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With weather hopefully getting warmer, it is time to say sayonara to our down North Face and Patagonia jackets for another year. Unfortunately it’s not warm enough to lie in the quad in a tank top, but as April showers and May flowers approach, girls can transition into spring and warmer-weather jackets.
The jacket is no longer thought of as something that covers an outfit due to necessity, but as a key element of a look. The jacket and cover-up is the wardrobe choice for everyone, because there are so many styles, types and fits.
Fall collections are typically filled with blazers, including wool, herringbone wool, jersey and velvet. Last fall we saw the rise of the boyfriend blazer, which is longer and baggier, giving a preppy but relaxed feel. The boyfriend blazer is sticking around and should be integrating into spring wardrobes. The piece goes nicely over most tops, which makes it so versatile. Ruffles and satin get toughened up by the boyfriend blazer, as do denim. It works well for spring over dresses because they keep you warm and serve to winterize your outfit, easing the transition between winter and spring clothes. Blazers are also great in other materials such as cotton, silk, tweed, lighter wool blends and patterns.
Surprising yet awesome hits for spring are the anorak jacket and military styles. Think twill cotton, in khaki shades, dark green and brown, with big pockets on the front. These baggy, borrowed-from-the-boyfriend styles perfectly contrast with the feminine colors and fits of spring while keeping you warm. They’re everywhere, from Marie Claire to Harper’s Bazaar to Cosmopolitan, and on fashionistas all over. Trust me — this is one of the main trends for spring, so go get a military-inspired jacket now. Worry not, reccesionistas; this jacket has longevity and we’ll likely see it through next fall.
The leather jacket has made a comeback and remains on top for spring. Bomber styles in particular make basic pieces look edgy and fresh. They have the power to change the dynamics of an outfit, such as changing plain pieces like a white tee and jeans, to a pulled-together look. The leather jacket works for many different styles. Preppy women can wear leather jackets that are plain and free of embellishment, while more downtown, edgy women can rock the zippers and studs. Leather looks best in black or dark colors and goes with virtually any outfit. I love a leather jacket with a colorful silk or satin dress, playing up the contrast and adding an edgy vibe.
Denim jackets are slowly creeping into spring collections, which proves a classic will always come back. However, I would advise to approach this trend with caution, and to avoid looking like an original Charlie’s Angel: never, ever wear them with jeans. While I’m not entirely sold on this trend, denim jackets pair nicely with a lightweight dress. If the fit of the pants is not too wide, khaki could be an outfit-mate for the denim jacket. Nicole Richie has been seen rocking this trend, which definitely has a more hippie, bohemian vibe than a blazer. As long as the denim jacket doesn’t morph an outfit into a denim jumpsuit, the jacket could be an appropriate cover-up for a bohemian spring dress.
Speaking of classics, the trench has always been an “it” coat and will forever be a major fashion player. You don’t necessarily have to blow your work-study money on one from Burberry, but a well-made trench is an investment piece you’ll love forever. The trench can be dressy or casual, but should remain in the light khaki family. Trench coats should be no longer than mid-thigh to keep the look youthful and stylish. If your trench has a hood it can double as a raincoat for when your L.L. Bean slicker puts a damper on your colorful and creative outfit. You may even consider borrowing your mother’s trench — which I’m sure she has — for a unique, vintage feel. My favorite new spin on the classic trench are ones made of khaki material that has a subtle, silvery sheen to it. This adds just the right amount of modernity to this piece, which makes it a hit for spring.
