Lightweight Transitional Jackets for Spring
What’s the weather like where you live? Right now is that weird time between winter and spring where you’re not sure what to wear because the weather is a little chilly but you’re ready to wear exciting new spring styles too! Anyone else feel this way?! Depending on where you live, it might be even trickier to dress for these temps. It’s still pretty cold in Colorado with plenty of snow on the ground but I’m ready for spring fashion. Below I’m sharing 10 lightweight jackets for spring that (depending on your climate) you can wear into the early days of summer too!
1) Utility or Cargo Jacket
A versatile jacket is a must-have for spring, and I got this gorgeous bouclé cargo jacket that was a heavy hitter for me last year. I love that this jacket fits seamlessly into my wardrobe but is a little different, unexpected, and unique. It’s a cargo-style jacket that can actually be belted. It gives a very Out of Africa vibe if you’ve ever seen it. The beautiful light cream color screams spring and it’s one of those perfect layering pieces.
The fabrication of this jacket is also what makes it so special…it’s not your typical cargo jacket. I love wearing it open with the belt just tied in the back for spring but you can also wear it closed and belted if you want the added warmth and shape. I styled it with a cool white button-down, jeans, and booties but styled it so many ways last season!
2) Lightweight Cardigan
The next lightweight spring “jacket” must-have is a cardigan! Cardigans are so versatile and can really pull a look together. I’m wearing a super soft cocoon cardigan by Jenni Kayne but you can choose a cardigan that works best for your wardrobe and climate. I love this cardigan because it’s the perfect weight, the color is gorgeous (but comes in other colors too), and it works seamlessly with other pieces in my closet. It’s also SO soft and luxe. Quince is a great brand if you’re looking for affordable cashmere because they have pieces that are excellent quality and they have a mindful focus on sustainability. This cardigan is nearly identical to the one I’m wearing above and gets excellent reviews.
3) Denim Jacket
I’ve had this denim jacket for years and wear it every spring! I love the light distressing and puff shoulders that give it a little something special and unique so it’s not a basic denim jacket. There are tons of denim jacket options out there for you to choose from but I linked a few favorites below. This Retrofete jacket is more fitted and cropped but another big trend for spring is oversized denim jackets if that’s more your style.
If you’re interested in tips for finding the perfect denim jacket, check out this post next.
4) Sandro Trench
A classic trench is an essential springtime wardrobe staple! You probably remember this Sandro trench if you’ve followed me for a while. It is simply exquisite! It quickly became one of my favorite new pieces shortly after purchasing it in 2021. It’s flattering, feels amazing, and has gorgeous, feminine, and elevated touches that make it a standout piece. A trench coat is one of the wardrobe basics every woman needs, and one with special details is certainly a bonus. I know this one is a little pricey and it’s also older and sold out in most places so I’m linking a few other trench coats below that are also great options at different price points.
5) Cropped Blazer
Do you own a cropped blazer? I know the style isn’t for everyone so if you’re more of a traditional blazer lover, just swap this cropped blazer for a regular or oversized blazer instead. I’m sharing my favorite breathable blazer below so keep reading 😉 I personally love the look of the cropped blazer and this one by Kimberley Goldson is so chic. Everything from the color, fabric, peaked lapels, shoulder pads, and cropped length…it’s SO good! It’s currently sold out but I’ve linked some similar options below. If blazers aren’t your style, consider a cropped moto jacket, cropped bomber jacket, or any cropped jacket style you love!
6) Puffer Vest
This is a bit of a wild card, but I’ve seen more and more women wearing cropped puffers in fun colors like this one. I love the hot pink but if you don’t love to wear color, you could go with a pretty beige, cream, or brown for spring. I love this piece to throw over a casual outfit to add a little oomph.
7) Sweater Jacket
Next up, is this really cool piece by Simkahi…a sweater jacket. I have it in green and camel, but it also comes in a pretty stone color that’s perfect for spring! It has a waist-defining detail that’s very flattering and a small peplum that’s great for hiding a tummy. The contrasting ribbing and cable knit textured sleeves are also really cool. You can wear it zipped up with jeans or unzipped with a cami or blouse underneath. This is more of a specialty piece that you don’t need…but is such a fun piece if you can find a sweater jacket combo!
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8) Leather Jacket
Another jacket every woman should have in their closet is a high-quality, chic leather jacket. There are SO many types of leather jackets out there so you can go with something more classic for the most versatility or purchase something that has interesting details like one of the two I’m wearing above. The leather jacket I’m wearing on the left by L’Agence is SO chic, flattering, and unexpected. The Free People leather jacket on the right is a wonderful affordable option and I love the more unique, oversized shape that’s so on-trend right now. I shared a few more leather jackets I love for spring below, including some in lighter colors as well.
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9) Tweed Blazer or Jacket
Next up is a tweed blazer or jacket…they’ve become increasingly popular over the past year or so and they’re perfect for spring! In the photos above, I’m wearing a cool Generation Love tweed cropped jacket (left) that has pearl embellishments all over it. The second jacket I’m wearing probably looks familiar if you’re an email subscriber. I bought it this fall and have been wearing it nonstop…it’ll transition perfectly into spring as well.
10) Breathable Blazer
If you don’t already have a classic blazer in your closet, now’s the time! Blazers are a wonderful, transitional jacket to have in your closet. And depending on the style and material of the blazer, you can wear it year-round. My all-time go-to favorite is the Veronica Beard scuba blazer because the fit is amazing, the fabric is thick but breathable, and it’s so versatile.
Do you have all of these lightweight jackets for spring covered? Let us know in the comments below!
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[…] If you’re on the hunt for that perfect 3rd layer, you’ll want to check out these posts featuring lightweight jackets for every season… Find The Perfect Moto Jacket Fall Jackets That Feel Fresh & Unique Lightweight Transitional Spring Jackets […]
Thanks for the great spring jacket checklist! I have it covered pretty well and am looking forward to wearing them soon! My favorite is the pink puffer. Mine is forest green but I could make it pop with a pink scarf. Have a great spring!
You’re SO welcome, Blythe! So glad you enjoyed this one – love the pink too!! Can’t wait for warmer weather… ~Erin xo
Love that sweater jacket! I found some super cute sweater jackets that are layering pieces as well, they are made by Spyder! I picked up a Oatmeal color, a Royal Blue and a pretty Pink(some call it Barbiecore) one! All were under $50 each!
Absolutely LOVING sweater jackets for this transitional time. Those colors all sound beautiful and perfect for spring, Carrolle! Thanks so much for reading this one. ~Erin xo