Your new jacket should be lightweight, versatile, and stylish

When the weather is boiling hot, there is little thought about outerwear. Then, when you are thrust deep into the bitter cold, all you can think about is getting your thickest coat out to protect you from frostbite. But what about those in-between times when it is just cool enough to need something heavier than a sweater but just warm enough that your big winter coat is too much?

That is when you need something for the transition months. You need something lightweight and versatile to help you bridge the gap between the boiling hot and the bitter cold. That is where you need lightweight jackets, something you can wear in warmer moments to guard against the breeze and something you can layer to guard against the unexpected cold. If you are still on the fence, here are some tips to make a case for lightweight jackets.

Weather fluctuations

We can talk about the spring or the fall, both of these times of the year require you to put together a transition wardrobe to bridge the gap between the extremes. If you are from the Midwest, you are accustomed to the phenomenon where the days are cool in the morning, causing you to dress warmly, only to heat up in the afternoon and cause you to want to die. This is when the lighter jacket comes into play. As the seasons begin to change, the lightweight jacket becomes a must-have, even to throw in your car to keep in case you run into a situation where the weather drops.

In this case, it is best to keep the color of the jacket neutral so it can be paired with multiple outfits without the fear of clashing too harshly.

Layering pieces

If you want to survive the transition months, especially if you are in the Midwest, you will need to master the art of layering. The best way to do this is to start with a base layer (a tee or a henley), then add a second layer, a mid-layer (button-up or a light sweater), and then finish off with an outer layer (lightweight jacket or cardigan). This lets you stay warm in the morning and peel off layer by layer, maybe even getting down to the tee by the afternoon heat.

When it comes to layering, there are some iconic looks to use for inspiration, but none is better than this look from James Bond. It is a masterclass in the fashion trick from the movie Skyfall. The lightweight jacket is imperative as the outer layer and will complete any great look.

Casual alternatives

OK, now let’s move away from the weather argument for a second, and let’s talk fashion. The lightweight jacket is a stellar stand-in for many other looks and can bring a casual flair to otherwise elevated outfits. For instance, if you want to swap it out for your sport coat, it can take your office look to a great after-work drink outfit. If you’re going to throw it on over your sweater and jeans, it can elevate your look with that upgraded third piece to an otherwise simple outfit. Here are some great choices for light jacket outfits:

• Pair a military field jacket with dress pants, a shirt, and a tie for a ticked-down smart casual look. Olive is a classic color for the jacket, but a great tan jacket will make it more versatile.
• A light bomber jacket over a turtleneck, dark dress denim, and Chelsea boots are the perfect way to upgrade your night-out look and ditch the Ron Burgundy look. There is nothing better than a modern turtleneck look.
• Use a denim jacket to dress up a tee and chinos for a modern-day James Dean ensemble. If you want to adhere to the throwback ’90s trends, pair that denim over an untucked flannel and really channel your mid-90s grunge look.

Our favorites

Of course, we will not just convince you that you need a light jacket and send you out in the world blind. No way, here are a few of our favorites for this season that will do wonders for your wardrobe.

J. McLaughlin Brando Linen Safari Jacket

Remember when we said a good tan field jacket would look fantastic with dress pants, a shirt, and a tie? This is the tan one we had in mind while we pictured the idea up top. It looks fantastic and will work deep into the spring and even the fall, as the linen is breathable and light. With the pull tabs on the cuff, you can tighten it up to keep the wind and rain from dropping down your arms.

Buy at J.McLaughlin

J.Crew Quilted Flight Jacket

Sure, you could go with a regular leather or cotton bomber jacket for a more traditional look. But why not opt for this quilted version to give your outfits a bit more depth? When worn over your turtleneck and denim, it acts like a more casual version of the patterned sport coat. This will also layer exceptionally well in the spring and fall when the rain is just around the corner.

Buy at J. Crew

The Normal Brand Hawthorn Cord

We know we said to use the denim jacket for the throwback to the ’90s look, but any outfit you wear a denim jacket with, you can be a little more unique and opt for this corduroy jacket. Since vintage is in this year, corduroy is having a bit of a renaissance. If you want to make a statement with your jacket, do so with the perfect Midwest outwear piece: the corduroy jacket.

Buy at The Normal Brand