The endless heatwaves we've experienced over the past few months have meant jackets have been all but redundant. However, as we enter late summer and the autumn collections are already landing on the high street, it's an article of clothing we're suddenly finding ourselves thinking about more and more. Whether you're heading off on holiday and need to combat a coastal breeze, or enjoying an evening with friends in your local pub garden, a lightweight layer is always worth having. There's also the small matter of the UK's famously unpredictable weather, where sunshine can quickly give way to an unexpected shower.
The good news? Summer jackets are anything but boring this season. From sporty technical styles to elevated sheer layers, there's a ‘just in case’ jacket for every wardrobe and occasion. To find the right one for you, we've rounded up the key summer jacket trends to know, alongside the best styles to shop on the high street right now.
The bomber jacket
If there's one silhouette that continues to dominate, it's the bomber jacket. Relaxed, lightweight and endlessly versatile, it's ideal for warmer weather thanks to its roomy shape, which allows plenty of airflow without clinging to the body. Throw one over everything from summer dresses to denim Bermuda shorts for an effortlessly cool finish.
Maebe Faux Leather Hooded Jacket Buttercream
Something sheer
From transparent dresses to sheer tops and barely-there jackets, see-through fabrics featured prominently across the SS26 runways. Ralph Lauren showed a crisp white organza belted funnel-neck jacket, while Fendi embraced texture with an open-weave embroidered bomber. Despite appearing as outerwear, these styles blur the line to function more as a statement top, making them the perfect finishing touch for summer occasions.
Mint Velvet Cream Lace Hooded Jacket
A classic denim jacket
Some trends never date, and a denim jacket is one of them. This season, to keep your look feeling fresh, stick to relaxed fits, whether that's a cropped boxy cut or an oversized chore jacket. Wear them with all your summer staples, from dresses to linen trousers, they're sure to be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe.
The technical jacket
Utility dressing continues to have a major moment. From lightweight windbreakers to sleek technical jackets with sporty connotations, this trend is as functional as it is fashionable. Not your usual vibe? It’s totally fine to pair yours with a floaty white midi skirt over bike shorts. Opt for a statement shade like chilli red for extra style points.
adidas Originals x ASOS Oversized Cutwork Track Jacket
Not your basic blazer
A blazer is a perennial wardrobe staple, but summer calls for a lighter approach. Swap your trusty black go-to version for a linen style in a soft, pale tone. Cream is a classic, but a subtle navy stripe adds extra interest, or for the more adventurous, pistachio green is proving popular right now.
Primark Linen Blend Single-Breasted Blazer
Colour pop
From butter yellow to cobalt blue, there's been no end to this season's colour trends. Whatever jacket style you choose, opting for a vibrant hue is the easiest way to make sure you're in style this summer. After all, what better time is there to go bright and bold?
Nobody's Child Cobalt Blue Funnel Neck Jacket
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
