I'm Ready to Shelve My Denim Jacket—5 Chic Summer Jacket Trends on Every Fashion Person's Radar RN
From pretty pink tweeds to plaid windbreakers, these are the five jacket trends you need to know about. Scroll to see more.
With sunny days finally on the horizon, one thing is clear—we’ve entered summer jacket season. With balmy, bright days days having been few and far between (especially if you live in the UK), at the first sign of sun, lunch in the park becomes the new normal, and the bulky down coats and waterproof spring jackets are long forgotten. In the hasty (but easy) mistake to make, you may have found yourself shivering during an overcast spell, and so some form of lightweight layer is only logical.
For many, the idea of in investing in an summer jacket feels counterintuitive, which is why the category is often overlooked within capsule wardrobes. But since adding one my own rotation, it's the one piece that works the hardest. A light layer to keep you warm when you need it, and to prevent sunburn when you don't, the perfect warm weather jacket has the ability to refresh your look with summer energy.
Having perused the new-in sections of our favourite brands, studied the jacket trends cropping up on the spring/summer 2026 runways and looked to what fashion’s sleekest dressers are already leaning towards this year, five key trends started to surface. From the romantic, blush hues at Chanel to the cheerful checks at Victoria Beckham, the styles of the season all manage to feel as timeless as they look fresh.
Pairing well with dresses and flats, jeans and loafers, and of course, linens and sandals, each of these styles is set to earn you some points amongst the chicest dresses in your circle. Scroll to discover below.
The Five Jacket Trends to Know in Summer 2026:
1. Pretty in Pink
Style Notes: After years of fiery red, in summer 2026 blush pinks are the shade to beat. There's a romantic whimsy to this soft hue, and the pretty pastel has appeared in a number of collections this season. From Chanel to GDCS, Aje to Valentino, this gentle colour graced everything from stuctured leather jackets to satin tweed with ladylike polish. Add a joyful spin to your classic trousers and lightweight linens with the happy shade that couldn’t feel fresher in summer 2026.
Shop Pale Pink Jackets:
Worn zipped up this could double as a blouse.
Tweed jackets come to life in the warmer months.
The blossom pink shade adds a pretty polish to this all white look.
Pair with straight-leg jeans and a white t-shirt this spring.
Collarless jackets have quietly become one of this season's biggest trends.
Shop the matching Ivan twill shorts(£190).
You can never go wrong with a suede jacket.
2. Cocooning Cones
Style Notes: As the star of Phoebe Philo's eponymous debut, funnel-neck jackets have quickly infiltrated the wardrobes of fashion's sleekest dressers. Think Balenciaga’s leather-cape hybrid, or Khaite’s cropped utility take. Oh, and of course Nanushka’s zip-up bomber. With utility at its core, fashion people are pairing these with all of their trousers this summer. And if leather isn't your bag, try windbreakers finished with pleated maxi skirts, or tough cotton iterations styled with jeans.
Shop Funnel-neck Jackets:
The viral M&S bomber is back in a full size range.
This linen blend will keep you cool on warmer days.
This supple suede iteration has gone straight into my basket.
Reiss' take is truly special. Not only does it come in black and brown suede but its inclusive too, with regular and petite sizes available.
I've seen some many washed blue funnel-neck jackets on the streets of London lately.
The collar on this jacket flattens into a regular lapel.
I wore this during a recent live shopping and can attest, its as good as it looks.
3. Military Might
Style Notes: Every bit the iconic style we remember, military jackets are back and cooler than ever. Spotted all over the SS26 runways, McQueen slung the jacket over bare shoulders, while Jonathan Anderson showed his amongst menswear at Dior and Ann Demulemeester paired the look with grungy, spring florals. Ingrained into the British collective conscience, this nostalgic look has successfully shifted from indie sleeze staple to stylish outerwear option.
Shop Military Jacket:
The soft yellow hue will pair well with your neutrals.
The structured shape and muted tones lend this jacket a timeless finish.
A fresh take on the denim jacket.
Fit for Napoleon himself.
I know this jacket will be everywhere this summer.
Iconic.
4. Cheerful Checks
Style Notes: Heritage checks will always be timeless, but in summer 2026, the style has received a vibrant facelift. Transitioning from the stuffy connotations of old money, spring summer leans into a more youthful energy. Victoria Beckham paired the print with a linen micro skirt, whilst Vetements favoured a two-piece and thigh high boots. Versatile, classic and most importantly cool, it's the kind of low-effort, high-reward style that you’ll rely on from now until early autumn.
Shop Check Prints:
I've seen this jacket styled with capris and jelly sandals as of late.
Checks and a soft funnel-neck! What's not to love?
A fresh twist on heritage plaid.
The soft print is utterly divine.
Barbour's Leyburn from the Lucy William's collection is my newest obsession.
Dopamine inducing.
The hood will be perfect when a downpour arrives.
5. Decadent Drapes
Style Notes: After a strong autumn/winter, draped jackets are sticking around for summer 2026 too. Blending fluid, feminine lines with comfort and craftsmanship, this jacket trend was a designer favourite this season. Chloé favoured the sweeping, scarf-coat-trench in a joyful butter hue, while Uma Wang opted for muted, cooler tones. This elegant style is a far cry from your average denim jacket.
Shop Draped Jackets:
The balloon sleeves are a nice touch.
This would look so cool layered over a linen dress.
Butter yellow is on its way to becoming a new neutral.
Bury me in the cropped jacket.
The belt and vibrant red hue lend this jacket an unmistakable polish.
Find me a cooler summer look.
