The weather isn't quite ready for me to be discussing spring, BUT I do love a good jacket, and the first glimpse of sunshine this week has me sprinting to the stores for a new jacket to add to my collection.
Earlier this week I went on a jacket-trying mission - part research, part pure indulgence - making the rounds at M&S, Mango, COS, River Island and H&M to see what’s really worth snapping up as we move into spring 2026.
Here’s the thing: outerwear isn’t just a practical buy anymore. It’s the whole mood of your outfit, and it’s the first impression when you walk into a room. And judging by what I’ve seen on the catwalks and in store, this season’s jackets are delivering in spades.
We’re talking cropped trenches that take the classic silhouette and give it a playful, waist-defining update. There are so many suede jackets as they're back again for the new season - you want yours to be rich, textural and just begging to be paired with denim and boots for that soft-but-structured 70s vibe.
Then there are barn jackets and country-coded coats, nodding to heritage fabrics and utilitarian details. And if you love a bomber jacket, you'll be pleased to know they're back as well.
And if you like your outerwear with attitude? Faux leather is your best friend, but you want it to look rebellious, but still chic.
"What’s refreshing is how well the high street is translating catwalk trends at such a good price point."
Leanne Bayley, Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
M&S is leaning into country-core, H&M is all over affordable Chanel-style jackets and and River Island is coming through with those investment-worthy suede jackets and buttery neutral tones. And don’t even get me started on Mango’s collection of utility-style barn jackets - I wanted every single one.
Whether you’re in the UK navigating a drizzly commute, or stateside planning a weekend trip upstate, these jackets aren’t just stylish, they’re versatile, wearable, and surprisingly good value.
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How I chose the best jackets for women
Tried and tested: Consider this your spring outerwear guide: I’ve tried them on, given them the mirror test, and done the hard work of seeing which trends actually work in real life. I'll also include some that I also love but have yet to try on - mainly from online-only brands. For reference, I'm a UK size 12 - 14 (US size 8 - 10) and I'm 5ft3.
Transitional: All the jackets I've listed below can be worn with a knit now and with a tee in the spring.
Price: I don't want this to be too expensive of an edit. I love shopping affordable brands so I'll try and keep it reasonably priced.
The new season’s jackets prove you can be practical and ridiculously chic all at once. The only problem? Choosing just one.
The big jacket trends for women ahead of the new season
The technical jacket is having a moment right now and I'm here for it - they're the perfect combination of form and function. The Saint Laurent technical jacket is the must-have of the season but the high street is awash with similar styles. I'm wearing the red jacket from Rita Ora's collection at Primark and I love it, but I'm also fond of the H&M lookalike as well and it's currently on order.
"I'll be wearing this with jeans and a pointy stiletto heel for an alternative to a going-out blazer, or I may just wear casual with baggy jeans and Adidas trainers."
Whether it’s a blazer, trucker jacket or oversized shacket, suede is stealing the spotlight.
River Island’s sandy-brown suede jacket is the definition of investment dressing - it’s soft, structured and endlessly versatile. I’ll be wearing this with a crisp white shirt and straight-leg denim for a look that works in both London and New York.
For reference here, I'm wearing a UK size 12 (US size 8).
"I'll be honest, I didn't expect to like this jacket as much as I did and now I'm trying to think of all the things I can wear this with in order to justify it. Of course, jeans and a tee works (though I'd definitely add an interesting belt or gold jewellery). But I think it would look amazing with a floral dress or a floral skirt in summer. It would look great with indigo denim or white. Ok, sold!"
"I'm going to channel my inner Beth Dutton and lean into the country aesthetic with this suede jacket.I'm thinking dark indigo jeans or a dark floral dress or maybe even a denim skirt."
Everyone needs a chuck on jacket to wear on a weekend and this cotton jacket is designed with two workwear-inspired pockets and a concealed placket for a clean finish. The wide sleeves and boxy, relaxed shape make it an effortless layering piece.
"I'll be wearing this with either the matching trousers that are available, or more likely, I'll be reaching for my wide-leg indigo jeans or my barrel leg jeans. I think this will work really nicely with a crossbody bag as well."
"Made from rigid twill cotton, this oversized jacket features a classic collar, two large patch pockets, and an internal drawstring waist that creates a structured silhouette. I'll wear with a pair of jeans or barrel trousers."
"This is an easy, casual layer to throw over tees and denim, it features four patch pockets and the drawstring waist means you can play around with how you style it, and its soft organic brushed cotton is simply a joy to wear."
This cropped barn jacket was such a good price point too
Country Heritage
Waxed cotton, corduroy collars and boxy silhouettes are no longer just for weekends in the countryside. These jackets have gone city-smart, with brands like Mango delivering cropped transitional versions that feel practical and chic. Throw one on with jeans and trainers for an urban take on the heritage trend.
"I'll stick with my casual pieces to pair with this jacket. I'd opt for jeans, but I'd try and tie in the brown from the collar into the rest of my outfit with other pieces such as a brown cashmere jumper or brown loafers."
"I tried on this jacket recently and I loved that there's a popper you can use to tighten the sleeves - how genius is that? This jacket will look great with barrel jeans."
All the IT-girls love a leopard print jacket. It's an easy classic style to throw on all season, there are so many options around right now, so there's something for everyone. I was instantly drawn to this Rixo jacket. I think it just made jeans and a tee look chilled and easy.
For reference here, I'm wearing a 14. If I bought it, I'd probably opt for a 12 as I felt like it was a little big.
"While it's still chilly, I'll be wearing it with my smart tailored trousers and a pair of black slingback shoes. I'll keep the jewellery minimal to let the jacket do the talking."
"This will look great with cream/ecru straight leg jeans and a white tee - trust me on this. Pair with a pair of ballet flats or loafers for an old money vibe. I would add an interesting belt or a neck scarf to elevate the outfit as well."
Leather jackets rarely go out of style but I'm hanging up my winter black and burgundy styles and replacing for neutral looks. An oversized leather jacket is ideal for throwing over a silk slip dress on a night out or pairing with light knits on the weekend. I loved this one from Marks & Spencer.
"The internal drawcord on this jacket can ensure that you can fit it the way you want it to be worn. I'd style with a slim leg jean and big sunglasses."
This was on a trip to the Coach outlet store
Cropped Trenches
Forget the floor-grazing macs of seasons past - this year, trenches have gone short and sharp. A cropped trench instantly smartens up casual layers and is perfect for those awkward between-weather days.
The one I'm trying on here is from Coach (spotted during a separate shopping trip to Bicester Village aka my happy place) but M&S has an elegant belted version that works beautifully over dresses, while H&M’s take is more relaxed, great with jeans and ankle boots.
"The trench is one of the most easiest coats to style, but a shorter crop might be a little tricky. I think this will look really good with white jeans or over a white midi dress right now when it gets warmer."
"This short double breasted jacket features adjustable cuffs and a removable belt tie fastening at the waist - I could imagine I'd wear this loose and tie the belt at the back."
"This jacket has a super feminine touch - the pussy bow blouse which is detachable. Style with your workwear wardrobe."
My verdict on the best jackets for spring
I love all of the jackets listed in this feature. Like I said, I have an unhealthy addiction to jackets and they probably make up 85% of my wardrobe. If you were to only buy one, I'd say go for the technical jacket or the short barn jacket because they're so versatile. If you are looking to shop a trend, I'd say suede is where it's at. The high-street is awash with suede jackets and whether you go for the real thing or neutral leather, you'll feel very on-trend. If you prefer to look a little more smart, a cropped trench will be a great option.