Winter outerwear and spring outerwear are two completely different ball games. If you live in a city that goes through all four seasons, you know that your cold-weather topper serves an important purpose — without it, you'd freeze your ass off. It has to be functional above everything else — and if you're lucky, it's cute, too.With your warm-weather pieces, though, it's easier to have more fun. Since sunny days don't require too much work from our jackets, they're the perfect time to experiment with the latest trends. Or, you can pull out some classic, seasonally appropriate goods, like blazers or trenches. No other time of year do fashion and function go so hand-in-hand when it comes to your outermost layer — and we've rounded up 18 picks to prove it. Click through to nab some anoraks, bombers, and more for yourself.
The Cool-Girl Bomber Jacket
There's no question about it: The bomber is the silhouette of the season. Whether you choose to wear it off-duty style with leggings and trainers or use it to add some edge to a floral dress, it'll be your go-to transitional-outfit finisher.
Acne Studios Striped Bomber Jacket, $777, available at Liberty London.
A cozy knit variation is just as comfy as your fleece zip-up hoodie, but looks way more put-together.
Gap Knit Bomber, $39.95 $19.99, available at Gap.
Try a lightweight, but structured cotton bomber that's breathable and versatile.
Mango Pocket Cotton Bomber Jacket, $149.99, available at Mango.
The Functional Anorak
April showers bring May flowers — but until then, those showers keep catching you on the one day you forgot your umbrella. The good news is, the anorak trend is both timely and practical. We've been seeing these lightweight, waterproof jackets on the runways since last year, and now they're hitting the mainstream (while keeping you dry!).
Tibi Invisible Anorak, $750, available at Tibi.
Proof that a raincoat can be a total fashion win, rather than a faux pas.
Zara Raincoat, $69.90, available at Zara.
When rain apparel looks so good, you'll want it to pour.
Wilfred Free Arora Jacket, $160, available at Aritzia.
The Not-So-Stuffy Blazer
Blazers aren't just for the office — pair one with jeans or leggings, and it'll become your go-to for nights out and weekend brunches. This season, it's all about trying new textures, colors, and silhouettes that make this old-school piece feel more like a stylish staple than a suiting separate.
Loéil Elina Blazer, $138, available at Loéil.
Keep things laid-back and casual with an oversized fit and soft chambray fabric.
6397 Oversized Blazer, $645, available at Need Supply Co.
The best part about this all-white stunner is the surprising open back.
Theory Geltha Split-Back Crepe Blazer, $445, available at Net-A-Porter.
The Retro Leather Topper
Fashion girls, rejoice — it's leather weather. Only, this time around, give the moto jacket a rest in exchange for a retro option that offers a boxy, collared silhouette and interesting shades and textures.
Trademark Crinkle Patent Jacket, $628, available at Trademark.
It's a plus when your leather jacket can look just as badass when totally zipped up as it does open over a band tee.
Veda One Leather Jacket, $495, available at Veda.
Patchwork is insanely popular, and your leather jacket's the perfect place to start sporting it.
Coach Leather Patch Mod Jacket, $2,495, available at Coach.
The Offbeat Trench
Trench coats can get a bad rap as a stuffy classic only your mom wears, but there's something to love about the goes-with-everything color and perfectly lightweight fabric of this timeless style. Funk things up with contemporary cuts and colors — here, an oversized lapel does the trick.
Oak + Fort Coat F03, $258, available at Oak + Fort.
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Who says you don’t have a soft side?
Believe it or not, pink goes just as well with your wardrobe as camel does.
Bill Blass Ryan Robe Coat, $328, available at Bill Blass.
The Next-Level Denim Piece
We'd never suggest parting with your beloved vintage Levi's trucker jacket. But there are some high-impact alternatives on the market, like this studded version with a circle-zip detail.
Mango Studded Denim Jacket, $99.99, available at Mango.
A longline, V-neck denim coat isn't something you see every day (meaning you don't have to worry about awkwardly twinning with a stranger on the subway).
COS V-Neck Denim Coat, $175, available at COS.
You'll be music festival-ready with this Instagram-worthy embroidered jacket.
Pixie Market Floral Embroidered Denim Jacket, $78, available at Pixie Market.
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