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25 Best Jackets That'll Actually Help Your Social Life
You shall go to the pub garden
We know what you're thinking right now: that a spring/summer jacket kinda sounds like an oxymoron. But, let's face it, if you live in rainy UK you'll be needing some form of outerwear on-hand all year round. So far this year, we've seen snow and a mini heatwave alongside the obligatory showers.
Our advice? Layer, layer, layer. That way you can arrive at your destination fully prepped for colder climes, then peel off that extra hoodie when the sun makes an appearance.
So, yes, it's time to invest in a lightweight jacket to see you through the next few months. We're big fans of the seasonal wardrobe: putting your winter clothes away every six months means you'll be less tempted to buy more once September rolls around. Seriously, consciously uncoupling from your clothes for a while is smart: they'll feel like new again once you're re-united.
Where to start? Put away anything wool or cashmere. Shop for outerwear in cooling fabrics like linen, cotton, denim or nylon (keep anything leather or suede hanging in there, though). Invest in some unlined pieces that are easy to layer, so you can throw a jumper over your summer dresses once the late-August chills kick in.
Parkas and shackets are having a bit of a moment right now, but if you're looking for something with longevity we'd suggest going for a trench or an oversized blazer (both easy to dress up or down), or a timeless bomber/biker/trucker (they only get better with age).
Need some help deciding? Here are 25 of our favourite jackets to shop now and wear until you actually go inside the pub.
& Other Stories' black nylon jacket, complete with patch pockets, point collars and a self-tying belt, is a nod to Prada's technical styles.
Like the puffer, quilted jackets are a big trend to come out of lockdown life. Shake off the stuffy country connotations with a bit of boho styling – think billowy dresses and floral maxi skirts.
The parka is one of 2021's key outerwear trends. Cos' is ideal for April shower season, thanks to its ultra lightweight shell that can pack away to nothing in your tote.
Bored of the beige trench? Upgrade your 'throw on' looks with this 1970s inspired denim version from Hush.
Floral-print raincoat
Moncler x Simone Rocha - £1860.00
Simone Rocha has teamed up with Moncler Genius to create a collection of practical but oh-so-pretty outerwear. This clear PVC raincoat is embroidered all over with tonal pink flowers.
Leather blazer
Arket
£290.00
Yup, we'll still be wearing leather in the height of summer. If you only buy one jacket this year, make it an oversized blazer made from the shiny stuff – it'll work with everything from slinky slip dresses to boyfriend jeans.
AllSaint' tasseled tweedy jacket is a lil' bit Chanel and a lil' bit Isabel Marant – just without the price tag.
If the tank top was 2020's most surprising trend, it's only natural that the gilet was soon to follow. Sleeveless blazers tend to look a little workwear-y, so & Other Stories added plenty of utilitarian pockets and a tie waist belt.
AllSaints just amped up the parka's edge with utilitarian pockets and a cropped swing shape.
The denim jacket is timeless for a reason: it goes with everything (yes, jeans included) and only gets better with age.
If you need something lightweight to layer over summer dresses, let us introduce you to the shacket. We love the oversized pockets and camel micro-cord (the smaller ribs makes this traditionally wintery fabric more summer-appropriate) on & Other Stories.
The beige blazer is still going strong for summer 2021. Opt for something double breasted and you'll be amazed at how versatile it is: pair yours with everything from flared denim to the matching bermuda shorts.
Upgrade your denim trucker to Omnes' slightly smarter version – it's cropped to the waist and finished with flared sleeves.
Don't do leather? Vinyl is the next best thing – wipe clean (we're doing a lot of socialising on park benches atm) and waterproof, too.
Whistles softer take on the military jacket sees khaki-green jersey cropped into an on-trend shacket shape, the finished with tort buttons.
If you don't have a trench coat in your repertoire, invest asap. H&M's looks much more expensive than it actually is.
Mango's tweed waistcoat is reminiscent of Chanel's skirt suits. Run with the theme in a pelmet skirt and Mary Janes, or steer things in a boho direction by wearing it open over breezy dresses.
H&M's bargain shacket is cut to perfection with a boxy shape, cropped hemline and retro collar. Choose from this houndstooth weave, checks, cord or boucle.
You can wear your leather the low-key way – you know, for less Matrix vibes - with Deadwood's parka re-purposed from leather off-cuts and lined in recycled fabric.
Layered raincoat
Colville - £396.00
Colville's mint green raincoat is a lesson in practical layering: it comes with a matching waistcoat to temper the sheer outer shell.
Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times’ Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
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