Ah, welcome, March. It’s that fickle time of year where ANY sartorial choice you make has the propensity to go spectacularly wrong. You’ll peek out the blinds in the morning and spot rain, so you’ll don your thickest coat and your shove your hat, gloves and scarf on, armed to face the flood outside. Then, when you’re just at the bus stop, the weather will change it’s mind and decide to be uncharacteristically pleasant. Cue a sweaty, uncomfortable commute that leaves you feeling like you’ve run the 5 miles to work and brings a paranoid fear of sweat patches that stays with you all day. On the other hand, you can bet your bottom dollar that the one day you wear a jumper ‘because it’s been mild this week’ will be the day a freak snow storm hits. What’s a gal to do?
Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the internet for the best transitional jackets under £50 to see you through the end of Winter and into the warm(er) embrace of Spring. All jackets included in the list are £50 and under, because while we love fashion, we hate the price tags often associated with the latest trends. There’s nothing more soul destroying than finding the PERFECT item of clothing in a mag or on a website only to see a microscopic price tag beside it telling you that the garment of your dreams will cost you 3 months rent. Hey, when I’ve got a spare thou to drop on Gucci’s latest trench, maybe I’ll feel different, but for now, here’s the best of the Spring jackets to nab now.
The Camel Coat
Urban Outfitters
This chic camel coat the perfect choice if you’re after an all-rounder jacket to see you through the demise of Winter and the beginning of Spring. Its structured, clean design makes it an office-friendly option that you can pull over practically anything. Maybe even pyjamas. (Let us know if any of you test this theory, we’re very interested). Pair the coat with trainers, a beanie and a tote bag and you’re good to go from office to bar.
The Printed Blazer
Monki
A bit of a wild card, this loud, printed Jacket from Monki comes in at £30. Pack a few lunches for a week or so and use the money you would’ve spent in pret to get yourself this little beauty instead. It’s bright patterns might send you into a state of shock, but the jacket is a cool, lightweight option for Spring and it can easily be toned down with a pair of bleached denim jeans, or dressed up with the matching co-ord pants if you’re willing to spend a bit more dollar.
The Pink Jacket
Zara
This baby pink beauty is suitably muted and allows you to wear brighter patterns alongside it, as the model has done in this shot. It’s the perfect throw-on for ‘popping to the shops’ as all the fashion magazines would suggest (sidebar: why must all outfits be suitable for ‘popping to the shops?’ Can’t we all just agree to wear sweatpants and be done with it?). It’s also a good go to for the commute to work, especially if you have to endure the sauna that is the Central Line. Whip it off and stuff it in your backpack when the heat gets too much, or add a hoodie underneath for the chillier days.
The Checked Blazer
Stradivarius
We seem to have collectively fallen back in love with the blazer, now that the high street has updated their lookbooks and made the style cool again. The checked blazer no longer screams ‘horse rider from the Home Counties’ and instead adds a formal edge to an otherwise laid-back outfit. Pop it on top of a pair of high-waisted jeans and channel your 90’s sitcom mom until your heart is content.
The Contrast Stitch Jacket
H&M
This contrast stitch crop jacket is a purse-friendly £29.99 and a simple but versatile jacket to add to your repertoire. Pair it with the contrast stitch skirt available on H&M’s website or with a breton stripe tee and jeans. Just be ready to endure the “are you wearing your jacket inside out?” comments from your Nan (true story).
The Red Denim
Monki
Last but not least on our list of Spring jackets under £50 is this little red number from Monki. Ok, it technically IS £50 but it’s fab-u-lous so let us off please. The pop of red looks SO damn cool against a dark denim background and it’s weight should see you through these chilly days until we’re blessed with the sun’s presence once more.
All prices correct and items available at time of writing.