5 Classic Casual Summer Jackets You’ll Love

Updated on Fashion

I always keep a jacket on hand in the summer to stay warm when the air-conditioning is turned up or when we have cooler evenings. When I’m looking for new summer jackets, I try to buy ones that are machine washable and preferably made with natural fibers. I also look for neutral colors so that I can wear them in the fall and spring too. Here are some of my favorite summer jacket styles…

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The Denim Jacket

One of the most versatile, easy-care, and affordable summer jackets is the denim jacket. I’m wearing the J.Crew Cropped Pintuck Jacket, which also comes in white.

Fashionipa (Nipa) wearing a pintuck denim jacket with a white tee and black linen pants.

Here are some other denim jackets you might like:

Drawstring Hem Jacket

One of my favorite travel jackets is this lightweight Rails Alma Jacket. It has lots of pockets, and washes well, both essential for travel clothes, in my opinion! Drawstring hems and stand collars are currently trending.

Fashionipa (Nipa) wearing a balck jacket and jeans.

Here are some other drawstring hem jackets that are available now:

Collarless Jacket

Collarless jackets are a little unexpected, and they give you the option to dress up your outfit with a silk scarf or statement necklace. Mine is a lightweight cotton jacket by Cuyana. It’s sold out, but I’ve included some other options below…

Fashionipa (nipa) wearing a white collarless jacket with a red tee and jeans.

For a casual look try a denim or cotton jacket. For a more dressy look, choose a collarless blazer or lady jacket.

Rain Jacket

If you’ve had a rainy summer as we have, you’ll want a waterproof jacket. I have The North Face’s Women’s Resolve 2 Hooded Rain Jacket from several years ago. I take it with me any time I travel during the spring and summer as it folds into a compact little bundle, and is good to have just-in-case.

If you want something longer, try The North Face’s Woodmont Hooded Waterproof Trench, which is made of recycled polyester. Here are some other options that are chic and waterproof!

Short Sleeve Jacket

The short sleeve jacket trend is fairly new, and looks SO chic. It’s perfect for adding an interesting third pieces to your summer outfit without getting too hot. Here are some sort sleeve jackets on my wishlist:

Which summer jackets are staples in your closet? Let me know in the comments below.

Fashionipa signature: with love and gratitude (blue heart) Nipa

What to read next: How I Pack For A One Week Summer Trip

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I help you shop intentionally, create flattering outfits, and embrace your natural beauty. I'm a former fashion product manager, now living on a hobby farm in Upstate New York with my husband, our three almost-grown kids, and our pets.

12 Comments

  1. Love your jacket inspiration so much, Nipa! (I especially like your sweater jacket.)

    As a Texan, I can hardly imagine needing to wear a jacket in the summer… lucky you!

    Thanks so much for linking to my site! xoxo

    1. fashionipa says:

      Thank you, Kristy! That sweater jacket would probably be more of a fall/winter item for you then!? We’ve had such erratic weather, I sometimes think it’s fall already! xo Nipa

    1. fashionipa says:

      Thanks, I’ve been wearing it a lot!

    1. fashionipa says:

      Thanks, Lovely! Hope you have a good week too! xo Nipa

  4. fashionipa says:

    Hi Chris, your dusty pink jacket sounds lovely! I don’t usually wear a blue jean jacket with blue jeans either, but I’ve seen it look fabulous on others. xo Nipa

  5. Chris Meister says:

    I like Jean jackets and this year got a light dusty pink Jean jacket and also a longer, jean work jacket from Everlane that I really like. Thanks to your suggestion! The pink jacket has worked out because I can wear it with jeans. I don’t always like wearing a blue Jean jacket with blue jeans especially if they are different colors of blue. Thanks for another great post and I just want to know where the chocolate festival was!

  6. I love your white denim jacket! I’d been wanting one for a while so asked hubby to get me one for Mother’s day and I really love it – it was such a staple before it got too cold here for them! I don’t have a rain jacket, even though summer is our wetest season, as the storms are almost always predicted in advance and outside is not where you want to be in our summer storms – they can destroy cars and houses so indoors is safest!

    Hope you are having a good weekend 🙂 It’s another chilly winter day here, but we still spent a little time at the playground this morning 🙂

    1. fashionipa says:

      Hi Mica, Thanks so much for reading my post. We’re having a pretty wet summer too, but I’m hoping that it will all clear up soon so that we can spend more time outside. xo Nipa

  7. A Woman Of A Certain Age says:

    I’m sorry I can’t pay attention to the jackets because I’m mesmorized by those leopard print shoes!
    Link?

    1. fashionipa says:

      Hi Susan, My mules are from Kate Spade from a few years ago. I haven’t found any similar ones that are available now, but when I do, I’ll include them in a blog post! Have a wonderful week! xo Nipa

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