It’s sunny. It’s rainy. Welcome to British springtime (well, almost).
With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to trade in your duvet coats for something a little lighter, but with erratic changes in weather it’s hard to know what to wear in this tricky transitional season. We’d say versatility is the key, so lightweight jackets like leather bikers, bombers, macs and denim cover-ups are king at this time of year.
Here, we take a look at some of the best lightweight options to keep you stylishly covered-up this season.
1. Mango Maxi Belt Coat: £99.99, Mango
Yellow was seen all over the runways this season and here’s a wearable shade in jacket form. With its oversized silhouette and chunky belt buckle fastening, we’re getting more retro vibes – 60s this time. Finished with a decorative pocket, dropped shoulders and strong lapels, this is power dressing, sunny side up.
2. Rains Waterproof Jacket: £69, Zalando
A waterproof jacket is a very useful addition to your wardrobe at this time of year. If you’re going to invest in one, why not go to the experts? Danish brand Rains has been defying wet-weather since 2011 with its take on the classic raincoat. With a simple, functional design, this one oozes Scandi cool. It features traditional rainwear detailing such as a storm shield, drawstring hood and a super-soft matte surface that’s comfortable to wear and promises to protect you from spontaneous showers. We love the fact that it comes in nine different colours with everything from black to pastel pink, but our favourite has to be this light blue.
3. Topshop Slim Fit Double Breasted Coat: £59, Topshop
Nothing says spring quite like a pop of colour and this option from Topshop ticks all the right boxes. This double-breasted, wool-blend jacket has a long, loose silhouette and promises to make a statement in bright red. With stylish wide lapels and contrasting dark horn buttons this is ideal for anyone wanting to experiment with colour or liven up their drab winter wardrobe.
4. Miss Selfridge Grey Belted Trench Coat: £79, Miss Selfridge
Here’s a trench coat but with a twist. A combination of strong tailoring and a streamlined silhouette, this mid-length trench comes with a belted waist to cinch you in where it matters, as well as pockets and long, slimline sleeves. We love the contemporary grey-blue colour that elevates such a traditional look from humdrum to seriously stylish. The silver press studs give it a minimal feel and it would look great paired with everything from chunky knits to floral blouses.
5. Jaz Patch Pocket Jacket: £495, Whistles
Whistles is our go-to for a transitional jacket that will come out season after season, and this fern green option is an absolute winner. The butter-soft suede jacket is cut in a boxy silhouette that’s fitted through the shoulders. With a slightly 70s vibe, the cropped length and oversized patch pocket help to give it a more contemporary feel. Wear yours with everything from tailored trousers to jeans.
6. Warehouse Top Stitch Jacket: £75, Warehouse
Want to switch things up from denim? This navy cotton jacket is a great alternative. Cut with a relaxed fit, it almost has a military feel with strong shoulders topped with epaulettes and double pockets on the chest. The white stitching adds definition, and it also comes with a belt so you can wear it fitted or left open and boxy.
7. H&M Bomber Jacket: £34.99, H&M
There are certain jackets that are seasonless and the bomber is one of them. This silver version will pep up a winter wardrobe and work with most things you own. The oversized fit and elasticated cuffs accentuate its sporty look. It’s lined and comes in sizes 6-10.
8. & Other Stories Belted Cotton Coat: £145, & Other Stories
This retro-inspired trench is a mash-up of classic, structured design and pared-back simplicity. It has some of the sharp detailing you want from a trench coat: breast shield, epaulettes and a pointy collar, but without fussy buttons or other hardware. Wear it belted or open.
9. Cos Rubberised Leather coat: £290, Cos
If you’re after something functional but a little different, then this could be the ideal spring coat for you. A fashion-forward take on the traditional rain jacket, this is made from smooth leather with a rubberised finish. You get a high neck and large flap pockets, reminiscent of a fisherman’s jacket, with a toggle drawstring waist to keep things flattering. We’re not promising it will keep you dry in a storm – also note the lack of hood – but that canary yellow will definitely brighten a dull day.
10. All Saints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket: £318, All Saints
The inclusion of a leather jacket in this line-up needs no explanation, especially when it’s one from All Saints, a brand best known for its bikers. Slim-fitting and in super-soft leather, this really is one you’ll bring out for all those transitional months year after year. The silver hardware and soft grey shade will give your wardrobe a light injection.
The Verdict: Spring jackets for women
We love Mango’s coat that perfectly combines a splash of colour with nonchalant style and a cool-girl vibe. For something a little more reserved though, & Other Stories’ belted trench comes a close second.
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