It may only be my second year as Who What Wear UK's fashion editor, but I'd like to think that in this time I've managed to fit in quite a bit of experience when it comes to luxury shopping. My role requires me to uncover new trends, put together edits of new-in pieces, and spot a cult hero at fifty paces, but my personal goal for 2024 is to invest in forever pieces that really go the distance. Of course, fun and exciting buys have a special place too, but when it comes to recommending where you should spend your hard-earned money, my focus is solely on the kind of item I hope will work the hardest in your wardrobe without you getting tired of it or needing to replace it.
With that in mind, I set about searching for what I think is the most sensible purchase right now—the perfect spring jacket. As the weather starts to get milder it's too warm for our thick winter coats, but far too cold for no outerwear at all, so a lightweight but practical jacket is a particularly sound investment. From leather jackets to car coats, I searched high and low for the designer pieces that I would buy if I were on the hunt for something to last me several years (and if money was no object).
So, if you're ready to see which designer styles made the cut, keep scrolling to see the spring jackets that this editor rates for spring 2024.
1. Toteme Leather Collar Barn Jacket
Style Notes: Starting with the jacket that easily takes first position, it's no surprise that Toteme scores extremely highly on this list, as the brand has a track record for crowd-pleasing coats. This cool, crisp barn jacket is perfect for spring given how light it is, and it gets extra points for being oversized and roomy enough to fit a chunky jumper underneath on the days you might need it. I'm a UK 12 and the jacket I tried on is the equivalent of a UK 8, showing just how generously proportioned it is. There's something about the putty colour and minimal detailing that make this feel like a chic upgrade from my usual trench. Just imagine how good this would look with jeans and chunky boots, or a white summer dress and ballet pumps.
2. The Frankie Shop Quilted Ripstop Jacket
Style Notes: It might not be brand new, but this best seller keeps doing the rounds for good reason (and I knew I was onto a winner when I bumped into someone wearing it as soon as I left the store). It's very oversized but I found comfort in the squishy duvet-ness of this fluffy, cloud-like jacket. And before you ask, it's not packed full of down that will have you overheating; it's more like the kind of layer you could throw on now over a T-shirt and be the perfect temperature, but it's also perfect for a bracing, chilly walk. If you're torn between the cream and green colourways, I'd suggest that green is the most sensible option. We told you the country jacket would be everywhere in 2024.
3. Raey Boxy Suede Jacket
Style Notes: Just utter the words "suede" and "Raey" and I'm already on board. Such is the draw of Matches' in-house brand. Straight on the money with a luxurious suede jacket that went live back in autumn, it's sticking around for spring too, for those who didn't get to snap it up the first time around. Those who love boxy shapes and tailored blazers will appreciate the dressier finish of this jacket, and although I tried it on over a black tank and maxi skirt, I'd be tempted to wear this with blue jeans and a white vest, just like it's styled in the model image here. Sure, it might not be the best jacket to wear if it rains, but the pleasingly weighty fabric offers strong protection against the wind and cold.
4. House of Sunny Woven Bomber Jacket
Style Notes: If you love bright colours and tongue-in-cheek design, you'll already be well acquainted with House of Sunny, and the brand's Instagrammble pieces are just what we need for a dopamine hit after a dark and dreary winter. Having spent so long in, well, long coats, there's something so freeing about this cool-girl varsity jacket (I sized up for a little extra slouch). In my head, this is the kind of sporty, effortless jacket that would look so cool with the preferred uniform of the off-duty A-listers: a tank top, leggings and retro trainers. Oh, and don't forget a pair of all-black sunnies. As the most modestly priced jacket on the list, this is worth its weight in cost-per-wear alone.
5. Kassl Editions Brushed Wool Jacket
Style Notes: When I thought about what would make the ideal spring jacket, this is what I had in mind. A versatile, seasonless, anti-trend jacket that doesn't rely on pastels or florals and will ground floaty dresses and pretty separates. Although it's wool, it definitely isn't a winter coat (it's thinner than it looks), and the strokeably soft texture is why it makes the top five. Chic, sleek and sophisticated, this jacket is the kind of outfit-elevating wonder that makes the outerwear the hero of the entire look. Just be careful with your coffee.
6. Raey Single Breasted Blazer
Style Notes: A blazer might not be quite as substantial as a leather or suede jacket, but it's the perfect layer to wear now under a trench coat and on its own come summer. Nothing says spring quite like this happy shade of yellow, and although the full suit is well worth seeing, I'd be happy enough to walk away with just the jacket to wear again over dresses and T-shirts with long skirts. The incredible fit is everything here—those shoulders! Another exceptionally tailored piece from Raey, dare I say it's good enough to want to trade in your Frankie Shop Gelso blazer.
7. Notable Mention: Marni Contrast Leather Jacket
Style Notes: I loved this jacket from the moment I saw it, and unlike bulky biker jackets, it's the kind of soft, flexible leather that doesn't feel cumbersome or restrictive, causing you to overheat. Unfortunately, the moment it came to writing this article, I couldn't find this jacket anywhere online. Not Selfridges (where I found it to try on), not the Marni website and most puzzlingly, not the runway either, so for now, consider this a notable mention and as soon as it lands, you can bet I'll be back to let you know. Instead, I'm sharing a similar style from the brand below, and you can keep scrolling to see more of my favourite designer picks for the sunnier months ahead.
Shop More of the Best Designer Jackets for Spring:
Pure cashmere perfection courtesy of Celine.
You won't find a silhouette like this on the high street.
How to make a denim jacket feel premium.
Even Prada is in on the quilted-jacket trend.
A strong case for white denim.
Like your regular trench, but better.
This is such a cool shade of green.
It just wouldn't be spring without some gingham.
This has been on my wish list for months.
Workwear needn't ever be boring again.
