The perfect spring jacket. Is there such a thing? I think it is a myth. In winter you can pretty much get by with one really good coat, maybe two. Ok, three. Or four…oh, who am I kidding? But in spring there are so many weather options to be mindful of. One minute it’s blowing a gale and pissing it down. The next, it’s winter again, and then by lunchtime it’s scorchio and you don’t even need a jacket. But we haven’t quite reached peak ‘Phil Collins weather’* yet, so I’ve picked out six options for you. I know a trench coat is by definition a coat, but we can’t talk about spring outerwear without including a few of them.
I’ve also purposely omitted the blazer, because I think that deserves a post all of its own. I’ve become quite the fan of a good blazer of late so I’m looking for some outfit inspiration on what to wear mine with. But for now let’s have a look at the spring jacket options out there.
*No jacket required of course.
PRINTED JACKET
I’ve noticed that there are lots of great printed jackets around this season. I use the word ‘printed’ as I wasn’t sure how else to describe them as they are all quite different, but if you’re looking for something to instantly add some interest to an otherwise simple outfit then these are for you. This jacket from Hush is reversible – always love a 2‑for‑1 deal. I also like this printed patchwork number from Albaray and, if you want to push the boat out price-wise, this one from Isabel Marant Étoile is amazing. Also amazing are these Veja x Marni hi-tops. Be prepared to have your family ask why someone has drawn all over your expensive trainers though…
1. Hush Neri reversible quilted jacket
2. Mango cotton blend printed sweatshirt
3. Jigsaw cropped wide leg jeans
4. Albaray organic cotton striped blouse
5. Veja x Marni high top trainers
UTILITY JACKET
Something I’m sure a lot of you have from years gone by, a real classic spring/summer jacket option. We could call it a ‘shacket’, but we don’t really like those combined names. Or is that just me? See also made-up words like ‘holibobs’, ‘hubster’, ‘Chrimbo’, and god forbid, ‘famalam’. Basically you’re looking at a simple, cotton, usually khaki jacket with pockets. Always pockets. I know we’re only in the first sniff of spring but this will go great with your white summer dress and a basket bag. Something to look forward to.
1. John Lewis & Partners patch pocket soft khaki jacket
2. Isabel Marant charm earrings (use cide KATE15 for 15% off)
3. ME + EM cheesecloth maxi shirt dress
4. Wild Daisy personalised basket bag
5. ASOS Marina leather fishermans sandals
LIGHTWEIGHT PARKA
For a more in-depth post on weather-appropriate jackets and coats, please see the dog-walking and pub visits article from a few weeks ago. But for this time of year, let’s go for a nice lightweight version for ‘sunshine and light showers’ weather rather than ‘trudging through the mud in a howling gale’. My top pick in this department is the very useful longline mac from Kin at John Lewis. It’s packable too, so you can stuff it in your handbag when the sun comes out again. Always a good selling point for a summer mac. Size down as they come up big.
1. Isabel Marant Etoile Houston sweatshirt (use cide KATE15 for 15% off)
2. Anya Hindmarch ‘Working From Home’ tote bag
4. Whistles premium lounge joggers
DENIM JACKET
Now, the classic denim jacket is always an option, but I feel that’s more for high summer so I’ve had a look around for some different denim options instead. I like the ‘worker’ style of this one from Uniqlo. It’s unisex too so you could double up with your significant male. Don’t be afraid to do a little bit of double denim either. I always say that the trick to not looking too Britney and Justin circa 1996 is to mix up your shades of blue a bit. Add a good white shirt and a spot of leopard for an easy spring look.
1. H&M white cotton Oxford shirt
2. Ganni recycled leopard print bag (use KATE15 for 15% off)
3. Uniqlo unisex denim worker jacket
5. Vans classic leopard slip on trainers
TRENCH COAT
Love it or loathe it, the trench coat is THE classic spring coat. I prefer a slightly oversized style. Even though I would rarely, read ever, belt it at the front, I’d still want it to come with a belt. Tie it in a knot around the back to give your oversized trench a little bit of shape. I’m also quite taken with these Grenson sandal/loafer hybrids. I won’t go into gory detail but I’ve had some big-toe ‘trauma’ of late so I need a closed-toe sandal for the foreseeable. It’s not a pretty sight…
1. & Other Stories puff sleeve denim blouse
2. APC Grace leather cross body bag
3. River Island khaki mid rise tapered trousers
4. Selected Femme longline belted trench coat
5. Grenson Dotty tan leather clog sandals
LEATHER JACKET
I know you all have one of these tucked away in your wardrobe somewhere, but I just wanted to throw it in as an option for spring. For more ideas, check out this post from last year. I also really wanted to show another option for a jacket you can wear with skirts and dresses and boots, particularly this amazing dress from Maje. You could wear this to a wedding with heels and a blazer but equally throw your biker over for a less dressy option.
2. All Saints leather Dalby jacket
3. Whistles black Elmley leather bag
4. Dr Martens Flora smooth leather boots
5. Geox suede block heeled sandals
Next week I hope to do blazers for a few smarter outfit options, but we’ll see where the mood takes me.
Kate x
