6 Spring Jacket Trends That Solve Those "Just Bring a Light Jacket" Dilemmas
These will be everywhere.
Light layering is about to be everywhere in just a few weeks. The first official day of spring is March 20. I've already fallen for fool's spring and wore some light jackets for a few days in a row before the temperature dropped again. It literally snowed the day after a beautiful sunny day. So rude. Anyway, those few warm days were the perfect time to test out some spring 2026 jacket trends I've noticed fashion people are into.
Some trends are classics like bomber jackets and windbreakers, while others are kind of unexpected, but exciting to try nonetheless. I'm patiently waiting for the day to wear these without worry of a random snow day popping up. Instagram influencers are already privy to these upcoming trends and sold me on a few to sport myself.
If you're on the hunt for a new spring jacket trend to wear for 2026, keep scrolling for outfit inspiration and shop each style.
Nylon Funnel-Neck Jackets
Funnel-neck jackets are the next spring's outerwear trend. These are so chic and effortlessly cool. They're also versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on what vibe you're going for.
Windbreakers
Windbreakers don't get enough love, but they are an absolute spring staple for me. Sometimes, especially in NYC, a spring day can get hotter than expected, and the last thing you want is to be sweaty while out and about. Then the sun starts to set, and you're a little chilly. That's where a windbreaker comes in. I wear mine with jeans and pants with sneakers every spring.
Bomber Jackets
Bomber jackets are a forever trend. They're the perfectly balanced jacket style to layer for a night out or a day of galavanting. It's so cool-girl coded and gives a model-off-duty vibe with each wear.
Cropped Trench Coats
I genuinely think cropped trench jackets are the chicest jacket trend of this year. The style is already popping up on my Instagram timeline, so I predict it'll be everywhere by spring. I'll be wearing mine with a pair of black pants and pointed-toe heels like the look below.
Suede Fringe Jackets
I love a suede jacket, and I know that it can be considered a fall weather item, but a fringe suede jacket is perfect for spring. Fringe has always been a fun addition to an outfit for me, especially if my look is pretty basic. I recommend wearing a fringe jacket over a simple white tee and blue jeans paired with loafers or boots. It's like a Coachella outfit minus the desert.
Sporty Jackets
My favorite trend out of all of them may be unexpected for some, but athletic jackets are perfect for jam-packed, busy days. As a girl on the go in NYC, throwing on an athletic style jacket makes an outfit look casually cool, even when you're just running errands.
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Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.