Beautiful lightweight coats that are perfect for spring

Lightweight jackets perfect for spring
Lightweight jackets perfect for spring

As I was editing an article about swimwear this week, I realized it might be a little too early for some folks across the nation to get excited about hot weather and tanning at the pool. But it is inevitable — spring break is just around the corner and the weather will soon bring us sandals-and-shorts season.

To ease you into spring, I have a list of eight lightweight coats that would be perfect for taking on a stroll through a park, a dinner date, or an ocean-side brunch with your girlfriends. From vintage-inspired to a designer collaboration, these coats are on my list of favorites for spring.

Levi's denim jacket
Levi's denim jacket

Levi’s Classic Trucker Jacket - $54.99

If you don’t have one of these, you need to invest in it. The classic denim staple will go with anything you own — dresses, slacks, and heck, even sweats look cool when you have this jacket on. This will most likely be the jacket you’ll reach for most. My favorite look that never gets old — a long, lean tank top, and skinny jeans with plain black heels topped off with this Levi’s denim jacket. Don’t forget your shades.







Black kimono jacket
Black kimono jacket

Embroidered Kimono Jacket - $24.99

I call kimono jackets my “pig out” jackets because I can hide my bloated belly after a buffet lunch. With loose, flowing sleeves and embroidered and pompom detailing, this is another jacket that you can throw on and go with. You can add this item — available in black or white — to your closet collection and wear for years to come. It’s available exclusively at Target at a very reasonable price.










White lightweight parka
White lightweight parka

Lightweight White Parka Jacket - $90

Grab your Sperry Topsiders and this jacket, and head out for an adventure at sea. I like the crisp, fresh white color and the feminine contoured princess-seamed fit of this jacket. The zip-off hood feature takes you from a breezy stroll to the outdoor bistro to a first date at your local trendy bar. So versatile, and you don’t have to worry about color clashing with your favorite outfits. It’s made of 100 percent polyester, so don’t have to take it to an expensive dry cleaner; you can machine-wash in cold with no worries of wrinkling.





Navy cropped trench
Navy cropped trench

Lightweight Double Breasted Jacket - $40

Here’s another gem from Target at a great price — this lightweight double-breasted jacket from Merona is perfect for the office, a job interview, or meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time. Professional-looking with clean lines, it’s available in black, khaki, or navy blue. The pull ties at the sides nip in the waist, giving it a feminine shape to help show off those curves.




Heather gray moto jacket
Heather gray moto jacket

Full Tilt Moto Jacket - $25

For those looking for something a little more edgy, this heather gray moto jacket will turn your attitude into baditude.

With its asymmetrical zip front, zipper pockets, and a chic cropped length, you’ll want to break out your blackest liquid eyeliner and a pair of Doc Martens to pull this one off.

Layer this jacket with a tank or a lightweight tee, throw on your coolest pair of jeans, and you’re ready to head out to see your favorite rock band.






Coral car coat
Coral car coat

Neon Buddha Katelyn Car Coat - $67.51

I will not pass up anything coral, and when I saw this adorable vintage-inspired coat, I flipped for it.

The machine-washable, round-hem coat is also available in stone white, turquoise, and moss green.

What I absolutely adore about this coat are the buttons — these large signature buttons make a statement against the bolder colors of the coat. The standing neck feature will keep you warm on breezier spring nights.






Pink boxy trench coat by DKNY
Pink boxy trench coat by DKNY

DKNY Cropped Double-Breasted Boxy Trench Coat in Cosmos Pink - $155

A flashback to the 1960s, this bubblegum pink cropped trench is right in line with the pastel coat trend of this spring.

This knit coat will take you from the office to a stylish cocktail party and is surprisingly versatile. I’d style it with a black and white colorblock sheath dress and platform pumps for a sophisticated look, and for a more casual style, I’d wear blue jeans with a white blouse and ballet flats.





Woolrich/Vlisco Collab (Photo: Krista DeWeese | Model: Phurbu Dolma)
Woolrich/Vlisco Collab (Photo: Krista DeWeese | Model: Phurbu Dolma)

Woolrich John Rich & Bros. / Vlisco collaboration: W’s Afro Prescott Parka - $750

New for spring / summer 2015, two historic mills (Woolrich since 1830, and Dutch fabric designer Vlisco, since 1846) collaborate to bring forth two limited-edition parkas made with quality fabric techniques. The beautiful African abstract design of this lightweight parka brings an earthy, tribal feel to the modern cut of the jacket. My favorite features are the drawstring hood and waist. The jacket is cotton on the outside, with a polyester/nylon lining, making it totally washable in cold, but you’ll need to avoid drying it in the machine, letting it air dry instead. It is safe to iron at 110°C. You’ll pay a little more than you would for a jacket from the Woolrich line, at $750, but a unique collaboration such as this doesn’t come around too often.