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Winter is slowly (but surely) drawing to a close, and the last thing anyone wants is to lug around a bulky coat as temperatures rise. The solution is simple: Swap out heavy winter jackets for lightweight layers during the next few months . . . or at least until the end of spring. Airy, sharp and chic, lightweight jackets are designed to protect against the lingering chill without compromising on style, and these 18 outerwear pieces are ones I’m considering.
From edgy leather jackets to classic denim finds, these pieces are easy to wear — and even easier to carry. Plus, I like how versatile these options are, allowing you to throw them on over your favorite tee, slim-fit sweater or timeless button-down shirt. My picks may be affordable, however, they’re also from big brands like Quince, Free People, Columbia and more, starting at $20. Whether your goal is to simplify getting dressed each morning or upgrade your transitional wardrobe for the next season, these light, relaxed layers deliver practical style that you’ll rely on until summer is here.
18 Lightweight Jackets to Wear Now Through Spring
1. Our Favorite: Despite its thin appearance, this lightweight quilted jacket is perfectly warm, making it great for transitional weather. With a slightly oversized fit, this flattering find is easy to style — just layer it over your go-to sweater on chilly afternoons or a day dress when temperatures start to warm up.
2. Runner-up: Classic bomber jackets never go out of style, and this pale blue pinstripe option is giving spring vibes all around. Style it with jeans, leggings or even skirts and dresses for a thoughtful, understated layer.
3. All-Weather Hero: April showers bring May flowers, and this packable hooded raincoat is the lightweight option you’ll need to brave inclement weather as it starts to warm up. With zipper pockets at the ready, you can keep everyday items secure, even in the pouring rain.
4. For Outdoor Activities: If your favorite thing about spring is getting outside for hikes and bike rides, this lightweight jacket should be in your cart. It’s designed to wick away sweat, keeping you warm, cool and dry — all at the same time. Plus, it has built-in sun protection to prevent harmful damage from UV rays.
5. Spring-Ready: Part trench and part raincoat, this waterproof windbreaker is stylish enough to wear all season long, and ensures you’re ready for the occasional surprise rain shower. It’s also easily packable, so you can take it with you to your spring break destination.
6. Most Elevated: Whether you’re dressing for the office or dinner with friends, this chic textured jacket is as sporty as it is refined. The blade collar adds an edgy touch, taking your outfit up a notch.
7. Boho Chic: Unleash your inner creative with this boho-style quilted jacket that’s as classic as it is trendy. Snap closures and big pockets make this jacket one you’ll reach for now and throughout spring.
8. Closet Staple: No wardrobe is complete without a denim jacket, and this oversized style offers an updated version of the closet classic. Choose from five colors, including timeless medium blue and edgy black.
9. Everyday Essential: When you’re on the go, comfort and functionality reign supreme. This fleece zip-up jacket is warm, durable and cozy — plus, it has a hood in case temperatures unexpectedly drop.
10. Throw-on-and-Go: Cool meets effortless in this vintage-inspired jacket that’s made from a lightweight mix of cotton and linen. With four patch pockets, you can carry all of your daily essentials totally hands free.
11. Practical and Polished: Whether you’re running errands or commuting to campus, you need a lightweight jacket, like this one from Columbia, that’s reliable, practical and ready for anything. Choose from over a dozen colors, or opt for a couple of different ones, so you can change your jacket to reflect your mood.
12. Neutral Necessity: If your capsule wardrobe tends to skew neutral and minimal, this linen jacket is a lightweight pick that will effortlessly take you from the end of winter straight through summer. The relaxed fit and classic cut make this style one you can dress up or down.
13. Transitional Classic: A trench coat is a closet essential, especially in a traditional light khaki hue. Comfy with just a hint of stretch, this classic piece will never go out of style.
14. Weekend Winner: Shackets are totally on trend right now, and this oversized denim style will easily become one of your favorite pieces for laid-back weekends. It comes in three different washes, plus you can choose between regular, tall and petite lengths to create the perfect slouchy fit.
15. Wardrobe MVP: If you live in a climate that is slow to warm up, keep reading. This reversible jacket doubles your outfit options while adding extra warmth; one side is classic denim while the other is cozy fleece. Between the two styles, this jacket goes with just about everything.
16. Structured Simplicity: The refined silhouette of this canvas barn jacket, coupled with the neutral, two-toned color, proves that sometimes simple is best. It comes in three color options, an impressive range of sizes and three different lengths.
17. Cool-Girl Closet Staple: A leather jacket is a must for transitional weather but a cruelty-free vegan version? Even better. This timeless style features a zip-up front, fold-down collar and front patch pockets for a functional yet fashionable piece you’ll wear season after season.
18. Wear on Repeat: We all have that one jacket we reach for over and over again because it’s comfy, soft and just the right weight — and this zip-up jacket fits that description perfectly. It comes in seven colors, has a little bit of stretch and looks as cute paired with jeans as it does with leggings.
