Where Stylists Shop: 27 Spring Jackets Fit for In-Between Weather

Spring outerwear can be hard to nail. Australia just experienced its equal-third hottest winter ever recorded (hello, climate crisis), and the weather has warmed up faster than expected. Having versatile, year-round wardrobe heroes can help us tackle weather uncertainty and temperature changes. 

We asked Australian stylists which spring jackets they’re adding to their carts this season. You’ll find an array of trench coats with varying colours, lengths and cuts, as well as a good dose of bomber jackets and windbreakers. These are the jackets that’ll see you through unpredictable weather patterns and style dilemmas. 

Rebecca Modara, Melbourne personal stylist

A great spring jacket is one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe, bridging crisp mornings and warmer afternoons while adding structure and polish to even the simplest outfit. Whether you’re investing in a technical layer, a modern trench or an everyday lightweight jacket, there are excellent options across both premium and more accessible brands. Arc’teryx, Banded Together and Saba are all labels I’ve been recommending to clients for their thoughtful design, functionality and wearability. I particularly like Arc’teryx’s Limina softshell jacket, Banded Together’s cropped trench coat and Saba’s Aura classic trench coat.

@locarnostyling

Karinda Mutabazi, Melbourne stylist and creative director

The leather collar on this wool jacket from Sandro caught my eye. The shape of the jacket has a relaxed feel, but the leather stand-up collar makes it look more elevated. Variety Hour’s Pudding puffer has a nostalgic print that reminds me of the Little Golden Books I read when I was little. I am always drawn to colour, and in a sea of browns and beige, this is a fun layering piece that stands out.

@mutabazi_k

Victoria Burns, Melbourne stylist and content creator

I would highly recommend a cropped trench coat: it’s lightweight enough to transcend seasons, yet perfectly layered over knitwear and tailored trousers through winter. Come spring and summer, pare it back with a midiskirt or silk shorts with lace detailing. It’s one of those pieces that can be styled endlessly. I love Viktoria & Woods’s Whitethorn jacket, Kookai’s Leon belted trench, Camilla and Marc’s Malia belted jacket and Meshki’s Alden short trench jacket.

@viccyb_

Holly Karas, Melbourne stylist

For a trans-seasonal spring jacket, you can’t go past a trench coat. I would always say to look for vintage options first; Goodbyes, Swop and Mutual Muse are great places to start. But if you don’t have the time to scour the racks for a second-hand find, Elka Collective’s Kaia trench coat is a perfectly serviceable option. Personally, I love a bomber jacket – I believe I have five on rotation at the moment. Spring calls for a lighter option, and I love the look of Pinky and Kamal’s bomber jacket. I particularly love the two-way zip; this is something I look for in both jackets and knitwear as it creates so many more ways to style a piece. 

@hllykrs

Rochelle Renwick, Perth stylist and creative director

Scarecrow chic has been one of the season’s most unexpected trends, filtering down from Matthieu Blazy’s runway for Chanel. Thankfully, our local labels have delivered, like with Deering’s Fringe Benefits jacket. For something you’ll reach for time and time again, Dissh’s Oaklee batwing lightweight jacket is the ultimate throw-on layer. It’s ideal for those in-between evenings when it’s too cool to go without a jacket, but not cold enough for a heavy coat.

@rochellerenwick

Juvelle Behrendorff, Melbourne personal stylist

You can’t go wrong with a trench coat; it’s the kind of jacket that will elevate any outfit, including track pants on the weekend. For a classic style, Marks & Spencer’s The Trench is one of the best on the market: it’s 100 per cent cotton, shower-resistant and features details of a higher-end trench coat such as double-breasted buttons, buckle details, a storm flap and contrast lining, but is only $219. Plus, it’s available in two lengths (petite and regular) and in sizes 6 to 24.

Another hard-working jacket is a windbreaker. Not only are they practical for spring weather, but they look great styled with satin skirts or tailored trousers just as much as they do with activewear on the weekend. I would love to see more people embrace colour this spring so, instead of a neutral pick, go bold with this red Jean track jacket from Dissh, or this D-Luxe spray jacket from Decjuba.

@juvellebehrendorff

Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist

A classic trench is one of the hardest-working pieces in any wardrobe and Saba always gets the proportions right. Its Aura classic trench coat is timeless, polished and versatile enough to wear over tailoring, denim or dresses throughout spring. Camilla and Marc continue to set the benchmark for contemporary tailoring. Opting for a stone colourway for spring is always a great idea; I love that its Passage wide-sleeve trench comes with the detachable contrast leather collar. I adore the raglan sleeves and shoulder epaulettes. These design details are super clever and create a beautiful hourglass silhouette. If you’re looking for an investment piece, Scanlan Theodore is always high on my list. Its attention to detail on its Tech trench bomber is second to none.

@laurendilena

Kerrie Carucci, Brisbane stylist

As the seasons shift, a trench coat is a real wardrobe hero for trans-seasonal dressing. The right trench can add colour, shape and polish to existing pieces, while still providing that practical layer needed for cooler mornings and changing temperatures. This season, there is a subtle shift from darker and traditional autumn/winter hues to soft, considered yet bold statement colours and more contemporary silhouettes. Ida & S’s Rose trench brings a soft injection of dusty rose in a cotton-polyamide blend, allowing a seamless introduction of colour while remaining refined, elevated and wearable. 

Oroton’s Essential mac takes the classic silhouette and channels it into a vibrant poppy red. For clients looking to add more impact, it’s a simple way to energise neutral foundations in a practical 100 per cent cotton fabrication. And for something more directional, Veronika Maine’s wool cocoon sleeve trench reworks the traditional silhouette with a contemporary three-quarter cocoon sleeve, adding shape and interest while maintaining the polish of a classic.

@kerriecarucci_stylist

Emelia Morris, Geelong and Melbourne stylist

It’s that point of the year where the layers are getting lighter but, as a Victorian-based stylist, I can tell you our jackets aren’t going anywhere just yet. For spring, I’d be looking for something that’s practical and leans into your personal style. Technical and windbreaker-style jackets are still having a big moment, along with lighter-weight trenches and bombers. And the funnel neck isn’t going anywhere just yet, a detail I’m still very much on board with. 

Ena Pelly does a great jacket. I love that mix of streetwear with something a little more elevated. I have the Zadie funnel neck bomber in sand, and they’ve just brought it out in chocolate brown. Elk is another brand I keep coming back to for something interesting. I’ve got my eye on the Hanning jacket in light-blue organic cotton. It’s a goodie. And for something a little more wallet-friendly, Uniqlo is a regular go-to of mine. I just bought the Uniqlo C Utility short coat. It’s water repellent, but it was the waist toggles that got me – you can cinch it in and completely change the shape.

@emeliamorrisstylist

Milly Wright, Melbourne stylist

Tild’s trench coat is the most perfect little cropped trench. I love the oversized collar and the shorter shape – it feels like a fun take on a classic trench. It’s the kind of jacket I’d throw over pretty much anything when Melbourne decides it’s spring one minute and winter the next. I’m obsessed with the pinstripe on Ess Bee’s Everyday jacket. I love pieces that can go either way, and this one would look just as good dressed up with a tailored pant as it would thrown over jeans and a tee. A very easy “I made an effort” jacket.

@styledby.milly

For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.