Effortless Layering: Stylish Spring Jackets for Women Over 50

One of the reasons I look forward to spring? It’s officially Jacket Season! If your style leans casual or laid-back, the right jacket can take your look from simple to effortlessly polished in seconds. Today, I’m teaming up with some of my favorite blogger friends to show you the spring jacket styles for women we’re loving right now!

Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home | Cindy from Cindy Hattersley Design |
Annie from Most Lovely Things | Noelani from La Vie On Grand 

Here are the jacket styles I’m leaning into this season…

Cropped Jackets

At 5’1″ I’ve been loving the cropped jacket trend! It’s a real boon for Petite women. But a shorter jacket also plays well proportionally with wider leg pants and fuller skirts, on women of any height.

Susan B. wears a striped Me+Em jacket, barrel leg jeans, beige & ivory colorblock oxfords, carries a woven leather bag with resin chain strap.
SUNGLASSES | BANDANA | JACKET | BAG | STRAP | BRACELETS | JEANS | SHOES
My sizes: Jacket – 4 US, Jeans – Petite 8

I love stripes in almost any form, so this little striped denim jacket from Me+Em was a slam-dunk! Yes, it’s on the spendy side; here are a few similar and more budget-friendly options: for those of you with cool palettes, check out this similar look from Liverpool Los Angeles. This zip-front style from Favorite Daughter also looks good. Here’s one from Loft in a classic navy/white stripe. This one from Gap looks good too. This one in navy with white pinstripes is great for you Winters! Quince has a version in linen. And I found a few pre-loved ones on Poshmark, including this one from Lauren Jeans (size S), and one in size M.

Front & back views of Boden cropped trench jacket, modeled by Susan B. of unefemme.net.
JACKET | SWEATER | JEANS | SNEAKERS
My sizes: Jacket – Petite 6, Sweater – Small, Jeans – 28

If a classic trench just feels like Too Much Coat for you, then a cropped trench jacket might be more your speed. I love this one from Boden (seems to be selling quickly, but some sizes still available in Regular and Petites). That stripe detail on the back makes it special! For a water-resistant and budget-friendly option, take a look at this one from Lands’ End.

Susan B. wears a cropped brown utility jacket, pink stripe cashmere tee, gold pearl necklace with medallion, barrel leg jeans, and gold loafers.
JACKET | NECKLACE | TEE | JEANS | SHOES
My sizes: Jacket – 6, Tee – Small, Jeans – Petite 8

This stretchy twill utility jacket is one of my favorites. And it’s currently marked down! (If you’re in between sizes, I’d suggest sizing down.) This Short Barn Jacket from J.Crew has a similar look, available in light tan and dark brown.

Spring outfit in navy, blue and white with blue suede adidas sneakers and raffia tote.
PANTS | TOP | EARRINGS | JACKET | LIPSTICK | BAG | SNEAKERS
(Lipstick color: Merveille)

Here’s another jacket I wear often, styled in a cool color palette. These Mini-Belfast fleece peacoat jackets are so comfortable and easy to style, and they’re machine washable too. (If you prefer a longer jacket, try the original Belfast style.) Here’s a similar style from Tommy Bahama. And one from Caslon.

Susan B. wears a matching brown linen jacket and pants from Quince with gold flat sandals.
JACKET | TOP | NECKLACE | PANTS | SANDALS (SIMILAR)
My sizes: Jacket – Small, Top – Small, Pants – Medium

I’m a huge fan of linen! It’s lightweight, breathes, and is washable. This versatile linen jacket from Quince is just SO good! (The pants, too…) It’s available in several color options, sizes XS-XL.

Sweater Jackets

These styles combine the structure of a jacket with the comfort and ease of a cardigan.

Susan B. wears a beige cardigan with ecru trim, off-white darted-leg jeans, pointed toe flats, basket bag with bamboo handle.
SWEATER JACKET | BELT | JEANS | BAG | BRACELETS (SIMILAR) | SHOES
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Jeans – Petite 29

These “Betty” cardigans from Sézane are one of the styles I always pack for travel. They can be worn buttoned up as a top as I’ve done above, or open as a jacket. The lightweight Merino wool fabric is comfortable in a range of temperatures and doesn’t pick up odors. I’m embarassed to admit how many of these I’ve collected over the last few years!

Susan B. wears an ivory cotton polo cardigan with dark brown tee, colorful beaded bracelets, barrel leg jeans, brown pointed toe flats.
SWEATER JACKET | TEE | NECKLACE (SIMILAR) | JEANS | BRACELETS (SIMILAR) | SHOES
My sizes: Cardigan – Petite Small, Tee – Small, Jeans – Petite 28

Available in several colors, this 100% cotton sweater jacket (or polo cardigan) is soft and comfortable. In Misses, Petite, Plus & Plus Petite sizes! (Size up for a more relaxed fit.)

Susan B. wears a ba&sh Guspa cardigan, ivory silk tank, rag & bone dre jeans, brown patent leather sandals.
CARDIGAN | TANK | JEANS | SANDALS (SIMILAR)
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Tank – XS, Jeans – 27

A softer take on the “lady jacket,” this structured cardigan adds polish to a casual look. Also available in pink and blue.

Also take a look at these: J.Crew double-breasted sweater jacket, Ann Taylor bouclé sweater jacket, Nic+Zoe knit bomber jacket, Loft tipped sweater jacket, Evereve Striped Knit Blazer, Caslon textured cardigan.

Blazers

If your style is more classic, you may find a blazer is your preferred jacket silhouette. To avoid looking too stiff or corporate, go for a structured but relaxed cut. And style with more casual pieces.

Susan B. wears a double-breasted blazer, mint green sweater, side stripe track pantsin navy, and gold platform oxfords.
BLAZER (SIMILAR) | SWEATER | PANTS | SHOES

A relaxed double-breasted blazer like this one elevates a pair of side stripe track pants. If you prefer a single-breasted style, take a look at this one from Everlane in stretch linen.

Susan B. wears a blue and white outfit with an Eileen Fisher navy blazer and striped sweater.
BLAZER (PLUS) | SWEATER | NECKLACE (SIMILAR) | JEANS | BAG (SIMILAR) | SHOES
My sizes: Blazer – Petite Small, Sweater – XS, Jeans – Petite 28

This nubby textured organic cotton blazer from Eileen Fisher would be great for spring or early summer travel! The navy color is slightly darker in person than it looks here, but it’s still a nice, wearable mid-navy. It’s unlined and machine washable!

Susan B. wears an Eileen Fisher linen high collar blazer, cotton bandana, graphic tee, straight leg jeans, and jelly sandals.
SUNGLASSES | BLAZER | BANDANA | TEE (SIMILAR) | JEANS | BAG (SIMILAR) | MULES
My sizes: Jacket – Petite Small, Jeans – 28

Here’s a simple, high collar organic linen blazer, also from Eileen Fisher. Great for cool coverage in the heat, or warding off a/c blasts indoors. This is the “Branch” color, and there are several other colors available in XS-3X and Petite sizes. (If you like a matched set, take a look at the coordinating wide leg or lantern pants.)

Top it off stylishly

A lightweight jacket can add structure and polish to your spring outfits. No matter your style, you can find chic and versatile options this season. Look for breathable fabrics with ease for maximum comfort and styling options.

And be sure to visit these stylish ladies’ blogs for more inspiration! I can’t wait to see what they’ve shared….
Classic Casual Home | Cindy Hattersley Design |Most Lovely Things | La Vie On Grand 

What jacket styles do you wear most often? Which do you like to travel with?

Why Personal Color Analysis is a good investment....

Susan B. sits on a wooden bench wearing a brown knit jacket, blue jeans and colorful bracelets.

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21 Comments

  1. This might be a silly question—Do you treat these types of jackets as a blazer and they’re kept on once you reach your destination or are they removed? I love the look and it gives you that third completer piece, but once it’s removed, you end up with a top and bottom.

  2. Susan, I bought the Caslon Belfast jacket in navy when you linked it in an earlier post. I love it and it is going to Italy with me in a few weeks.

  3. Susan! I could not agree more that a jacket can add that polish to any look! That Boden copped trench with stripes is adorable! Love the Betty cardigan… so many ways to wear it. And the stripe jacket from Me+Em is fabulous!

  4. “The right jacket can take your look from simple to effortlessly polished in seconds.”…so wise Susan! I will never forget shopping with you in Paris and wanting to copy your look 🙂 We need to do it again.

  5. Thank you for this post. Light weight jackets are on my list and you have given me some stylist ideas.

  6. These looks are gorgeous Susan! You have such great style, with all the right touches! I really love that Ruti Jacket, I’ve never heard of this brand.

  7. Where I live (upper Midwest) we have so few opportunities weather-wise to wear lightweight jackets. I own a few and wear them maybe two or three times a year. It’s either too cold or too hot. It’s such a fun look, though!

  8. Hi Susan

    You look so great in the cropped jackets. I love the Eileen Fisher linen. I just ordered it in gray by the way! Great minds think alike. Always fun working with you!!

  9. You have quite an impressive collection. I am in love with the Boden short trench. Those colourful stripes at the back, so cool.
    Greetje

  10. Hi Susan,
    I love the Betty cardigan I got in off white last year. What other colors would you recommend for a spring?
    Thanks,
    Ann

    1. Hi Ann, the one I’m wearing (Vanilla/Ecru) is good for Springs, also Mottled Camel, and Hazelnut.