Looking out of the window, it doesn’t feel particularly spring-like right now, but we did have one sunny day this past week AND I’ve seen the magnolia trees starting to bloom here in London, so it’s definitely on its way. Be warned, though: do not pack away the winter coats just yet, because you know that as soon as you do, it will snow. Variable weather aside, now is probably a good time to start thinking about your preferred spring jacket. I’m sure you’ve already got a few options in your wardrobe, but if you’re in the market for a refresh, here are 6 spring jacket styles to choose from this season. Which one is your favourite?
THE CROPPED TRENCH
‘What’s wrong with a full-length trench?’ I hear you cry. Well, nothing; but I know that some of you just can’t get past the Columbo connotations. Frankly, you’re showing your age if you think you look like a 1970s detective when you should be thinking you look like Sienna Miller in a Burberry ad. Oh, to look like Sienna Miller in anything. I know… it’s a pipe dream. So, for all you trench-shirkers, you can get the look this season with a cropped version. They are ALL over the high street. Very easy to style with jeans or your favourite trousers, but not sure they would work with skirts or dresses. A full-length trench is better with those. Don’t think Columbo ever wore a dress so you should be fine on that front.
- John Lewis ANYDAY cropped trench coat
- & Other Stories relaxed knit jumper
- H&M wide high jeans
- Anthropologie Larissa woven faux leather bag
- Boden Connie relaxed stripe linen shirt
- M&S buckle square toe ballet pumps
THE LEATHER JACKET
As a former rock chick, I’ve never not been without a leather jacket. I vividly remember buying my first one when I was 14 or 15 with the £50 I won as a first prize in a local art competition (by designing some deckchair-printed curtains for a caravan. Don’t ask, I don’t even know…). I immediately hightailed it up to Kensington Market and bought myself a classic leather biker jacket. Later on, I painted The Cult’s logo on the back and wore it with my purple tie-dye leggings and a questionable paisley scarf worn as a headband. These days I favour a simpler style of leather and my headband days are definitely over.
- Hobbs Frederica leather jacket
- Missoma sqaure open stud earrings
- Le Specs square frame Tritan sunglasses (code KATE15 for 15% off)
- Levis ribcage straight ankle jeans
- Charles & Keith mini Alcott scarf handle bag
- M&S ribbed collared fitted knit top
- Gucci Jordaan leather horse bit loafers
THE BOMBER JACKET
Bomber jackets had a moment last year and they continue to do so this season. They will work particularly well with your khaki or cargo trousers for more casual days. This one from My Essential Wardrobe is reversible. I love anything reversible. It’s like those ‘bogof’ deals you get in Tesco if you’ve got a Clubcard. We all love getting something extra, don’t we?
- All Saints cropped wide v neck jumper
- Jigsaw x Collagerie two toned necklace
- My Essential Wardrobe reversible bomber jacket
- Hush Ashley cargo trousers
- Monsoon small faux leather bucket bag
- & Other Stories relaxed jersey top
- Adidas Spezial suede trainers
THE ONE WITH POCKETS
You know how I feel about pockets. The more, the better. Especially in jackets. In dresses they should really be mandatory. If you find yourself in any awkward social situations where you don’t know what to do with your hands, you NEED those pockets to feel and look more relaxed and less uptight. How can you look uptight when you’ve casually got your hands in your pockets? Lean against a door frame for more ‘relaxed-look’ points.
- Arket wool blend patch pocket jacket
- ME + EM cotton stripe cropped shirt
- Massimo Dutti wool blend darted navy trousers
- Dragon Diffusion large woven leather basket bag
- Aligne knitted red tie tank
- Boden leopard Mary Jane flats
THE BLAZER
I’ve always said that a good blazer can completely transform your outfit. It can even make sweatpants and a hoodie look smarter. I would suggest, to update your blazer style, trying a slightly oversized design. Not so oversized that you look like David Byrne from Talking Heads (the shoulder pads could be a bit much), but big enough to offer a bit of slouch. Throw it over almost any outfit for a laid-back, smart/casual style.
- H&M oversized textured blazer
- Rotate logo organic cotton cap (use code KATE15 for 15% off)
- Abercrombie Mia button-up sweater vest
- Whistles authentic barrel leg denim jeans
- Loewe Flamenco mini leather clutch bag
- COS regular heavyweight cotton long sleeve t shirt
- Sezane Albane burgundy leather loafers
THE BARBOUR (or similar waterproof)
I’m not sure I can talk about spring jackets without mentioning the trusty Barbour. They’re properly waterproof and, along with their timeless styles that never change, they also have some updated, more fashion-forward versions in varying lengths with larger collars and more interesting design features. They look just as good in the city as in the wilds of the countryside. I wore (almost) this exact outfit to the pub last weekend and three people complimented me. Never underestimate the power of a compliment. No one ever gets annoyed by someone telling them they like their outfit.
- Barbour Drummond wax jacket
- Uniqlo cashmere knitted beanie hat
- Monica Vinader Kate Young small hoop earrings (use code KATEHMV20 for 20% off)
- Citizens of Humanity Ayla mid rise wide leg jeans
- Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag
- Suermondt knitwear recycled cashmere sticker face jumper
- Grenson Nanette leather and suede boots
- Rostersox beer socks
Fingers crossed the weather improves where you are this week. At the very least you can enjoy the fact it’s not dark until 6pm now. Small blessings…
K x
