Shopping·8 min read

Lighter Sweaters and Jackets Now That the Weather Is Warming

lightweight sweaters and sweatshirts
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Old Navy, Abercrombie & Fitch, Quince
March 21, 2025

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I don’t care if it’s 80 degrees outside; I’m always going to keep a lightweight jacket or sweater in my bag. If you’re also prone to feeling frigid when navigating chilly AC at the office or while running errands, this list is for you. We’re rounding up the best lightweight jackets and sweaters to carry you through spring and summer.

For more spring fashion, shop our fashion week guides here.

Sweaters and sweatshirts

Quince

A cashmere sweater you can wear on its own…

For those slightly breezy days, you can wear this 100% Mongolian cashmere sweater without an extra layer. It comes in six colors and we love that it’s under $100. Don’t let its “cheaper” price tag fool you. It’s just as soft as other more expensive versions. ($79.90, Quince)

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Abercrombie & Fitch

The basic sweatshirt I wear with everything…

I love the cut of this sweatshirt. Because it has raglan sleeves, it’s loose and boxy in all the right places without being too oversized. I’ve worn it with athleisure outfits, but it also pairs well with jeans for a weekend look. Not to mention, its fleece is lightweight enough for summer. ($50, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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J.Crew

A gauzy sweater for the beach…

I see this Marina Sweater from J.Crew all over my social feeds every spring and with good reason. It’s made of a combination of cotton, polyester, and elastane that’s knitted in a loose way. This ventilated knit makes it the ultimate beach sweater to throw over swimsuits or wear with shorts. ($98, J.Crew)

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Abercrombie & Fitch

A barrel-sleeve cardigan…

A cardigan sans buttons is another spring/summer-appropriate pick thanks to how effortless it is to throw on. It has billowy barrel sleeves for breathability and cozy ribbed detailing. You can also treat it as a wrap to layer over any wedding guest dresses. ($70, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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Old Navy

A sweatshirt you can wear as a top…

Old Navy for the win. This adorable sweatshirt has mini embroidered daisies and comes in a bright blue. It’s nice enough to wear on its own as a top and looks way more expensive than it is. I’d wear it with denim shorts on casual nights out. ($18.49, Old Navy)

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Jackets

Old Navy

A cropped utility jacket…

Universal need: A jacket to keep you warm on planes that won’t make you overheat. I think I’ve found the one in this Old Navy utility jacket. Because it’s made of a thin canvas, it’s easy to pack in a suitcase or large tote, too. ($29.99, Old Navy)

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Gap

A modern take on a trench coat…

At a little over 5 feet, I love a cropped trench coat because it isn’t overwhelming on my frame. This one is made of twill material that adds the perfect amount of warmth on days that start chilly and end sweltering. Pair it with a mini skort for a simple office look. ($148, Gap)

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Levi's

A shrunken denim jacket…

The key to wearing denim jackets during warmer months: get a light wash with a shrunken fit. This one from Levi’s checks those boxes and doesn’t require a break-in period to feel soft. Throw a printed slip dress underneath. ($98, Levi’s)

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Old Navy

A basic cardigan that’s a closet staple…

A button-up cardigan is a must for year-round wear, whether you prefer it as a top or treat it as an emotional support layer. Made of Old Navy’s SoSoft material, it feels very similar to cashmere without the weight. Plus, it’s so cheap you can keep one in your desk, car, and bag. ($21.99, Old Navy)

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Target

A bomber jacket with a trendy cut…

2025 has been the year of the bomber jacket and Target is coming out with many budget-friendly versions. This one has the cut of a bomber, but with barn jacket-like detailing thanks to the faux-leather contrast collar and pockets. Grab it before it sells out. ($40, Target)

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Athleta

A rain jacket that doesn’t look like a rain jacket…

I’m picky when it comes to raincoats simply because I don’t want one that looks too outdoorsy. With a cinched elastic waistband and a packable hood, this one from Athleta is chic enough to wear with every kind of outfit. It comes in two muted tones, and I love how luxe the cotton-nylon blend looks. ($89.40, Athleta)

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FP Movement

A packable puffer that’s worth the investment…

While packable puffers aren’t as warm as a classic puffer parka, they’re spring’s best friend. FP Movement’s Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket is one of its hero products, and it comes in countless colors. It’s water-resistant and is filled with a vegan down-alternative. While it’s definitely pricier, it’s a high-quality option for those who live in cooler climates or who want a puffer with a stylish silhouette. ($198, FP Movement)

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Abercrombie & Fitch

A barn jacket that’ll take you into fall…

If you’re wanting to try the barn jacket trend, but are intimidated by all the designer versions out there, try this one from Abercrombie. It has a longline fit, a quilted interior for added warmth, and that classic contrast collar. Customers say it fits true to size. ($160, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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Ann Taylor

A shacket that’ll add a colorful statement…

We love seeing a jacket from Ann Taylor that doesn’t look like it’s from 2009. This millennial pink cropped shacket has spacious pockets and roomy drop shoulders. Button it up completely to get the look of a shirt or wear it with trousers for a one-and-done outfit. ($159, Ann Taylor)

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