With the weather swinging freely between blistering cold and mini heat waves, there’s no wonder we’re all having what-to-wear moments when it comes to getting dressed in the morning.
Surely our winter coat would feel OTT right now, but do we really want to run the risk of stepping out without one, spending our evening sidling up as close as possible to the outdoor heater during post-work drinks? When the weather can’t make up its mind, how are we supposed to? This is where the humble lightweight jacket comes in, the perfect trans-seasonal item.
As for options, you have plenty: failsafe denim truckers (Levi will sort you out, here), investment leather jackets (please see an entirely chic number from Mango below), oversized options to go over your cocktail dress, do-all parkas and Scandi-approved anoraks for when the sky is looking decidedly grey.
For a fashion seal of approval, look to workwear and utilitarian jackets which are having a major moment. See gorgeous iterations from & Other Stories, Joseph and Arket below - and note the belting for instant style points.
Here are the 28 best lightweight jackets for women to aid you during those inbetweeny weather moments…
Arket Workwear Jacket
We saw a plethora of workwear jackets on the SS19 runways, and Arket has taken note. This navy number, cropped at the hips and featuring a high collar and contrast stitching is dreamy. And the coolest part? Sustainability-focused Arket has used recycled polyester.
£79 | Arket | Buy it now
Oversized Cagoule Jacket by Peregrine
The perfect throw-over jacket for everything from popping down the shops to meeting the girls at the pub. The clean khaki and functional drawstrings make it a do-all piece.
Made from woven cotton with a layer of waterproof wax it's roomy enough for all occasions but ideal as functional festival attire you can still wear long after you've packed down the tent and scrubbed off the glitter.
£165 | Peregrine | Buy it now
& Other Stories Belted Workwear Jacket
Channel your inner Eighties working girl in this belted wool blend jacket. We adore the large pockets, front buttons and an oversized, pointed collar, while the beige-cream hue keeps it feeling clean and chic. Just be careful when slurping that lunchtime tomato soup.
£129 | & Other Stories | Buy it now
Levi Original Trucker Jacket
No wardrobe is quite complete without a denim jacket, so if there’s a gap in yours for one, look to Levi for an investment piece that will see you through the years. We love the brand’s original trucker jacket in indigo blue.
£95 | Levi | Buy it now
Ralph Lauren Paint Military Cotton Jacket
Paint splatters, distressed fabric and army-inspired patches, this Ralph Lauren jacket is ideal for fashion lovers with a penchant for vintage-style pieces, while the utility style is bang on trend. Wear with a dark polo neck, your smartest jeans and favourite heeled boots for the perfect low-key but chic getup.
£230 | Selfridges | Buy it now
ASOS DESIGN Trench Coat
You don’t have to spend Burberry prices to achieve the same results with this stone-coloured trench by ASOS DESIGN.
The longline cut is ideal for this time of the year when there’s still the threat of a chill creeping up your back, yet the fabric is still lightweight enough to wear when the spring sun shines. Add to that the jacket’s classic silhouette which rarely goes out of style, meaning you can wear it again year-on-year.
£50 | ASOS | Buy it now
Mango Pockets Leather Jacket
If it’s possible to fall in love with a jacket, we just fell hard. Mango’s straight, long-length leather jacket is entirely lust-worthy from the pockets to the studded buttons and leather so soft you just want to stroke it. And can we talk about that wrap-around belt? Be ours.
£149.99 | Mango | Buy it now
Ganni Angela Fringed Jacket
Pretend you’re a Western movie screen siren in this Ganni fringed jacket. The off-white colour, paired with the fitted bodice and pop buttons make this the perfect It-jacket to impress your fashionable friends with. But how to wear it?
Offset the tough leather with a silky slip dress.
£491 | Ganni | Buy it now
Rains Jacket in Dusty Mint
Get images of dowdy, boring raincoats out of your mind immediately with Rains’ matte-finish waterproof in Dusty Mint.
The Danish outerwear brand is really making a name for itself in fashion, meaning this lightweight jacket needn’t be reserved for wet weather. No rain forecast? No problem.
£69 | Rains | Buy it now
Jigsaw Suede Trucker Jacket
Jigsaw’s suede trucker jacket is the kind of piece you can imagine joyously scouting out in your favourite vintage store in years to come.
The supple suede mixed with the memorable sunny yellow hue make this a wardrobe keepsake.
£290 | Jigsaw | Buy it now
AllSaints Kelsie Faux-Leather Jacket
High-shine finishes are an easy way to achieve an elevated look, which is why we love the contrast between the glossy exterior of AllSaints’ faux-leather jacket and its casual aviator silhouette.
Paired with jeans and your favourite kicks, this will be the perfect in-between item to keep you looking super stylish while grabbing some pub grub with your pals.
£198 | Selfridges | Buy it now
ASOS DESIGN Contrast Stitch Cotton Jacket
White is an quick and easy way to take your wardrobe into spring, after months spent sartorially dwelling in the dark, black recesses. This ASOS DESIGN contrast-stitch jacket is a great show-stealing piece while, if paired with dark separates, won’t feel too dazzling even on cloudy days.
£38 | ASOS | Buy it now
Mother of Pearl Emmett Belted Faux Pearl-Embellished Gingham Wool Jacket
Dream. Jacket. Alert. Mother of Pearl’s gingham wool Emmett jacket is gorgeously feminine, from the ruffle detail at the shoulder to the waist belt and those signature MoP pearls. Bank balance be afraid, be very afraid.
£695 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now
Uterque Denim Style Leather Jacket
Cartoonishly fun, this lilac leather jacket with side pockets and bold snap buttons by Uterque is the pop of eccentricity your wardrobe is missing. Ideal for leather jacket lovers with one-too-many black versions. You know who you are.
£250 | Uterque | Buy it now
Joseph Warrick Belted Cotton Jacket
Joseph’s Warrick jacket pretty much epitomises the utilitarian trend, with its pale khaki hue, contrast stitching, high collar, functional pockets and means-business belt, while the exaggerated storm flap adds a point of interest.
£795 | Net-A-Porter | Buy it now
Monki Contrast Stitch Jacket
We’ve already mentioned that utilitarian is the style du jour in jackets right now, and Monki’s burnt orange number is one of the best. The bold hue, contrast stitch and slightly-too-big fit makes this an eye-catcher.
£50 | Monki | Buy it now
Zara Wrap Collar Jacket
Zara’s lightweight jacket makes the ideal addition to your lowkey weekend outfit, while the cool-girl khaki will have you perfectly on-trend. The high collar, front flap pockets and adjustable straps tick all the practicality boxes while the subtle ruching gives your jacket that much-needed fashion edge. Tick and tick.
£29.99 | Zara | Buy it now
Topshop Crocodile PU Jacket
Sidestep from run-of-the mill leather jackets and opt for a croc number instead. This Zara jacket, made from faux leather, is super high-shine, cropped at hips and feels as durable as the real thing. Pair with a party dress for your next night out, or equally with straight-cut jeans and matching patent boots for a daytime getup.
£55 | Topshop | Buy it now
ASOS DESIGN Denim Girlfriend Jacket in Washed Black
For a smarter take on the denim jacket (i.e one you could wear to work) look to black. We are majorly into this ASOS DESIGN option.
£40 | ASOS | Buy it now
Zara Fringed Jacket
Some jackets serve the purpose of adding pazzazz to an otherwise plain outfit, just as this Zara fringed jacket does. Throw this faux suede number over your pared-back work outfit for a Western twist that’ll get your colleagues complimenting.
£29.99 | Zara | Buy it now
H&M Short Nylon Blend Parka
As well-suited to a rainy fashion week as your next dog walk, this lightweight parka jacket by H&M will add a practical edge to your wardrobe while not compromising on style thanks to its vibrant red.
£34.99 | H&M | Buy it now
& Other Stories Leopard Print Jacket
Leopard print aficionados, pay attention: your next favourite jacket just showed up. This straight-cut jacket, courtesy of & Other Stories, comes with tortoise shell buttons and a handy drawstring belt, offering you an alternate way to style it. *Adds to basket*.
£89 | & Other Stories | Buy it now
Rejina Pyo Billie Leopard Print Jacket
How great is Rejina Pyo's relaxed-fit, leopard print jacket? What’s more is it can equally be worn as a shirt thanks to its lightweight material. Extra points for versatility.
£450 | Rejina Pyo | Buy it now
Weekday Cruz Denim Jacket
Yes, the workwear theme continues and Weekday is offering its own take on the trend. Wear this beige jacket with blue jeans and a lightweight turtleneck for a cool daytime look. You can also choose to use the accompanying belt for an alternative styling option.
£55 | Weekday | Buy it now
Uterque Leather Jacket in Brown
Another leather jacket to drool over, this brown option from Uterque will be the perfect accompaniment to your favourite jeans and slingbacks. Because can anyone really have too many leather jackets?
£290 | Uterque | Buy it now
Urban Outfitters BDG Boyfriend Black Denim Jacket
This boxy denim jacket from Urban Outfitter’s BDG range is perfect for those that love oversized fits. What’s more, your boyfriend can borrow it when you’re done. Everyone wins.
£56 | Urban Outfitters | Buy it now
Warehouse Faux Snakeskin Jacket
Not suitable for wallflower types (or those afraid of snakes) is Warehouse’s faux snakeskin leather jacket. Wear with dark jeans and chunky boots for your best badass look.
£34 | Warehouse | Buy it now
Ultra Light Down Jacket
This Uniqlo jacket is ideal for adding an extra layer if the weather suddenly turns. It folds into a compact size that you can keep in your bag for an emergency.
The piece is thin, light and warm and is offered in a large range of colour options, from neutrals, to bolder hues as well as in size XXS to 3XL.
£59.90 | Uniqlo | Buy it now
Monroe Softshell Jacket
Water resistant and windproof, this Tog24 jacket will serve as a protective layer to withstand the British weather and makes for a versatile travel jacket.
The casual piece has a microfleece lining for added warmth yet remains lightweight. It also has an adjustable hood and secure zip pockets.
£35 | Tog24 | Buy it now *On sale now, was £100
Verdict:
When it comes to jackets, we simply can’t find fault in a leather jacket that you can wear with everything, which is why we’re still dying to call Mango’s Pockets Leather Jacket our own. But for a jacket that truly makes our heart sing, we would have to go with Mother of Pearl’s gingham Emmett jacket (with dreamy pearly detail) in a nanosecond.
