3 casual spring jackets I didn’t want you to miss
A lightweight jacket can be a wardrobe workhorse, and perfect finisher for spring outfits. Here are 3 looks with casual spring jackets.
3 casual spring jackets
It’s been my experience that the best transitional season styles seem to come and go in a heartbeat. Our weather’s been too sucky (wet/windy/foggy/gray) for outdoor photography the last couple of weeks. But I did want to show you these casual jackets I tried recently, while they’re still available in a good range of sizes. So I did a quick at-home try-on and styling session.
Utility-adjacent
This is the Talbot’s shirt jacket I mentioned here. It’s very lightweight, has a little bit of stretch, and runs true-to-size. (I’m wearing the Petite Small.) I really like this one, which has a utility jacket vibe without being too rugged. It’s also available in navy and mint green, in Misses, Petite, Plus & Plus Petite sizes.
I’m wearing size Small in the sweater, and 28 in the jeans.
Trench alternative
Trenches are a big trend for spring, but if you find traditional trenches too structured or heavy, this Eileen Fisher linen trench might be worth a look.
Yes, I know it doesn’t look like much in the photo. It’s much better in person and especially in motion; the linen fabric has a beautiful drape and flow. The color is “cobblestone,” which is a neutral taupe. It should work for most Autumns and Springs, and probably some Summers could wear it too.
It’s an easy throw-on-and-go topper for mild-to-warm weather. The fit is oversized; I’m wearing Petite Petite. It’s available in Petites, and in Misses sizes to 3x, and also in black.
I’m wearing size Small in the tee, 28 in the jeans.
Easy blazer
I jumped on this Madewell blazer as soon as I saw it online. It was offered in both Misses and Petites, but several of the Petite sizes sold out before they could fulfill my order. So I took a chance with the Misses Small, which I’m wearing here. The sleeves are a little long, but otherwise the fit is good.
The color is a yellowish beige (not as yellow as some of the online images). This color is definitely warm, so best for Autumns and Springs. Unlike many Madewell blazers, this one’s not crazy oversized. It’s relaxed, but fitted nicely in the shoulders.
Misses sizes XX-Small to XX-Large, some Petites still available. This particular style isn’t offered in Plus, but many other blazer styles are.
I’m wearing size X-Small in the tee, 26 in the jeans.
I’m still debating on whether to keep this jacket. I really like it, but it’s also quite similar to pieces already in my wardrobe. I’m trying to avoid duplication at this point.
Do you wear jackets with your casual outfits? What style do you reach for most often?
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I have an Eileen Fisher scarlet boiled wool jacket that I must have purchased in 2005. Pennies per wear by now.
Goes so well with navy, taupe, olive… and with crayon box primary colour scarves . No buttons, so not for a windy day.
Another favourite is a Brooks Brothers navy blazer with buttons… purchased when I worked at the downtown Calgary shop… closed now. Went through my preppy phase at age 61 since that was their style we associates had to emulate. I bought their classic trench coat that I can happily fit better now after toning up with Pilates in my ‘70’s.
Do you ever get bored with your color palette? I’m wondering because so many I follow seem to just stick with or be slaves to “their colors” that someone told them were theirs.
No, I actually wear more colors now than I ever have. And I don’t feel a “slave” to my palette; it actually helps keep my wardrobe cohesive.
I find jackets fit my casual life style perfectly. I love a classic blazer. Right now its challenging to find one that is not too long or boxy for my petite frame and is in my color palette. I have a few utility style jackets that have a neat fit. I’ve worn a couple of them for more than a dozen year. I ordered the Talbot shirt jacket after trying it on in another color. It has a lovely drape and is not oversized. I also were variations of a jean style jacket. BTW, I don’t get bored with my colors. I feel confident wearing colors I know look good on me. I certainly don’t consider myself a “slave”. Quite the contrary.
They are beautiful
Finding a nice jacket for spring is like hitting the jackpot. For me it’s not as easy as it used to be. Styles right now don’t suit my body shape and make me look boxy, but let’s hope for better luck next year. As far as a slave to colors, it seems to me to be a choice a person makes. On top of that, reducing choices helps my overall life flow better. My color palette is much smaller than yours Susan but I can say I don’t get bored with my clothes.
You’ve shown some great pieces here. But…. I went home and counted 8 utility jackets, 2 denim jackets and 2 leather jackets in 3 closets. One piece had never been worn.
Slightly off topic, but like you, I love and wear marinieres. I have started to wonder if I should wear them. I am a light summer. Is the high contrast stripe to bold for me?
Hi Lili, regarding marinières, I think it really depends on your contrast levels and how you wear them. A more limited stripe field (like the one I’m wearing in the 3rd photo) may be easier to wear. And you can also look for softer, and lower-contrast color combinations. (I’ve seen some with lighter blues that would look great for Summer palettes.)
I have the same situation – lots of jackets.
I was looking at the EF trench, and aspirationally speaking that would do well in a travel capsule. You could wear it as a light topper, belt it and have it be a dress, put it on over your nightie for late night hotel firedrills, wear it over your swimsuit to the pool.
If you’re thinking pool outfit then you need the proper swimsuit. I’d say black/white, solid color. It really wouldn’t do with anything too pastel/flowery.
Now I just need a trip.