The second the weather starts to warm up a bit, I can’t toss my heavy down coat fast enough. While the weather starts to warm up a bit, it’s still not yet full-blown summer. So lightweight jackets for spring are key to rounding out your wardrobe. And today is all about the affordable lightweight jackets for the season.
Since we’re easing into spring weather, and the calendar has officially deemed it spring, let’s chat about affordable lightweight spring jackets to help transition you out of the chill of winter and into warmer days.
These are my favorite styles and pieces that will help you add the perfect light layer to get through cool spring days. Layer them over your go to dresses, jumpsuits and even just jeans and a tee to add a great third piece.
For me, the first piece I tend to gravitate towards the most in the spring is my utility jacket or the trench. And the denim jacket is easily right behind them both. Lightweight, easy jackets for spring, are essential!
I think every wardrobe should have a good mix of the below affordable spring jackets for the seasons that works with your personal style. Having a few options to choose from will allow you to mix and match outfits with ease throughout spring and into summer.
Best Affordable Lightweight Jackets For Spring
1. Utility Jacket
My number one favorite spring jacket is the utility jacket. It’s a classic that never goes out of style. So much so, that I still have one from 10 years ago in my closet. I think if there’s one jacket you invest in from today’s post, this is it. I love this over denim with a tee. And can also be cute over a midi dress and belted.
2. Bomber Jacket
A lightweight bomber jacket is a fun change of pace for spring. They’re super casual but help make outfits feel pulled together. I also find many bomber jackets tend to be at the very least somewhat weather resistant which is helpful during the wet months of spring. Here’s how to style a bomber jacket to get inspired.
3. Boyfriend Blazer
The style I seem to forget about for spring, the boyfriend blazer. It’s truly a classic for any wardrobe or season, you just have to keep fabric in mind. A linen boyfriend blazer for spring is perfect for adding that light layer that completes your looks with ease. It’s all about the fabric choice here and colors, so choose spring hues and lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen.
4. Updated Moto Jacket
When thinking about spring jackets, you want to go light not only in weight, but color. A black leather moto jacket isn’t very spring (although I do wear mine all year round admittedly) so updating your go-to moto jacket to a lighter color like this sage green one is a great update.
And forget leather if you want, there are also options like cotton or lightweight knits that feel really effortless and still have some structure to them. Pair with a floral dress and espadrilles for a perfect spring look.
5. Classic Denim Jacket
A no-brainer in my book. I have been rocking the same denim jacket for years now. Wear them over dresses, over tees and linen shorts, or with cotton twill pants. Choose a denim jacket that’s high-quality denim and in a wash you’ll wear the most.
I like a good mid-wash, not too light, not too dark. This allows me to get the most use out of it. Then I add in some fun ones like different silhouettes and washes to have some options. PS here are my favorite ways to wear a denim jacket and how to wear a Canadian Tuxedo if you really love denim!
6. Colorful or Printed Denim Jackets
Once you have a classic denim jacket, you can branch out into some fun colors and prints for your next affordable spring jackets. I have a white denim jacket, a blush one and even this pretty floral denim jacket. It’s a classic fit and fabric, but in fun new colors and prints that feel more on trend for the moment. These are a great way to switch up your go-to denim jacket because if you’re like me, you tend to live in this style!
7. Raincoat
Every spring closet needs a good raincoat. The weather can be unpredictable and rain is always an issue. But having a good quality durable water repellent raincoat will really be essential you’ll have for years. While this may not be something you want in a super trendy fit or color, definitely opt for a traditional or neutral color that you can wear with the majority of your closet. You’ll have it for years!
I have one from Herschel Supply Co that I have had for years. Not only is it great to have on hand for spring, but it’s my go-to raincoat if I’m traveling somewhere and rain is expected. It’s lightweight, easy to pack and can be layered over warmer items if need be.
8. Tweed Lady Jacket
A more preppy and polished option for a lightweight spring jacket is to try a tweed lady jacket. This cut and style comes in a lot of fabric options too beyond tweed. These are a much more preppy and feminine option compared to the moto jackets and utility ones for a spring jacket option.
9. A Classic Trench
A trench is a truly classic and quintessential jacket for spring. It’s probably my most worn and helps to really elevate any outfit. I like a more flowy one that has some movement. But you can always go more classic in a slightly structured camel colored trench. Ideally, opt for ones that are a bit longer.
Short trenches feel too trendy and can quickly go out of style. Something that hits mid thigh is perfect in my book. Bonus points for one with a detachable hood so you can also double it for a raincoat as they’re often water resistent.
And just like a denim jacket, this is such a classic that you can branch out in fun prints and colors once you have a good basic on hand. This one from Everlane is a favorite that feels so unique but still classic.
10. Quilted Jacket
The quilted jacket is the perfect layer for those cooler days in early spring. I’d opt for a color that feels more spring-like instead of your typical black or brown that we may have worn all fall and winter.
Some quilted jackets may feel more like this style, that is for cooler days and a trend that became popular thanks to The Frankie Shop. But then there are styles like this that are all in on spring in florals. Either option (or both!) are great to have depending on the weather and your personal style. See tips on how to style an oversized quilted jacket.
11. Chore Jacket
A chore jacket is quite similar to a utility one but may feel a bit more polished and preppy. Chore jackets are a great light layer that feels like a denim jacket but slightly more elevated. I love having an ecru colored one for spring to transition all of my looks into the warmer weather. I also love this collarless chore style jacket for spring.
12. Cropped Jacket
A cropped jacket is a favorite trend for spring. Great to throw over most of your jeans – really any style but a skinny. They also are perfect for throwing over dresses. There are so many styles within this trend too. You can do a cropped trench coat, a cropped bomber, and something like the above, a cropped suede jacket.
13. Suede Jackets
While leather is great this time year, I also love a suede jacket. From blazers, to moto jackets and cropped, there are always great options in this fabric. It’s definitely ideal for those early spring days that are a bit cooler. But as you can see in this outfit with shorts, it’s really a great way to add some interest and texture to a simple outfit.
14. Barn Jackets
The barn jacket is having a moment for your essential spring jacket. But we aren’t doing the super fitted barn jacket. Instead it’s more oversized and relaxed. Or, you can go boxy and slightly cropped too. I love these paired with a short, either denim or even silk or track short style. They’re the perfect light jacket for spring.
Having a few great affordable spring jackets in your rotation will help you create more outfits in your closet that feel interesting and stylish. They are that finishing touch that makes outfits look complete, but also serves a good purpose of keeping you warm during those chillier spring days. Which lightweight spring jackets will you be adding to your spring wardrobe?
For more, here’s how to style a windbreaker.
