There’s a particular pleasure in putting on a jacket because you want to, before the weather starts making demands. You can leave it open, push up the sleeves and enjoy having pockets again. This season, we’re drawn to lightweight jackets with a little more texture. Think brushed wool, soft corduroy and nubby weaves that make even a plain tee and your usual jeans feel like an outfit you gave some considerable thought to.
Some bring a little pattern into the mix, from muted plaids to subtle herringbones. Others stick to solid colors and let the fabric do the work. Either way, they’re an easy way to add some depth to what you’re already wearing. A fuzzy finish softens a boxy work jacket. Fine corduroy gives a simple zip-up a richer feel. And an earthy check can pull together the navy, brown and faded denim that tend to take over our closets this time of year.
The trick is finding one with enough room for another layer, without so much bulk that you’re sweating through your commute. Wear it over a T-shirt on a mild afternoon, then work in an oxford or a lightweight sweater as things cool down. Keep the rest simple, especially if you go with a pattern. These jackets have enough going on already, and they feel as good as they look.
