When we think of spring fashion, it often revolves around short sleeve tops, flowy skirts/dresses, and sandals—but the reality is that in many places outerwear is still necessary (sometimes practically into summer!) Thinking about my own wardrobe and what I reach for every year, these are the five types of outerwear I recommend for unpredictable spring weather. And for more outerwear inspo (and a few different ideas), check out this lightweight jacket roundup on Shopbop.
Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are a year-round staple but are particularly great for spring since they’re lightweight. For a warm-weather feel, opt for one in a lighter color like gray, beige or blush.
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Trench Coat
If you ask me the first piece of outerwear that comes to mind when I think of spring, my answer will always be a trench coat. Obviously, water-resistant styles are the best option for rainy days, but there are plenty of options that are more about fashion over function (like the one I’m wearing above).
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Denim Jacket
As soon as the temperatures start to rise, I reach for my denim jackets. Layer one over a sweater for early spring, then tees, tanks and dresses later on.
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Utility Jacket
Utility jackets add a low-key vibe to any type of outfit, whether it’s toughening up a dress or keeping it casual with a tee and jeans.
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Light-Colored Wool Coat
For those early spring days that can still be downright cold, it’s a good idea to have a mid-weight wool coat on hand. As with the leather jacket I mentioned above, choosing one in a lighter color will make it feel less wintery.
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