When the breezes turn cool and brisk, women's summer jackets are the perfect way to add some warmth without additional bulk. Whether you opt for bold, brash colors or softer palettes, jackets are flattering summer fashions.
About Summer Jackets
Lighter weight fabrics and paler colors are key identifiers of summer apparel like women's summer jackets. Sleeve lengths run the gamut from short to three-quarter to long sleeves, making these garments ideal for pairing with anything from tiny tees to sundresses. Look for fabrics like these for the coolest, most comfortable fit and feel:
- Denim
- Polyester and polyester blends
- Linen and linen blends
- Cotton
- Slinky knits made from acetate and spandex blends
- Sateen
- Silk
- Poplin
A trick that designers utilize to create an illusion of featherweight airness for summer designs is using crinkles or puckered fabrics or metallics, foils, jacquards, and brocades. Metallics, for instance, add a sheen and shine that makes one think of the sun shimmering on the ocean waves, while crinkled fabrics or gauze evoke images of long walks on sunny beaches.
Styling and Detailing
Some hot trends in jackets are styles like:
- Military
- Boyfriend
- Biker
- Swing
- Safari
- Bolero or shrug
- Cropped denim
While these fashionable styles abound on the runways and in fashion shows, traditional classics like suit jackets, blazers, parkas, and hooded jackets are still showing strong. The key to choosing summer jackets is choose styles that are multifunctional and can be used to mix and match with a wide variety of other wardrobe pieces. For instance, a boyfriend jacket in basic black, white or red can be interchanged in endless combinations with jeans, tailored pencil skirts, dress slacks, dresses or even summer weight leggings or jeggings.
Look for on trend details like patch pockets, pleated shoulders, and self belts, but keep in mind that details date an item. If your goal is to add a couple of summer jackets to your wardrobe that will transcend the seasons and styles, opt for timeless details like shawl collars, besom or welt pockets, and minimal topstitching or embellishment.
Shop for Women's Summer Jackets
Get more for your money and save on gas by shopping online with merchants like these:
- Chico's: Dress up an office outfit with one of Chico's stylish jackets, and create an instant going-out-for-dinner look. With sizes ranging from XS (0) to XL (22), there is a style and price for any woman's budget.
- Orvis: From lightweight madras jackets to sophisticated hacking jackets, Orvis offers a wide selection at prices that won't break your budget.
- Coldwater Creek: Supplement your wardrobe with one of these out of the ordinary jackets from Coldwater Creek.
Wear your new jackets to picnics, open-air concerts, or sports events. Trade your woolen and heavyweight jackets for lightweight summer jackets to make office days more tolerable. They are appropriate attire for church or community socials, bingo nights, or beach combing.
Love to Bargain Shop?
Did you know that many thrift and secondhand stores receive regular donations of brand-new merchandise from merchants that are reducing their unsold inventories or overstock? When you buy new clothing at pre-owned prices, you can save as much as 70 to 80 percent off regular retail.
Even if you strike out on finding new garments at discounted prices, these stores are still a frugal way to add high-end designer pieces to your wardrobe at bargain basement prices. The key is to know your designers and their labels, and examine each garment thoroughly before making your purchase. Pull and tug seams and buttons to make sure they are sewn securely. Look for fabric flaws or minute pinholes that could tear, snag or run. Choose classic styles with clean tailoring in basic colors for the best buys. Clothing that can be machine-washed and dried is less expensive over the life of the garment than items that must be hand washed or dry cleaned.
Shop for seasonal items, like women's summer jackets, off season. Store your finds until the appropriate wearing season.
