(Style)

Transitional Jackets To Help You Shift Into Spring Spirit With Ease

Lightweight layering is key.

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: Feb. 27, 2022

Helena Cuesta in transitional spring jacket

In fitting with the current maximalist tone of fashion, 2022’s outerwear trends thus far have been fabulously bold. Winter saw an uptick in popularity for candy-colored parkas and dare-to-be-touched textures like faux fur and shearling. But now, spring is poking its tepid head around the corner, which means not only are your statement puffers fit for sub-zero weather and snow squalls no longer needed, but it’s time to make space for a new crop of styles. Enter: transitional jackets. The lightweight outerwear is ideal for the awkward, in-between seasons interim, where a coat of some sort is still required lest Mother Nature decides for the temperatures to take a sudden dip.

Fortunately, several of the dominant outerwear trends from winter will trickle into the coming season, meaning you should already be acquainted with the soon-to-be-everywhere styles. For example, you’ll find patchwork and quilted coats take on a lighter, less padded look — while remaining true to their signature eclectic, craftcore vibe, of course. And, in what should come as no surprise given how popular gorpcore’s become, practical, nature-proof outerwear will prevail throughout spring 2022. And, utilitarian jackets will adopt more lively colorways throughout the warmer season — like Pantone’s spirited Veri Peri shade.

Below, you’ll find 15 versatile jackets that will help you master the springtime art of lightweight layering. Whether you identify as a streamlined minimalist or an out-there maximalist, the spring outerwear trends run the gamut, so you’re guaranteed to find outerwear that speaks to you.

We only include products that have been independently selected by TZR’s editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Club Monaco

Everywear Trench Coat

$379

$152

A trusty trench is one of those rare items that belongs in everybody’s capsule wardrobe. And when the coat is in a traditional khaki colorway — like Club Monaco’s knee-length iteration — it emulates a classically sophisticated and put-together essence.

Theory

Luxe Bomber

$595

In line with the ongoing trend of feminine fashion — occasionally referred to as the coquette aesthetic — opt for a baby pink bomber jacket instead of one done in inky black or standard olive green. Theory’s ballet slipper pink option, in particular, is a blend of wool and cashmere, so it’s a worthwhile cozy investment.

Rains

Curve Jacket

$140

Found: A refined raincoat with a cool-girl feel that also does an effective job of protecting you from spring's tumultuous showers. Since this waterproof jacket emulates the design of a trench coat, it exudes effortless sophistication.

SEA

Pippin Patchwork Quilt Jacket in Multi

$495

$198

Admittedly, it’s early days, but spring 2022 looks like the season of elevated kitsch. SEA’s multicolored, patchwork jacket masters the vibe, which is one of a cool, on-the-pulse grandma.

Here’s another spring outerwear trend to keep an eye on: Moto jackets. Considering there’s been an uptick in interest for grunge staples — namely, combat boots and gothic jewelry — the edgy leather jacket was due to have a moment in fashion’s mainstream.

Quilted jackets — especially in neutral hues like olive green and cream — were one of winter 2022’s leading trends, and you can expect the buzzy momentum to continue come springtime. Totême’s diamond quilted coat is an uncontroversial wardrobe essential you’ll reach for time and time again.

Rachel Comey

Masse Shirt Jacket in Pink Multi

$450

$135

The plaid shacket trend prevails! Rachel Comey’s iteration evokes a springtime essence with its pastel-hued color palette, so it’s certainly one to consider adding to your seasonal rotation.

Unreal Fur

Charisma Coat

$399

If you require additional proof that brown is usurping black as 2022’s leading minimal hue, look no further than Unreal Fur’s oak-colored trench coat.

Carhartt Work In Progress

Purple Michigan Jacket

$155

2022’s leading color trend, Very Peri, extends to spring outerwear, too. What’s interesting about Carhartt’s cotton twill jacket, though, is that it gives the traditionally feminine-feeling periwinkle shade a gorpcore and utilitarian edge.

Shushu/Tong

Black & White Patchwork Jacket

$790

$395

Shushu/Tong, a buzzy indie label you should have on your fashion watchlist, offers a minimal take on 2022’s color-blocking trend with this sleek jacket in black and white. Plus, the upscale piece taps into a subtle ‘60s mod spirit that fans of retro fashion will adore.

AG Jeans

Kendrix Jacket

$245

ICYMI: White denim is trending for spring 2022. And, unsurprisingly, it’s primarily manifesting in light-colored bottoms. But, for an inspired tweak on the popular look, consider integrating a white jean jacket into your outerwear collection.

Ganni

Beige Canvas Puffer Jacket

$395

$162

If you’ve had your eye on the statement collar trend but have yet to commit to the attention-grabbing look, now’s your chance. Ganni’s beige jacket with oversized and frilly lapels strikes the perfect balance between funky and refined.

For those fond of a Western-style influence, try a jacket with flirty fringe detailing. This boxy jacket by Germany-based edited is a statement piece that simultaneously strikes a demure tone due to its dark black hue.

Nanushka

Grey Satoyo Jacket

$543

This wool and silk-blend jacket, courtesy of Nanushka, epitomizes strategic minimalism. It’s simplistic, yet its design boasts slightly tweaked and innovative tailoring.

Texture play is key when layering, so a corduroy jacket a must-have in your warm-ish weather arsenal. Since it evokes a childlike and whimsical spirit, the ribbed textile also adds a playful impact to any look.

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This article was originally published on Feb. 27, 2022