Zara is killing it right now. It was only last week I was telling everyone about my quest to find that viral £50 satin lace cami dress, now, I’m frantically refreshing the site to find another item. This time, it's thepolka dot jacket that’s been such a hit since launching a few days ago, it’s already sold out online. But fear not, friends, as I’m here to tell you that there's still lots of sizes available in multiple stores around the UK. And while you can’t buy it directly online from the link I’m about to share (sorry) you can use it to check if there’s one in a store near you. If you’re not keen for an IRL search, or simply can't face the thought of a queue, you’ll also be pleased to know Zara head office have kindly let me know that it will be restocked very shortly. Vague, I know, and believe me, I wish I had an exact date and time it was dropping so I could add it to my basket before the other fashion girls do.
www.zara.com
Again, please don't be annoyed when you click on this link and see the dreaded 'out of stock' sign. Instead, be happy that you can use it for the 'check in-store availability' option where you'll be able to see if there's one to snap up near you IRL.
We can basically thank Miu Miufor the revival of technical jackets. Seen on the spring/summer 2025 catwalk, fashion-meets-function zip-up styles were paired with everything from pleated skirts (as seen below) to bloomer micro shorts. And while I won’t be wearing the latter, I am fully invested in these sporty jackets that work well juxtaposed with everyday pieces I already have in my wardrobe. Also, given the fact the weather forecast seems to be changing by the minute at the moment, I’m all for a light, throw-on-and-go layer that’ll work for when it’s hot, but unpredictable. And this is where the Zara style comes in. Not only is it in the print of the season (yes, there’s no escaping all things spotty), it’s also the perfect slightly oversized shape, and has a drawstring hem along with high funnel neck to keep out windy weather.
When it comes to how to style this polka dot windbreakerjacket, fashion people have all agreed it looks best worn zipped up as a top. So this basically solves any getting ready woes on your way to work. I also love how Elena Lenaro (below) has taken on that unlikely outfit formula rule by teaming the zip-up jacket with shorts, heels and a fancy bag. Who knew a sporty jacket could work so well for a dinner date?
But if you want to know another reason why everyone is going wild for this jacket, it’s also due to the fact it’s a co-ord– yes, that’s right, you can also get matching polka dot shorts. And we all know the joy of a matching set is that they need little effort to look put together. See how Stacey (below) has worn hers on TikTok with knee-high flat boots? This is a key styling hack when knowing what to wear when it's hot but rainy.
While I wait not-so-patiently for the Zara polka dot version to come back online, I wanted to show you some of the other windbreaker styles I rate. And yes, of course it includes that other viral £50 style from Uniqlo that's also selling out super quick.
Shop: Best Windbreaker Jackets
www.uniqlo.com
While the off-white style has been most popular with fashion insiders (there's still a few sizes left online, FYI) the black, navy and olive green are also so classic. Water-resistant and wind-proof, it's the lightweight style you'll be grabbing as you leave the house every day from now on.
Although listed as a shirt, I would say this is very much a jacket and shirt hybrid. The funnel neck and drawstring waist is very similar to the Zara viral style, but I love how it has smarter buttons and a more tailored fit. And it's in the key colours this season – butter yellow + chocolate brown.
www.ganni.com
A different kind of spot, this leopard print Ganni jacket is firmly on my wish list. I fully appreciate the oversized fit on this one, perfect for layering later on in the year. Leopard not your thing? You can also get it in black or khaki.
www.lululemon.co.uk
Quite literally designed for those in-betweeny weather days we've been having, this clever jacket has an air vent at the back so you don't get sweaty, a packable hood in case it rains (it's also water-resistant) and a drawstring waist so you can keep out the wind. Plus, it comes in six different colors – genius.
www.urbanoutfitters.com
Polka dots not your vibe? Then try checks instead. Grunge '90s style plaid prints were all over the catwalks for spring/summer 2025, so try out the trend with this shell jacket. The water-resistant style will also be wind-proof thanks to the hood, adjustable waist and stretch cuff sleeves.
www2.hm.com
Removing the need to have to do it up (I'm all for a lazy item) this pull-over style from H&M in butter yellow is so dreamy. Another wind-proof and water-resistant style, it also has a hood that packs in on itself and comes in another colour, light brown. H&M wins again.
www.weekday.com
Made from recycled nylon, this brown jacket is such a nice alternative to classic black. That hood will come in so handy with an unexpected downpour and I love how it looks cinched at the waist with a mini skirt.
www.moncler.com
If you're fully invested in the practical jacket trend and want a style you can love for years, Moncler is the destination to find it. That doesn't mean it has to be your typical everyday colour, though, I've fallen for this blush pink water-resistant style that's made to be super light – ideal to take on the morning commute.