Spring survival guide: the little jacket

It is May, the heating is still on, I am wearing my winter coat, there has been hail, thunder and lightning. Ok it’s not but it was when I wrote this post originally.  Hallelujah – the sun is here but for how long? Who knows, but what I do know is that layering is the only way to get through the great British Spring. In fact, never mind spring, it is the only way to survive our depressingly average climate. One of the best ways to do layering is with one of these little gems: a little jacket.

I have a little black Chanel type one courtesy of Zara about three years ago that has been invaluable and have worn it with jeans, black trousers and over dresses all year round. Wear yours underneath a coat for the rain and hailstorm part of the day and on its own over a tee when the sun does have his hat on.

This season Zara has this Tweed Jacket £69.99 in red and navy which isn’t exactly knitted but is definitely in the Chanel camp. The navy looks pretty perfect to me for wearing year round with everything in your wardrobe.

Hush has a great selection of styles which are super versatile, starting off with this Basket Stitch Knitted Jacket £70 . They also had this is in a lovely red but this is now out of stock – that is the problem with Hush you have to get in quick as the best sellers sell out early on in the season and they just don’t seem to have their replenishment sorted. Anyway this looks great styled like this for a casual option but would work just as well over black trousers and a silk top for work.

Alternatively the Cara Crop Knit Jacket £80 is a great colour and will liven up you wardrobe. Again another one great with denim or dressed up with a simple black or navy dress or trouser. These jackets are heel or flat friendly and work equally well with courts and trainers depending on the look you want to create.

Another way to do it is with a blazer. Never, never the top part of the suit but try to go for a style with some shaping through the waist as this will highlight yours or create the illusion of one. Black, although a closet essential, can look a bit harsh for the spring so why not update yours with a grey or navy option – both blank canvases that can be freshened up with a pop of colour underneath or with a scarf/bit of jewellery. Hush’s Georgia Jacket £65  does a stylish off duty look with denim but will work with a pair of tailored trousers too.

They also have a grey Jersey Blazer £55 which is just enough to make your outfit ‘put together’ without looking overdone.

Whistles also has its Molly Jersey Jacket in grey (and black) £95. With a buttoned up white shirt and trousers as Whistles style it for work or a stripey tee, denim and trainers for the weekend.

Coincidentally Joules has also named its jersey blazer Mollie £74.95 and this comes in navy, stripe, grey and coral.

With stripes being a thing this season, Oliver Bonas has this Boater Striped Jersey Jacket £59.50. Definitely smarter than the other options, this is a modern way to update your black work trousers.

Oasis also does a Woven Stripe Ponte Jacket £45.

A printed jacket is another good way to go, especially if you go for a versatile print like this Hush Ava Jacket on sale at £75. If it is hot enough for shorts, most of us are unlikely to sweat it out with a jacket too even if it is in the name of fashion. But jeans or trousers, yes please.

The fash pack will go for a sleeveless option and you can make this tailored or knitted depending on how smart you are looking to go. A bit less practical maybe although you can wear a long sleeved top underneath. A good look for a bit later in the season. Mint Velvet has this Dove Woven Front Waistcoat £89 which you could dress up or down thanks to the mix of fabrics: knitted back and woven front.

Oasis has this Katie Sleeveless Jacket £70 that is as much outerwear as it is underneath-wear. Layer up with sweaters for now or short sleeved tees for later. Another goodie for wearing casually as in the photo or with a shirt and trousers for the office.

 

M&S has several options too including this on trend pink number: Open Front Seam Waistcoat £49.50. You may not want to go all out in a pink suit but it will still work with black or navy trousers or denim for an off duty ensemble.

So weather, my little bit of reverse psychology is working and now the mercury is on the up. We may actually be able to shed a coat and swap it for one of these lovely spring jackets instead. Hurray!