Spring is the most exciting changing-of-the-seasons of any year. Why? I think it has something to do with the promise; the promise of better weather, longer days and a wardrobe of spring outfits that don't have to consist of weather-proof pieces chosen for their practicality rather than their beauty. And that means, my friends, that we can stop swaddling ourselves in endless layers of wool, faux fur and anything waterproof and instead embrace the most promising of all sartorial gems: the spring jacket.
Of course, there are jackets and coats which always feel right for spring. From trench coats to denim jackets to a classic Barbour, these outer layers never go out of style and always feel bang on the money after the clocks have gone forward. For 2024, however, there are some slight twists on these perennials, like cropped shapes and oversized fits. Really, though, it's about finding styles which fit your wardrobe and make you feel great – whatever the weather.
shop.mango.com
If that means embracing the bomber jacket renaissance, so be it. EmRata has already emerged as a fan of Mango's, which is still available to shop for £349.99, as has Katie Holmes, who stepped out wearing the collared style just this week in New York.
Maybe, however, you can't quite face the idea of ditching a coat for a jacket and therefore just want a more lightweight, perhaps more colourful version of your trusty winter cover-up while temperatures are still in flux. Either way, you can keep scrolling to find the very best spring jackets that you'll want to wear from now until October, at least.
The Timeless Trench
I know, a trench coat is about as groundbreaking as a floral print for spring but there's a reason it never goes out of style. When you find the best fit, it's the most flattering, versatile and practical coat you could possibly hope to wear.
COSwww.cos.com
On the surface, this is a classic trench with a perfectly relaxed fit. Look more closely at the details, however, and you'll realise that the detachable epaulettes and hood, which can be knotted in a bow at the front, make this one of the most stylist choices on the high street.
Jovonnawww.jovonnalondon.com
Jovonna is brilliant at reimagining classic pieces, much like this twist on a trench. It has all the signature details, including a water-resistant finish and slightly oversized fit (although take your usual size) but the checked panels either side on the back add a stylish twist.
& Other Storieswww.stories.com
The crinkle effect of this material means you never have to worry about it looking creased. Shove it in your suitcase or fold it over your arm when the sun comes out – it'll stay looking just as it's supposed to. The black shade makes a fresh change from classic beige and is slightly more versatile, too, especially if you don't tend to wear a lot of colour.
The Bomber Jacket
Bombers are back – and they've had a glossy, grown-up makeover. Of course, you can still chuck them on with jeans and trainers but, for real 2024 vibes, try with polished pencil skirts and preppy shirts or pair them with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers and loafers.
Mangoshop.mango.com
EmRata's actual leather bomber jacket is £349.99 from Mango. With the no-muss, no-fuss silhouette you're looking for this bomber jacket season, it's (practically) perfect in every way.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Available in three different shades, this bomber is one of the best shapes we've seen and is less than £60. You can't really argue with that.
Miu Miuwww.farfetch.com
As with most things Miu Miu, this long-line bomber, with its logo patch, is already selling fast. It's certainly an investment but one that will pay off for years to come – you'll wear this with everything from denim to wedding guest outfits.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
With boxy shoulders and a cropped silhouette, H&M's bomber jacket makes a statement (and then some) while being so easy to throw on over whatever you're wearing.
The Wax Jacket
No longer just a country casual, a wax jacket is ideal for spring and all its climate may throw at us. Plus, not only does it always look good with jeans and a lightweight knit, it can also be dressed up à la Alexa Chung.
Barbourwww.net-a-porter.com
Now almost synonymous with the waxed jacket, Barbour is constantly reimagining its classic style. For 2024, this means an oversized collar and gold hardware details to keep things on the chic side of country.
Zarawww.zara.com
For a more fashiony fit, Zara's slightly cropped jacket will look great with mini skirts and loafers. It has a quilted lining, with a zip and snap-button fastening at the front hidden by a placket.
Whistles
The boxy fit of this jacket makes it feel bang on trend for spring 2024. With its slightly oversized fit and visible front pockets, follow Alexa Chung's example and wear over glitzy dresses for an unexpected contrast.
The Oversized Blazer
Even if you're just wearing your favourite jeans and trainers (just like this street styler) a trusty blazer will bring your outfit to life. Look for oversized, structured fits and wear with everything from midi dresses to this season's capri pants (yes, really).
The Frankie Shopwww.net-a-porter.com
Renowned for its perfectly oversized silhouettes, The Frankie Shop's blazer is available in four different shades and has lightly padded shoulders which enhance its boxy shape.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
This light dusty yellow colour is ideal for injecting some spring vibes into your wardrobe. It's also the perfect shade to wear to weddings when you need another layer.
COSwww.cos.com
COS's blazer really is oversized, so you'll need to balance out the proportions with a slimmer leg. But you'll find that, when you're on the hunt for a lightweight spring jacket, you'll consistently reach for this.
The Leather Jacket
I know I'm not reinventing the wheel here but spring really is the leather jacket's time to shine. Eva Chen looks picture-perfect in her long-line style (from Ukrainian brand Litkovska) which she's paired with flared jeans and boots, which is the look I'll be attempting to recreate for the next three months.
ALIGNEaligne.co
So good it's sold out in some sizes already, the good news is that you can't sign up for notifications so that you can buy this jacket when it's back in stock. Channel Chen's vibe and wear with wide leg denim.
AllSaintswww.allsaints.com
When it comes to leather jackets on the high street, you really can't beat All Saints. This oversized style feels like a modern, fresh way to wear a classic – you'll keep it forever.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
While this may look as though you've trawled through endless vintage rails to find the perfect leather jacket, it's actually just a click away thanks to Free People. It's made from buttery-soft leather and has a slouchy silhouette – this really will become a hero in your wardrobe.
The Denim Jacket
I somehow overlook the style prowess of denim jackets and yet they remain a key tool for layering, as well as creating more interesting outfits that have a bit of an edge. Gigi Hadid, for example, threw this MVP Wardrobejacket over simple black trousers and black top with red Converse and suddenly it was a look with more to say than you'd expect. For the easiest outfit, embrace double denim and wear buttoned-up with your favourite jeans.
Ganniwww.ganni.com
With its nipped-in waist and exaggerated shoulders, Ganni's denim jacket is a particularly flattering take on the trend. Wear buttoned-up with wide leg jeans.
Massimo Duttiwww.massimodutti.com
If you're looking for a more cropped fit, this Massimo Dutti jacket is perfect. Try over midi dresses when you want a denim hit but you're bored of your jeans.
Mangoshop.mango.com
If you're looking for the quintessential denim jacket, this is it. Wear with everything – it really is that versatile. Plus, it's under £40.
The Quilted Jacket
A quilted cotton jacket is to spring what faux fur is to winter. From embroidered styles to colourful patchwork, they'll enliven any outfit and make you feel sunny even if it's raining. Particularly good with high-waisted trousers, you can afford to keep the rest of your outfit fairly plain with one of these cover-ups.
Free Peoplewww.freepeople.com
A spring update of the black jacket Emma Louise Connolly is wearing above, this will look lovely with everything from denim to your very best wedding guest dress.
Sezanewww.sezane.com
This collaboration is full of joyful, colourful pieces like this jacket, which will make jeans and a jumper into the chicest combination imaginable.
Kitrikitristudio.com
Two jackets in one, Kitri's reversible has a tiled floral print on one side and chic black-and-white stripes on the other. It will, therefore, go with just about everything you own.
What coat is best for spring?
While there is no one style of coat you need to know for spring, it's best to look for lightweight materials like cotton or linen to allow breathability and maximum comfort. Naturally, in the UK, we can't depend on brilliant weather but the beauty of a more lightweight jacket is that you can layer it over jumpers or even other jackets for extra warmth.
When should you stop wearing winter coats?
There's no hard and fast rule on this, especially when the weather still feels cold and rainy well into April. But I normally live by the rule that, by the time it's officially spring (this year, that day was 20th March), it's absolutely appropriate to switch winter layers for something more optimistic.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.