Casual Jackets for Spring 2020

Welcome to Dressed for My Day. I’ve had several readers ask me recently about spring jackets. While spring jacket season used to last for about a week for me in Arizona, I have a feeling I’ll get much longer wear out of my casual jackets this spring in Ohio. So I’ve definitely been looking for a cute, wear-everywhere style of jacket for the season.

Since I’ve already done one post this year on Spring Completer Pieces, today I’m focusing just on casual spring jackets. These are the jackets you could reach for most any day, especially when you’re wearing jeans, chinos or shorts. But you can also pair these casual toppers with skirts and dresses. Maybe we’ll explore that pairing in an upcoming post!

I felt like these casual jackets deserved a post of their own mainly because the choices are varied and wide. In fact, we’re going to look at three different styles that are trending hot right now.

Classic Denim Trucker Jacket

Let’s start with the style that never really goes out of style: the classic denim trucker jacket. You’ll see other styles of denim jackets in the categories below, but here we’re looking at the classic, slightly cropped, and somewhat tailored trucker jacket.

I really think I’ve had my classic Levi’s denim trucker jacket for about 30 years. And I wear it absolutely every season. In fact, it’s the one jacket I pack for every trip because it’s so versatile. You can get this same jacket right now from Walmart.com for under $50.

I also love my white denim jacket. You’ll see it in an upcoming post. It’s great to pair with blue or other colored jeans, but also tops skirts and dresses nicely. I feel like it’s a slightly dressier option than the blue denim jacket, but still has a casual vibe and feel.

Of course, you’ll find denim jackets in so many colors and prints these days. If you already have a blue, black or white denim jacket, I think a print or other color is a sweet buy. But honestly, I’d start with one of those three first.

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For more ideas on how to incorporate denim jackets into your wardrobe you may want to check out this previous post.

Cinched Waist Utility Jacket

There’s a new kind of utility jacket in town this year, and we’ll get to it in a minute. But first let’s review the somewhat classic cinched waist utility jacket that’s been around for some time. These jackets create a flattering silhouette because of the drawstring or belt that gathers the waistline somewhat.

While the traditional color for these utility jackets may be olive green, like I’m wearing above, you’ll find them in many trending colors and prints. They’re called utility jackets simply because they look like the kind of jacket you’d wear to “get the job done.” They usually have multiple pockets and some feature both zip and snap or button closures. These jackets are traditionally crafted from sturdy canvas-like fabrics, but can also have feminine details.

I especially like this one from Talbots, which comes in three colors. But I also like this one from Lucky Brand, which is currently 40% off. The other utility jacket I have (which doesn’t have the drawstring waist) is from Lucky Brand, and it is soooo soft and comfortable.

The Chore Jacket

The boxy fitting chore or work jacket is somewhat new to the scene, surfacing in recent years but trending hot this year. I’m definitely drawn to this silhouette, even though it’s not very form fitting. I think it’s hot right now because of the rise in jean and pant fits. As we wear more high rise jeans, we’re looking for more cropped tops and jackets to pair with them.

I’m going to show you a few of these, just because they are definitely the more “now” choice. First up, some nice choices from Target.

These next chore jackets are both available at Talbots. The casual cotton jacket on the left is available in four colors. You’ll see a lot of denim chore jackets, too.

Chore jackets often bear the distinguishing mark of square patch pockets on the front, anywhere from two to four. These next chore jackets are available at Gap. They’re already marked down, especially the cotton chore jacket. But use code MARCH to get an extra 20% off.

Style Tip: To achieve a balanced look, pair your chore jacket with high waist pants or jeans.

Below, the pretty purple chore jacket is available at Zappos. The jacket on the right is from Everlane. It’s a denim chore jacket and also available in traditional dark indigo. But Everlane also has a cotton chore jacket, available in bone white and black.

Fit Tip: The end of the jacket should hit you just about where your leg bends from your torso. Even though this is a boxy jacket, it should fit in the shoulders.

The Lee brand chore jackets below are both available at Nordstrom, where you always get free shipping and returns.

Finally, I found several great chore jackets at Madewell. They’re available at Madewell, where you’ll want to use code WHATASALE to get 25% off your purchase. But these jackets are also available at Nordstrom where they’re price-matched.

By the way, sale prices are often not correctly reflected in the shopping widgets. So click on through if you’re interested in one of the jackets above. Often the stores are having sales that require a code (always found on the website) and those discounts don’t show up in these widgets.

Which spring jacket silhouette do you like the best? For more spring completer pieces, such as blazer and cardigans, be sure to check out my previous post, Spring Completer Pieces to Layer on the Style.

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A special note to my readers…

I want you to know that I don’t have my head in the sand. Honestly, it feels a little trite to continue posting fashion, beauty and fitness tips and ideas when we’re in the middle of a national emergency of such magnitude. I’m feeling the severity and alarm of this crisis for sure. As I mentioned in this weekend’s post, I’m concerned about my loved ones, not only healthwise, but also financially, during these uncertain days.

But I’ve heard from many of you, both here and on Instagram, that you want me to continue to post as usual. You say that these posts can provide a sense of normalcy that you crave right now. I get it. I crave that, too. Plus, this is my income and my husband and I depend on it. As a blogger, it’s important that I consistently post quality content and that I stay in my niche.

So I will continue to post as usual about style, beauty and fitness, along with my inner beauty posts on Saturdays, as long as it seem appropriate. Thank you so much for your encouragement and interaction. I truly value you. And I wish you all the very best health. Take care of yourselves! And your families. Bless you!

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Blessed for My Day

While it’s definitely important to practice self-distancing during this national health crisis, it’s also important that we do what we can to care for one another. Let’s think of creative and meaningful ways that we can be good neighbors to each other at this time.

That could mean checking on senior adults and others with ongoing health issues that prevent them from leaving their homes to go to grocery stores or other necessary places. You could deliver prescription medications, household necessities, groceries or mail and simply leave them at their doorstep. But it could be that a simple phone call or text could prove equally meaningful. Finally, let’s not forget to pray for each other.

And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’  Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” ~ Luke 10:35-37