I'm Ready to Shelve My Denim Jacket—5 Chic Alts on Every Fashion Person's Radar RN
From pretty pink tweed to plaid windbreakers, these are the five summer jacket trends you need to know about.
With sunshine finally on the horizon, we’ve officially entered summer-jacket season. Warm, bright days have been few and far between so far this spring in the UK, so 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. But as we well know, shedding the layers too soon can be a grave mistake, so if you've found yourself shivering during a sudden overcast spell of rain, you'll know that some form of lightweight layer is a good idea.
For many, the idea of investing in a summer jacket feels counterintuitive, which is why the category is often overlooked within capsule wardrobes. But since adding one to my own rotation, I've found that it's the one piece that works the hardest. A light layer to keep you warm when you need it— and even to prevent sunburn when you don't—the perfect summer jacket will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe.
Having perused the new-in sections of our favourite brands, studied the jackets cropping up on the spring/summer 2026 runways and looked at 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 feel as timeless as they look fresh.
Pairing well with dresses and flats, jeans and loafers and of course, linen separates and sandals, each of these styles is set to earn you some points amongst the chicest dresses in your circle. Scroll to discover.
The Five Jacket Trends to Know in Summer 2026
1. Pretty in Pink
Style Notes: Not fiery red—in summer 2026, blush pink is the shade to beat. There's a romantic whimsy to this soft hue, and the pretty pastel has appeared in several collections this season. From Chanel to GDCS, Aje to Valentino, this gentle colour graced everything from structured 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.
A tweed jacket can add polish to a jeans-and-tee look.
The blossom-pink shade adds a pretty polish to this all-white look.
Pair with straight-leg jeans and a white tee 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. Funnel-Neck
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 a windbreaker with a pleated maxi skirt, or a tough cotton iteration styled with jeans.
Shop Funnel-Neck Jackets:
The viral M&S bomber is back in a full size range.
A little Victoriana.
This supple suede iteration is really calling to me.
Reiss's take comes in black and brown suede and is also available in both regular and petite sizes.
I've seen so 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 event, and I can attest that it's as good as it looks.
3. Military-Inspired
Style Notes: Every bit the iconic style we remember, military jackets are back and cooler than ever. Spotted all over the S/S 26 runways, McQueen slung them over bare shoulders, whilst Jonathan Anderson showed his amongst menswear at Dior and Ann Demulemeester paired the look with grungy spring florals. Ingrained in the British collective conscience, this nostalgic piece has successfully shifted from "indie sleaze" staple to stylish outerwear option.
Shop Military Jackets:
The soft cream 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.
Keep the bottom two buttons open for a softer silhouette.
4. Cheerful Checks
Style Notes: Heritage checks will always be timeless, but for summer 2026, the style has received a vibrant facelift. Transitioning from the stuffy "old money" connotations of the past, the print is now embracing 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 cool, it's the kind of low-effort, high-reward style that you’ll rely on from now until early autumn.
Shop Check-Print Jackets:
I've seen this jacket styled with capri pants and jelly sandals lately.
Checks and a soft funnel neck? Tick off two trends in one.
A fresh twist on heritage plaid.
The muted print and soft silhouette is utterly divine.
Barbour's Leyburn from the Lucy Williams collection is my newest obsession.
Dopamine-inducing.
You'll be grateful for the hood when a downpour arrives.
5. Decadent Draping
Style Notes: After a strong autumn/winter, draped jackets are sticking around for summer 2026. Blending fluid lines with comfort and craftspersonship, this jacket trend was a designer favourite this season. Chloé showed a sweeping, scarf-coat trench in a buttery hue, whilst 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 this
The belt tie and vibrant red hue make this jacket stand out.
Find me a cooler summer look.
