There are only a few more weeks of cold-weather drab before we finally welcome a new season, prompting the question: Which of the best spring jackets are we investing in for the months ahead? Spring weather is notoriously finicky, and while you may be tempted to peel off the layers altogether, you’d be wise to invest in a few solid pieces to take you from rainy, chilly mornings to clear, crisp evenings.
A look in my own closet revealed two things: Investing in a proper trench coat proved to be a wise decision, and my sleek, warm leather jacket is a three-season staple. You’ll find plenty of these and more time-honored staples in my edit. But perhaps you’re tired of the same old silhouettes. If you’re more into spring’s biggest trends, fear not: Plenty of eye-catching patterns, cropped silhouettes, and funnel necks await. Shop the best spring jackets on my radar below.
Featured in this article
.png)
.png)
.png)
The under-$100 jacket
A good sense of personal style doesn’t have a price tag. (Some of my favorite wardrobe staples, including a perfect white tee and a sale-rack wrap skirt, cost me less than $10 each.) The key is understanding your taste—and knowing a good deal when you see one. These relatively budget-friendly finds speak to current trends, like drawstring waists and cropped fits, while still having the potential to be worn for years to come.
.png)
.png)
Old Navy Canvas Barn Jacket
.png)
The quilted jacket
Spring is one of the two seasons when you can most comfortably wear a quilted jacket, so lean in. Pack away your puffer jacket; its lightweight sisters can take it from here. You can go as whimsical (with dreamy vintage florals) or as sleek (with bold solid colors) as you wish. All of these picks pair well with your favorite straight-leg jeans and ankle boots now, then tank tops and flowy skirts come May.
.png)
.png)
.png)
The trench coat
Last year cropped trench coats overtook their longer counterparts in popularity, and now the two silhouettes have about equal popularity for 2026. I’m perhaps most excited about H&M’s dramatic cropped take—it would pair wonderfully with wide-leg denim—plus Damson Madder’s It-girl-approved pleated maxi. You can also get the look in two days or less from Amazon.
.png)
.png)
.png)
The bomber jacket
Bombers, beloved for their slouchy, utilitarian vibe, give any outfit an air of nonchalance. (They’re the cool girl of spring jackets, if you will.) When you’re piecing a look together, think of the image you want to project: A midiskirt and pumps add a ladylike finish to an otherwise masculine top, while slouchy pants and kitten-heel boots ooze downtown cool.
.png)
.png)
.png)
The denim jacket
With brands constantly reinventing the style, wash, and fit here, it’s good to give your collection of jean jackets a little refresher. That trucker jacket you’ve had since you were a teen is, in fact, still a classic worth owning. But perhaps it’s time to introduce a little variety; try a nipped waist, a striped fabric, or a super-cropped fit to turn heads at any function. When it’s cold and gloomy out, you can hide a cashmere knit underneath for a perfectly cozy early-spring outfit.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
The rain jacket
Rain jackets are no longer the afterthought they once were. Our favorite labels have given the water-resistant and windproof outerwear a much-needed upgrade, adding color-blocking, chic collars, and waist-defining drawstrings. These slickers might even have you wishing April showers would stay around a little longer.
.png)
.png)
.png)
The barn jacket
Over the past few years, barn jackets have taken the fashion crowd by storm—and 2026’s refreshed styles have finally entered the chat. Despite its newfound popularity, though, the utility jacket is one of those closet mainstays that’ll forever have a place in our rotations. So if you’re still not on the bandwagon, pick one of our favorites below and marvel as it pairs perfectly with everything from spring dresses to dark-wash jeans.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
The leather jacket
Leather jackets look good with everything, be it sweatpants or dramatic gowns. They’re easy to throw on and have the magical ability to add some edge without looking too serious. Whether you go with a cropped bomber, a slim-fit zip-up, or a funnel-neck stunner, I promise you’ll be able to pull it off. I picture these with a pencil skirt and loafers, or straight jeans and ballet flats.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
The tailored blazer
This year we invite you to try more sculptural blazer silhouettes: big shoulder pads, wrap-front designs, cropped shapes, and double-breasted takes. Zara’s high-collar blazer is a refreshing spin on a classic silhouette—something that distinguishes it from every other jacket on the market. Matching trousers and statement earrings would turn this into a smart office look, but you can easily pare it down with a printed skirt or dark denim.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
