Eileen Fisher organic cotton/tencel jacket (small) | $298
James Perse dress
Emerson Fry slides (gift for review from Emerson Fry several years ago) | sold out
I am a convert to the “light spring jacket.” It still sounds like an oxymoron, and here in Texas we don’t have a lot of mild weather appropriate for wearing said “light spring jacket,” but now that I have one, I wondered how I’ve managed without it all my life.
I wore my Eileen Fisher jacket to and from Florida, while I was there, in the mornings, and even used it as a robe while traveling. I wore it last weekend to my pop-up shop and was pleased with having pockets to drop things into. I’m wearing it today, even though it’ll be in the 80’s. I not only love the look of the long jacket, I am now a fan of anything with pockets; it adds a level of practicality to any piece. I can even see myself embracing the “light spring vest” look over slim pants without pockets (like my Elizabeth Suzann Cecilia pants) so I have a place for Dagny’s snacks, and my camera’s lens cap, and no sleeves 😉
Here are some more of my favorite light spring jackets or vests by a few of my favorite independent and/or sustainable designers. Which is your favorite? Do you wear a “light spring jacket”? How do you style it?
Elizabeth Suzann Emma Kimono in Linen | $185
Ace & Jig Kimono Archive | $425*
Eileen Fisher quilted organic cotton denim jacket
Hackwith Design House Lapel Vest | $310
Hoibo linen kimono overcoat | $288 CAD
Only Child Cardiff work coat | $255 (sooooo good!!)
Horses Atelier Alchemical jacket | $435 (I also like the shorter patch pocket jacket)*
Black Crane Gauze square shirt | $129*
Atelier Delphine Haori coat – LOVE THIS | $382*
*when you use my REFERRAL LINK for Garmentory and sign up for an account, you’ll receive a $20 account credit and so will I
Yes! Life in Northern California is one Light Spring Jacket (LSJ) after the next! I go for structured, functional jacket-derived, vs. flowy, but, the idea is great.
I am more of a cardigan person, though I love the idea of spring jackets. I’ve been walking my dog in the early afternoons and my pockets get so loaded down with everything. So, I finally bought the Mini Destaye Crossbody from FashionABLE, and it’s the perfect small bag to hold my phone, keys, and extras I need to take a walk around the neighborhood.
Well, I ordered the same EF denim jacket (thru the EF site and got 15% off when you subscribe to the newsletter!)…and it’s supposed to arrive tomorrow. I’m really excited b/c I just love how you look in it and the multiple ways it can be styled. I also ordered the ES kimono in flax linen which I know i’ll get lots of use out of this spring and summer. Right now my “light spring jacket” is an olive green army jacket that I got from the Nordstrom Anniv. Sale last summer. It’s really light weight and can be worn over tees, dresses, and turtlenecks. And as far as pockets go…YES! I love pants/dresses/jackets with pockets b/c I have dogs too so very practical for our walks plus when I’m at work I need pockets for my keys, pens, phone, etc…
Ah, so many good choices here! I’m currently trying to find a lightweight jacket for my trip to France in June, so this was a perfectly timed post!
I am all about the light spring jacket! AC in high rise offices, theaters & restaurants in Honolulu can be quite chilly. Also good on the plane between islands. I’ve been eyeing the Only Child kimono above as I already have her Madelyn wool coat. I adore the huge pockets too (I can even fit my kindle or iPad in it, perfect for keeping items corralled while on the plane). I wore it on Oahu during the winter evenings (for us that is 65 to 70 degrees) over a T and on the mainland over a sweater. Versatile piece. The Delphine is gorgeous but out of my price range currently.
Thank you, Grechen, this is very good timing. I’m looking for a lightweight spring/summer jacket for work.
If the Elizabeth Suzann kimono jacket had pockets, I probably would have ordered it by now, but I’ve realized that such things really do need pockets, otherwise they’ll just hang in my closet unworn. (I have an otherwise lovely Kowtow jacket-type thing that I never wear precisely because of its pocketlessness. I can’t bring myself to get rid of it, but in true Kondo fashion maybe I should thank it for its service and send to you at Slowre?!?) That Ace & Jig one is fantastic (I guess that’s why it’s mostly sold out!), but alas more than I should spend.
yes, that is why i’ve hesitated on the ES kimono too – i love it, but need pockets in a jacket. i’d wear it, but not as often…
the ace & jig one doesn’t have pockets either. and i have to admit, i don’t quite “get” ace & jig like others do. i like it, but know i would get tired of the patterns. and the price point seems rather high for what it is? although it’s probably reasonable…all things considered…
i love the only child jacket – and yay for pockets that can hold a kindle 😉 i love the harpers for that, and the clyde pants. i can carry it around the house with me LOL
yay! let us know if you settle on one 🙂
i have always been a cardigan person myself – until just recently i guess. i’m still a cardigan person…but it doesn’t hurt to branch out a bit LOL – i’m sort of “feeling” the LSJ now!!
haha.. i love it “LSJ” –
Yay! You kept the sexy polo dress? I love this look on you with the slides…and every.single.look. you posted has my heart beating faster! Especially love the styling of the ES, the Black Crane (which I have and wear both ways…longer black dress or tee and jeans), the Only Child (gorgeous color!), Horses Atelier…*sigh*
I can see the Ace & Jig over a white or black linen midi dress with slides. SO many great options!
yes, i kept the dress…i really like the length of it, and the neckline, although i need to use fashion tape to keep it closed and “classy” lol
Hi Grechen — I’m currently a little obsessed with Elizabeth Suzann and that kimono has definitely been catching my eye!
I wanted to add that I’ve been reading your blog for a while and so inspired by your view, especially on sustainable fashion. In fact, I wanted to create a space where like-minded people could discuss this topic in more detail. I’d love if you would check it out and let me know what you think:
http://sustainablefashionchat.com/
Thanks!
Yes, I do! I have an older, similar denim jacket from Eileen Fisher that I love, and wear a great deal during fall and spring.
I also recently backed Two Fold Clothing’s Kickstarter for the Lois Coat in black, which is a trench-like style. Two Fold is a new, small batch, sustainable womenswear brand based in North Carolina. Can’t wait for it to arrive!
For me it’s Horses Atelier all the way……but sooo expensive! It’s not even a choice, I just do not have this money!
yes!! i was just going to write about two fold tomorrow 🙂 love that coat.
Glad I’m not the only one. I love the idea of Ace and Jig and their patterns look cool *on others*, but I am not a pattern-wearer by any stretch of the imagination…. even their most basic patterns are too much for me. Very envious of those who are less pattern-averse!
Will do! I was eyeing the Only Child one for a while, and I love the Black Crane one although I don’t think it *quite* aligns with the style I currently have going on. If ES had a shorter/blazer-length version of their trench in the CWC I’d jump in a heartbeat.
I swooned HARD for the Altelier Dauphine Kimono though. I’d have to save some pretty pennies for it!!
I just found this one yesterday that I’m thinking about, though I always find gray to be a little “blah” on me: https://ecovibeapparel.com/collections/sweaters-coats/products/wide-sleeve-cotton-cardigan-in-vintage-grey?variant=40178148486
I also like the Ali Golden Notch Jacket: https://www.aligolden.com/coats-jackets/notch-jacket-olive
So many options! And like the commenter above, I’m in Northern CA and mostly do cardigans, but I’m craving light jackets this year for some reason.