By Jasmine Proctor (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: March 27, 2013
Well, ladies and gentlemen, it’s officially spring. Before you know it, April will be fast approaching, and the temperature—hopefully—will begin to rise, signalling the start of yet another rainy, but warm season. Yes, this means that those heavy winter jackets can be tossed aside and in their place you can throw on something a little more spring appropriate.
Spring coats are significantly different from those found in winter. While winter coats are meant to protect you from the bitter cold, spring coats are meant to be more of a fashion piece.
That, and they can act as light barrier between you and the unpredictable weather that extends throughout March and April. They are the prefect transition piece between the colder and warmer weather, which is why you should know the best options out there, to find the one suited to your tastes.
For those of you looking for something a little bit more fashionable, there is the moto jacket. Definitely a more fashion-forward piece, these are great because they give off that effortlessly cool vibe. They also come in an array of different styles and shapes, from cropped to quarter-sleeved. As well, you can play with colours, as you can find them in pretty much every shade under the sun.
Either way, moto jackets are great for spring, because they are normally water-resistant (which is a must here, on the infamous “Wet Coast”) and have a lining inside to keep you warm on those chilly days. Put one on over a simple t-shirt and some high-waisted pants, and you’ll be looking stylish in no time.
Now no spring jacket list would be complete without including the anorak-style rain coat. A staple for spring, this type of outerwear is so versatile and comfy that you’ll want to wear it year round. Some even come with wool lining on the inside, which most of the time is removable. This makes them perfect for both cold and warmer days. The military style of these jackets is definitely my favourite, preferably the ones that are longer in length. They just give outfits a down-to-earth feel.
As well, they come with hoods to protect you from those ever-so-frequent April showers (or downpours, if you will). I love them because they are perfect for layering to keep in warmth and can also act as a light coat for when it’s a bit hotter outside. Either way, they help fight off the precipitation and that, above all, is a must.
Now for something a little more light and simplistic, there is the denim jacket. These beauties have come a long way since the ‘90s – you can virtually find them in any style or design imaginable. Printed, studded, distressed, bleached, dark wash, metallic – there is a jean jacket for everyone. I think my favourite are the distressed or acid washed kind (though I think I’m just biased towards anything acid washed), and I would recommend layering a hoodie underneath for extra warmth. Though they are not exactly West Coast ideal, they are perfect for those sunny days when there’s still a bit of a chill to the air. They are definitely a more casual piece to have and I think that’s why they fit the spring vibe so nicely. They’re light, comfortable and fresh – just like spring.
So welcome the season with style, and keep warm with these light staples for the spring wardrobe.
