The Perfect Spring Jacket Does Exist—Here's How to Pick the Right One

Can you hear that? It’s the sweet melody of chirping birds, signaling the arrival of spring. Before you get too excited, remember there’s still the possibility of chilly conditions and pouring rain for the next few weeks before the season really sticks. While you can (hopefully) bid farewell to many of your maxi coats and puffer jackets that are a bit too heavy for rising temperatures, it's the perfect time to start wearing spring jackets designed for in-between weather.

When it comes to the best layers, Marie Claire editors stick to the classics. The quintessential trench coat is a no-brainer due to its timeless versatility. This season, there are even more fashionable takes on this go-to style, featuring oversized and cropped silhouettes, cult favorites like the Sezane Clyde trench, various tailoring options, and playful embellishments. The diversity makes this perennial favorite a must-have for repeat buyers and just as appealing for newcomers.

Other outerwear essentials like denim jackets, leather jackets, and quilted jackets have also found a place in our spring capsule wardrobes. These pieces feature lightweight designs that offer sufficient coverage without feeling cumbersome. Plus, they add a great layering piece with nearly any stylish spring outfit.

Aside from banking on the basics, we’re also playing into the latest spring 2025 styles. Unsurprisingly, we found that barn jackets are topping the trend charts again. During fashion month, we noticed several street-style getups inspired by the English countryside staple.

With all this in mind, we’ve curated a handpicked list of the best spring jacket categories we’re coveting this season. Ahead is an editor-approved guide to handling fluctuating temperatures like a pro.

Trench Coats

"No jacket is more ubiquitous in the spring season than a trench coat," says Emma Childs, Marie Claire's fashion features editor. "Typically made in lightweight cotton textiles and coated in water-wicking materials, they're especially useful during transitional periods with mercurial weather—like spring and all of its spontaneous showers," Childs adds.

And when skies are clear, versatile trenches can still be worn as a dependable layer that will instantly elevate any look. If you’re in need of a spring outfit formula this season, style your tench with a button-down shirt, a pair of wide-leg jeans, and ballet flats.

Denim Jackets

Denim jackets have proven their longevity time and again, especially during the spring and fall seasons, when temperatures tend to oscillate between extremes. This season, brands like Reformation and Paige are offering billowing denim jackets, while Madewell and Agolde are championing cropped constructions. Whichever silhouette you prefer, we’ve got a bevy of options below.

Leather Jackets

There’s no debate over whether a leather jacket is a wardrobe essential. Having several in your closet is always a good idea. If you're searching for just one, Julia Marzovilla, fashion e-commerce editor at Marie Claire, recommends opting for timeless styles.

"Trendy features like extra zippers and grommets can be fun, but they may also make a jacket look outdated over time," Marzovilla points out. "Choose leather jackets that have a clean design and exclude anything you won’t want to wear in a year, five years, or even longer," she adds.

Keep it simple with a tailored black leather jacket that offers structure and sophistication, or switch things up with a brown alternative that’s equally edgy.

Barn Jackets

If you haven’t heard, barn jackets are gaining huge momentum and taking over the spring trend cycles of 2025. There are different variations on the style—some preserving vintage details like charming buttons and others with more modern takes like zipper closures. Often stitched with durable cotton and drenched in a neutral shade, this layer is one that you’ll find yourself wearing consistently. Just ask Marie Claire’s editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, who has swiftly fallen for Carhartt’s chore coat.

Quilted Jackets

For those days when spring temperatures dip below 50 degrees, a quilted jacket offers the snug feeling of a blanket. "Quilted jackets are a perfect happy medium for unpredictable weather: They're insulated, but they're not super heavy," says Halie LeSavage, Marie Claire's senior news editor.

With geometric-like stitching, quilted jackets also offer a unique sense of dimension, so they're a great choice if you're looking to breathe life into a dull outfit. "One of my favorites from Sea incorporates fun details that make getting dressed on a dreary, cloudy day feel much brighter," LeSavage adds.