Spring layers: jackets to take you through the season

I don’t want to see my parka anymore – it is high time we moved on from winter coats and thought about lighter layers to see us through the spring. I am a real believer that what we put on top of our outfit is often more important than what’s underneath. The right jacket makes us look more polished, put together and can even take us from day to night. The wrong one and it doesn’t even matter what you’ve got on beneath!

So here is my guide to the key pieces you need in your wardrobe to master layering this spring:

The Knitted Jacket

Chanel inspired pieces you can pop on over denim or with tailored trousers, make all the difference to even a simple tee and here are the best:

For something that is an all-year round, versatile, wardrobe staple go for this Massimo Dutti Embellished Cardigan with Frayed Detail £79.95. This will work super hard for you with jeans – skinny and more relaxed styles alike, skirts, tailored trousers…

It also comes in a cream/black melange which is the perfect answer for those of you who find black too harsh against the skin and also if you already have a black jacket but need something lighter for the spring for work.

I actually got my cream one last year from Zara Kids, but this year their only offering is this Tweed Cardigan £24.99

Hush has a few brighter options which are more casual but will add a dose of freshness to your wardrobe, including the Cara Crop Knitted Jacket £85. They also have 10% off until Easter Monday with the code SPR1018 and free delivery and returns.

There is also this Basket Stitch Jacket £79 which also comes in a green.

Not technically a knit but not a blazer either, this Audrey jacket £85 from Hush comes in hibiscus, black and cream and would be another good bet for throwing on for a night out, everyday or work.

The styling at both retailers shows you smart and casual looks perfectly.

Or if you want something more literally Chanel then Zara has a number of tweedy pieces including this Tweed Blazer with Trims £79.99.

The Blazer

If you don’t have one already, it may well be time to invest in a longer line blazer which you can wear instead of a coat as well as underneath one should the weather not play ball. I think All Saints Aleida Blazer £128 is one of the best and it comes in several colours – black, khaki, stone white (pictured) and rose pink.

Zara’s Crepe Blazer £59.99 is also very good.

This is a sort of knitted jacket/blazer hybrid but ideal if a tailored blazer feels too smart: Jersey Boucle Blazer Jacket £39 from Topshop.

The Military Jacket

If you need a more casual look then try a canvas jacket likes these:

Hush’s Camo Military Jacket £69 but I would advise you size down to get a slightly less oversized look which will be more flattering.

If the print isn’t your thing then it does also come in a plain khaki . I like the look of these with the joggers as an alternative to a denim or leather jacket.

Mint Velvet also have several styles which have drawstrings at the waist which will be better if you want a more fitted look: Moss Embellished Jacket £129.

Khaki 4 Pocket Badge Jacket £129

Palm Leaf Embroidered Jacket £129

The Denim Jacket

Think of this as the summer equivalent of your leather biker jacket and wear with dresses/skirts/trousers and denim if you like the double denim look. As with a leather jacket, you need to find a fitted style that nips in at the waist so you don’t look butch. I think this Betty Denim Jacket £45 from Oasis is one of the best out there and it comes in two different washes. Size down to get the right fit!

Even if they are hiding away under a wool coat/trench or North Face jacket, make one of these little layers part of your wardrobe and you will feel like spring has arrived.

Happy Easter!