20 Summer Jackets to Keep You Looking Fresh on Cooler Evenings

A breezy night doesn't mean a style downgrade.

Summer Jackets Style Inspiration Michelle Li

@himichelleli

Once the temperatures start to rise, it's understandable if warm summer days have you embracing outfits that show some skin. Barely-there sundresses, cropped cotton tees, and thin, strappy sandals all embody the joy and ease of the season while keeping you cool through a heat wave.

While summer may be synonymous with melting temperatures, there are still breezy days and cool nights that might require a jacket that goes perfectly with your skin-baring look of the moment. Luckily, there's a whole range of jackets that keep you comfortable when the temperatures drop, while still thoroughly fitting the warm-weather vibes. Ahead, see 20 of the best summer jackets to shop now.

The Neutral Moto Jacket

Be honest. Whenever you imagine yourself riding on a pastel vespa through some sun-drenched cobblestone streets, you’re wearing a moto jacket, right? We love the biker-chic look of leather, so this faux leather moto jacket is perfect for making our daydreams into a reality.

Blank NYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket
Blank NYC Faux Leather Moto Jacket $98.00
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The Jewel-Toned Leather Jacket

Looking for a brighter option for your vespa-fueled fantasy? A vegan-friendly faux leather jacket in a rich jewel tone stands out from the crowd and matches the energy of your most joyful summer pieces.

Eloquii Faux Leather Moto Jacket
Eloquii Faux Leather Moto Jacket $150.00
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The Pretty-in-Pink Leather Jacket

What happens when you pair pink and leather? A whole lot of what we want in a summer jacket. Everlane’s modern leather jacket in mellow pink belongs on your shoulders, or in your carry-on for any adventure you plan on taking this summer

Everlane The Modern Leather Jacket
Everlane The Modern Leather Jacket $298.00 $149.00
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The Windbreaker

Not all summer days are cloudless and blue. When you feel a warm-weather storm starting, you’ll be prepared if you have this windbreaker tucked away in your wicker picnic basket. It’s lightweight, unisex, and has reflective fibers that make us contemplate why we don’t already own one in our size.

Someone Somewhere Multicolor Magic Loom Windbreaker
Someone Somewhere Multicolor Magic Loom Windbreaker $99.00
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The Short-Sleeved Jacket

This short-sleeved Mac coat from COS gives off a secret agent vibe with its hidden pockets, zipper, and masked button closure. It's perfect for a day of sleuthing or café-hopping—your choice.

COS Short-Sleeved Mac Coat
COS Short-Sleeved Mac Coat $225.00 $113.00
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The Versatile "Shacket"

When it comes to building a wardrobe, there's almost nothing as exciting as a chic piece that you can wear two ways. This shirt jacket, or “shacket,” in a funky key-lime color will make it impossible for you not to waltz down the street with a big smile on your face.

Anthropologie Fletcher Shirt Jacket
Anthropologie Fletcher Shirt Jacket $158.00
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The Denim Summer Jacket

It's no surprise that a classic, lightweight denim jacket is a great choice for summer. If you don’t have enough time between meetings to eat lunch in a nearby garden or park, then you might as well enjoy a flower print while sitting in your air-conditioned home or office. 

Anthropologie Driftwood Floral Embroidered Denim Jacket
Anthropologie Driftwood Floral Embroidered Denim Jacket $158.00
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The Utility Jacket

If you have a no-nonsense wardrobe or prefer structure and function, then a utility jacket is just the choice for you. Lightweight and breathable, this olive green summer jacket is basically a timeless neutral.

Abercrombie Cropped Drapey Bomber Jacket
Abercrombie Cropped Drapey Bomber Jacket $99.00
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The Boardroom-Ready Summer Jacket

If just the thought of that big presentation you have coming up at work is making you sweat, a lightweight and breathable jacket will serve you well. This cotton twill jacket is resistant to wrinkling and creasing, which will leave you looking sharp and feeling fresh. This option has a range that fits sizes 0-40, making it a truly inclusive choice.

Universal Standard Chelsea Stretch Cotton Twill Jacket
Universal Standard Chelsea Stretch Cotton Twill Jacket $138.00
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The Summer Trench

A trench coat is so versatile that it doesn't hurt to have one for every season. They're classic, functional, and make you look put-together no matter what you're wearing. For summer, choose a fun color, like this lightweight blue trench with floral lining.

Coach Lightweight Trench with Signature Floral Print Lining
Coach Lightweight Trench with Signature Floral Print Lining $163.00
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The Sleeveless Jacket

Who said jackets needed sleeves? This style is perfect for summer, keeping you from feeling any sort of evening chill at your core while still allowing you to enjoy the breeze.

H&M Sleeveless Shirt Jacket
H&M Sleeveless Shirt Jacket $30.00 $15.00
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The Practical Choice

Practicality is always a good priority. If you don’t want to be soaked in sweat or rain, this Lululemon jacket has got you covered while still allowing your skin to catch some fresh air. It’s water-repellent for grayer days and is so soft, you’ll be wearing it before, during, and after morning yoga.

Lululemon Always Effortless Jacket
Lululemon Always Effortless Jacket $128.00
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The Active Summer Jacket

Sailing, hiking, and tennis—we love all the activities that summer weather allows us to enjoy to the fullest. If you're hiking at high elevations, enjoying the sea breeze, or getting in an early morning workout, a functional summer jacket can serve you well, and it’s just a bonus that this waterproof option is affordable and takes close to zero space in our suitcases.

EZRun Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
EZRun Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket $26.00
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The Classic Black Biker Jacket

While we've highlighted a few moto jackets perfect for your summer adventures, sometimes you want one in the classic black variety. This version from Reformation uses vegetable-tanned leather, making for a more sustainable option you'll cherish all year round.

Reformation Veda Bad Leather Jacket
Reformation Veda Bad Leather Jacket $498.00
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The Mid-Weight Option

Summer may be synonymous with sweltering temperatures, but the weather has surprised us more than a few times. For truly chilly summer evenings, a wool blend could be just the thing to keep you comfortable outdoors, and this bright, tiger-striped piece by All Saints makes sure you still embody joyful vibes.

All Saints Faye Jacket
All Saints Faye Jacket $429.00 $214.00
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The Floral Crop

Warm weather makes it easy to embrace the beauty of nature, so go all in by cloaking yourself in an embroidered floral summer jacket. This sweet pattern will have you seeing the world through rose-colored glasses.

& Other Stories Fitted Cropped Floral Jacquard Suit Jacket
& Other Stories Fitted Cropped Floral Jacquard Suit Jacket $129.00 $80.00
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The Corduroy Summer Jacket

You may typically think of fall fashion when it comes to corduroy, but when it's dyed the exact color of a juicy watermelon, suddenly we’re drooling over this thicker fabric as a summer jacket.

Acne Studios Cropped Cord Jacket
Acne Studios Cropped Cord Jacket $700.00
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The Sunset Hoodie

Ever wanted to match your summer jacket to the picturesque sunset? This hoodie gives you the opportunity to wear the striking colors on a breathable linen design—pretty much tailor-made for your next beach trip.

Zimmermann Shelly Cropped Hooded Printed Linen Jacket
Zimmermann Shelly Cropped Hooded Printed Linen Jacket $530.00
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The Sunshine Zip-Up

Just as fun as wearing the sunset is wearing a yellow shade so bright that it competes with the actual sun. This Norma Kamali number strikes a balance by placing a loud color on soft, delicate velvet.

Norma Kamali Chartreuse Hooded Padded Velvet Jacket
Norma Kamali Chartreuse Hooded Padded Velvet Jacket $295.00
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The All-Black Neoprene

Summer is all about statements, but if you can’t seem to shy away from your go-to black outfits, then you can always choose a fabric that stands out. Hold the shimmer with your makeup, because this recycled fiber will give you all the shine you need.

Zara Neoprene Effect Jacket
Zara Neoprene Effect Jacket $49.00 $30.00
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