We all fight this mid-March battle: cool mornings, warm afternoons, chilly nights. And that one day you think you’re safe to go jacket-less? There’s a breeze coming in from the west that has a speck of February still mixed in, and you wish you had a little something to put between you and that annoying reminder that summer is still more than two months away.

And so, we bring you some jackets to aid you in your transition to springtime fare (is winter really over, or is all this mild weather and wonderful sun just a cruel, cruel joke?).


1. Military/Cargo Jacket. I bought one of these a few years ago and will never look back when it comes to spring (and fall!) outwear. It’s comfy, lightweight, and can easily fold into your bag if daytime temps are a little too balmy for a topper. I’m also a huge, huge fan of pockets (I’ve used the breast pockets of my cargo jacket before, don’t ask me to explain why), so the abundance of them here made me fall in love. Deep, deep love. The best color options here are olive or taupe, but if you ask me, olive is the better choice – it will transition to fall more easily.


2. Cropped Leather Jacket. Granted, sometimes motorcycle jackets get a little hot and you feel like the fabric is slowly melting into your skin if you’re standing in direct sun (tip: don’t do that). But on those especially chilly spring nights when you’re walking to the bar, or to the car or train from your workplace, you’ll be happy for the extra leathery weight. Pair it with a light, airy dress or top to balance the harshness of the jacket.


3. Bright Hued Blazer. Unfortunately for me, I tend to wear a lot of neutral or dark colors, which works wonderfully in the winter, and…less wonderfully in the spring. But I’m a sucker for a good blazer, and using one for that pop of color as well as a mode of outwear is the perfect two-in-one. Blazers can really be paired with anything, and depending on how you style, it can be dressy or casual. Oh, the possibilities.

4. The Trenchcoat. I think we can deem this the springtime staple. Trenchcoats are timeless, flattering, and I think it’s safe to say that most women own one at some point in her life. Sometimes a shorter hemline makes for a cooler, more serviceable coat (and you look less like a streaker) but that’s a personal call.


5. The Windbreaker. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, so all of my childhood outwear was – as most kids’ is – the most practical my parents could find. But really, people, April showers. They happen. And there’s nothing like getting caught in one of them and realizing you’re prepared. It’s a beautiful thing. Windbreakers don’t have to be balls of neon, nylon hell. They can have a nice cut, a spring color and still be functional.

How do you keep warm during those colder spring days? Do you think spring is here to stay?