny afternoons A tote bag you can throw into cooler evenings at the park.
If you’re looking for new outerwear to see you through the season, we’ve found a selection of options for men and women that will make dressing transitional a breeze, whatever your style or budget.
MEN
1. Minimal
Cotton jacket, Cos, €89
If you want a no-fuss design that goes with everything in your wardrobe, try this 100-piece cotton jacket (€89, COS, sizes XS-XL). It’s also available in khaki and cream, but black is the most wearable – and looks more expensive. The jacket’s relaxed, boxy fit makes it easy to slip on, while the heavy stitching and patch pocket add visual interest to an otherwise understated design.
2.Neutral
Darker hues can seem a little heavy during the hotter months, while lighter hues can be difficult to sustain through months of barbecues, garden get-togethers, and ice cream at the park. If you prefer a more muted palette over lighter colors, a rich midtone offers a good midtone. River Island’s tan jacket (€85, riverisland.com, sizes XS-XL) feels just right at the moment and can easily be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion.
3. Smart casual
video of the day
Knit blazer, €65, M&S
Those who prefer a sharper look may need a sunshine-ready alternative to heavy tailoring to weather the changeable weather. A knitted blazer can add a casual feel to your outfits – we like Marks & Spencer’s offering (€65, sizes XS–XXXXL) which gives the archetypal blazer’s elegant collar, three button closure and classic navy tone a more relaxed update , thanks to its unstructured silhouette and soft cotton modal fabric.
4. Colorful
Harrington jacket, €399, Tommy Hilfiger
Want to make more of a fashion statement? For a vibrant yet durable addition to your wardrobe, consider branching out with a familiar shape in an unexpected color. The Tommy Hilfiger Red Turtleneck Harrington Jacket (€399, sizes XS-XXXL) is a standout option: the light hue is bold yet accessible, while the design is appealingly pared down, offering a simple, stylish way to express your Look to enhance everyday outfits.
5. Quilted
Quilted shacket from Rains, €95, indigo & fabric
The resurgence of the lightweight quilted jacket has yet to slow down, and Rains’ version (€95, Indigo & Cloth, sizes XS-L) offers a path on trend that won’t go away as the fashion world moves on to the next big thing. The Scandinavian brand is known for their contemporary reinterpretations of classic outerwear, and this inner jacket is a solid example: the slim silhouette and smart collar give the padded outer jacket a stylish edge, which can now be worn alone or under a coat in the cooler months.
6. Waterproof
Hoodie, €295, Ted Baker
Stay dry in style with a stylish take on the waterproof jacket. Ted Baker’s hooded version (€295, sizes XS-XXXXL) comes in a bright blue and is a regular length, giving it more of a spring feel than a long raincoat. The striking color, subtle texture of the fabric, and sturdy hardware closures add a twist to the standard raincoat shape.
WOMEN
7.Denim
Denim jacket, Rixo, €295
Denim jackets are a perennial favorite in the warmer months and Rixo have given the wardrobe hero a modern update with their Rhae jacket (€295, rixo.co.uk, sizes 6-20). It features a light wash with diamond quilting, a smart stand-up collar, cropped hem and asymmetric tie closures at front. The wrap style and boxy fit are comfortable yet chic and are perfect for wearing over anything from shorts and a t-shirt to a pretty tea dress.
8. Hooded
Hooded jacket, Next, €70
If a functional hood is an outerwear essential, check out Next’s camel style (€70, sizes 6-24), which has a voluminous shape that sits comfortably over any outfit and keeps you covered during spring showers. The hue is perfect for spring – it’s also machine washable – and the gold-tone buttons add a luxe element, while the cotton-blend fabric has a splash-proof, water-repellent finish to offer extra protection from the rain.
9. Leather
Leather jacket, €540, tear
Leather jackets are another enduringly popular choice for transitional outfits. Biker and moto silhouettes are back in style in 2022, but they can be tricky to style. The Reiss Kaja Jacket (€540, sizes 4-18) has a sleek, contemporary design that makes it easier to wear than trendy grunge styles. The pointed collar, epaulettes and front zip closure add interest, and it’s fully lined to make it more comfortable to wear when the temperature rises. You can choose from black or warm tan – our pick for a lighter, softer look for spring.
10. Trending
Padded jacket, €75, M&S
If you’re looking to indulge in the season’s trends on a budget, check out the Marks & Spencer Lavender Down Jacket (€75, sizes 6-24). The fashion world can’t get enough of onion quilted jackets, and purple (or “Very Peri”) is the color of the year, as Pantone has dubbed it; This design combines the two in a boxy, collarless style. Best of all, it requires little to no styling effort – slip the jacket on with a tee and jeans and let it do all the sartorial lifting for you, or pair with crisp whites for extra fashion points Accessories, varying violet tones or contrasting beige and green tones.
11. Trench
Cropped trench coat, €129, Massimo Dutti
For an exciting reinterpretation of another wardrobe staple, there’s Massimo Dutti’s cropped version of the classic trench coat (€129, sizes 8-14). The cropped length feels fresher and breezy on spring outings than the typical long belted trench coat, while still retaining the signature wide lapels, buttoned cuffs, and back vent. The navy colorway is a little softer than black for warm-weather looks and more stain-resistant than the usual beige, all in a comfortable cotton blend.
12. Tweet
Forever New bouclé jacket, €125, Brown Thomas
Meghan Markle reaffirmed the timelessness of a good tweed jacket earlier this month at the Invictus Games in the Netherlands when she stepped out in a black Celine version with gold buttons, worn with light wash jeans and ballet flats. Melbourne-based brand Forever New offers a similar style (€125, Brown Thomas, sizes 4-16) made from recycled polyester with gold-tone buttons. The cheerful green makes it feel a little less formal than black for everyday wear, and it looks great worn with a camisole, vest, plain blouse or t-shirt.
https://www.independent.ie/style/fashion/fashion-fix/spring-forward-top-12-jackets-for-between-seasons-41594588.html Spring forward: Top 12 jackets for the transitional period