Summer jacket - denim or something else?

[Grumblebees]

Help! I need a lightweight jacket to wear with jeans & t-shirt or casual dresses for the morning school runs when it's too chilly for bare arms. Are denim jackets still the go-to or is there something equally versatile?

I'm 39, 5ft 4 and size 8. Usually wear jeans and white trainers/Saltwater sandals or a casual t-shirt/maxi dress. I'd like something plain not patterned that will go with various outfits but no idea what style - I haven't owned a denim jacket for 30 years and now it seems things may have moved on again. I had long line neutral open cardigans a couple of years ago but feel like they're very dated now so just stuck a jumper on this morning but am SO BORED of them and want to enjoy wearing my summer tops! My friend had a leather biker jacket on with her jeans and flats yesterday and looked so put together but I a) don't want to look like I'm copying her and b) not sure I can pull leather off. I never wear black, more a navy person.

Thank you stylish people!

Not a fan of denim jackets personally, I'd go with a biker jacket type (not leather) or a lightweight blazer style

A bomber jacket?

I used to have a lovely faux suede jacket that was perfect for spring. Sadly lost it on a night out. It was similar to the one below.

https://www.quizclothing.co.uk/en-GB/stone-stone-faux-suede-cropped-biker-jacket-p-256790

I like the utility shirt / jacket style the most at the minute. I like my arms and shoulders well covered though.

I have various blazers in my wardrobe that I used to wear for smart/casual work (before FT WFH!) but they all look too smart to throw on for the school run. I'd love some links to anything you've seen that can look effortlessly casual?

I think I may need to try on some biker and bomber styles to see if they suit me as never tried either!

How about something like this:-

https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls250375/Q04842#Q04842

https://www.fatface.com/women/clothing/coats-jackets/lowen-field-jacket/0002110.html?dwvar_0002110_color=KHAKIGREEN

Not the op but..

I like both of those...

Which probably.means they're as far from fashionable as you can get. 🤪

Cardie/bomber combo?

https://mintvelvet.com/products/white-lace-bomber-jacket

Thank you I do like those and I think they'd definitely work with jeans, but not with dresses. Maybe there isn't anything that will go with both.

@TuesdayWhistler haha, I'm totally with you. Its hard to find something that looks stylish but not try hard I think.

Thank you, something like that might work. I need to go shopping and take a couple of my own outfits with me for trying in purposes I think.

I have a denim jacket but I wear jeans a lot so I can’t double demin and so have the same problem as you. I think something like what’s linked above but stops at the waist like a denim jacket? Off to look!

This is my favourite season for jackets, so much choice between a light trench coat, kimono, a light blazer jacket, a leather jacket for colder days / evenings, a utility jacket, or just an oversized shirt worn as a jacket.

A chore jacket? Community Clothing has a bunch, both in denim and other fabrics: https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-coats-jackets

I’ve got a couple of faux suede biker style jackets, one khaki and one a sort of stone colour, and they go with just about anything. I also have a black one, but that’s less summery.
I do have a denim jacket too, sort of cropped, but I hate double denim so that’s just for the dresses

I find denim jackets really cold. If you don’t want leather, I would look for a lightweight biker or bomber jacket, perhaps in canvas, cotton or suede. There are some cropped ones that can look nice with summer outfits

Something like this or a satin one is a bit dressier

https://www.zara.com/uk/en/textured-bomber-jacket-p03046029.html

I look effortlessly casual in leggings and a hoody every day haha! Definitely not one of those put together mamas.

Love a bit of double denim. Was a massive b*witched fan back in the day!

The Walthamstow FC replica away kit. I kid you not. It's a William Morris design on a bomber jacketand is gorgeous. I'm wearing mine today.

https://www.walthamstowfc.com/product/2023-25-tracksuit-pre-order/

What about a navy crop trench coat?
I've got the H & M jersey bomber and the New Look crop jacket below - both are good with wide legs, over dresses/jumpsuits and with baggier jeans.

I bought a navy jersey bomber from Whistles via John Lewis. It's a really good weight, not too thick or thin.
Next have bomber style zipped cardigans but they're definitely cardigans and not jackets.

I like this kind of thing

I found this at John Lewis & Partners. What do you think?  https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-cotton-twill-jacket/p111186814?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&sshare=jlappios&size=12&&_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

I have two linen jackets, one ecru and one navy. Also several silk haori (kimono jackets) from Japan.

QVC do a comfy denim jacket. It's plain but there's loads of colour choices. It has stretch too.

I love a bomber, utility or quilted jacket. Also this which I’ve worn loads recently (from H&M but can’t link for some reason)