A stylist’s guide to spring outerwear

In our unpredictable climate where a crisp cold morning can evolve into a warm sticky afternoon and back to a chilly evening, I consider some of the best stylish outerwear pieces for this transitional period, to keep warm but look cool.

SS24 offers many transitional outerwear pieces that marry style and functionality with ease. There’s something for every fashion enthusiast to elevate their spring and summer wardrobe. Embrace versatility and express your personal style with these must-have pieces that will take you from brisk mornings to balmy evenings in style.

THE TRENCH COAT

I can’t talk about spring outerwear without mentioning the most iconic transitional piece of all time… the trench coat.

A perennial favourite, the trench coat reigns supreme as the epitome of timeless style. Look for lightweight fabrics like cotton twill or silk blends in traditional neutrals or soft pastel hues. Whether worn over a sundress with trainers or with jeans and a crisp white shirt, the trench coat adds sophistication to any outfit while providing just the right amount of warmth on breezy spring days.

This heritage coat has undergone a modern transformation in recent seasons. Wear draped and slouchy styles to update the look or stand out in vibrant colours to breathe new life into this classic favourite.

If you’re shorter in height or don’t want the weight of the traditional longer-length style, consider a cropped version for a more flattering fit or as a lighter layer for those warmer days.

THE DENIM JACKET

I want to celebrate the humble denim jacket. A staple in every woman’s wardrobe, the denim jacket has undergone a revival for SS24. This season, oversized silhouettes and distressed finishes take centre stage, offering a nod to the effortlessly cool aesthetic of the ’90s. Do double denim if you like feeling fashion forward but make sure your washes match and your accessories are on point to ensure your look is serving Paris not Texas.

You can wear it over a floral maxi dress for a bohemian-inspired look or style it with tailored shorts for a chic juxtaposition of casual and polished. While the blue jean jacket is always a good idea, consider other shades for spring like ivory, khaki and ecru to complement your spring wardrobe or go back to black to work with almost everything!

THE OVERSIZED TAILORED BLAZER

Another stylish layer is the tailored blazer. Transition seamlessly from the office to happy hour in a “borrowed from the boys” oversized blazer that exudes sophistication. Current reinventions see the blazer reimagined in bigger proportions and unexpected fabrics. Opt for an exaggerated shoulder, slightly fitted at the waist with single or double-breasted fastening to provide a modern silhouette to your look. Pair with tailored trousers or cropped denim jeans for a polished daytime look, or layer over a slinky slip dress for an elegant evening ensemble that commands attention.

THE STATEMENT CARDIGAN

A forever favourite layer is the statement cardigan. For cool spring evenings or chilly office environments, a sumptuous cardigan is a must-have layering piece. Embrace this cosy trend with chunky knits, exaggerated silhouettes, and bold textures. Wrap yourself in luxury with a cashmere-blend cardigan or opt for a statement-making piece in vibrant colours or an eye-catching print. Wear it over a simple t-shirt and jeans for a laid-back look or drape it over a camisole and slip skirt for a more luxurious, elevated look.

THE BIKER JACKET

The appeal of the biker jacket remains eternal. Whether in leather or vegan-friendly fabrics, the evolution of this iconic piece has seen it move on from being solely a rock chick staple to a sophisticated layer giving a relaxed yet cool feel to more formal pieces.

For days when the weather calls for something lighter, the biker jacket is a perfect transitional piece. SS24 introduces playful embellishments, an array of colours and again brings the modern oversized silhouette to this wardrobe hero. Style it with high-waisted jeans and a graphic tee for a casual weekend look or layer over a silk dress for an edgy twist on feminine charm.

THE BOMBER JACKET

Masters of the Air may have heralded the return of the bomber jacket but this classic jacket has never really gone out of style. Teens might love to wear the mini, cropped version but for grown-up, stylish sophistication, go full volume as the bigger the better to achieve the current sports luxe trend.

For days when the weather can’t quite make up its mind, the bomber is the perfect solution. It may be considered a casual jacket but layer over a simple tank top, this season’s must-have high-waisted trousers and a kitten heel to keep it effortless yet elevated. Look for styles with added details like ruching and utility pockets to inject a more contemporary feel.