The Best Transitional Weather Jackets for When It’s 50 Degrees in the Morning and 70 by Lunch

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Le Mont St Michel/AYR

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Made of cotton and polyester, this is your classic sort of transitional jacket. Not too heavy, but offers just the right amount of warmth—especially when paired with a sweater. It’s got a nice statement plaid lining to add a bit of visual flair when unzipped, plus a button stand collar for those especially nippy nights.

Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: dark navy, black, natural, beech, tan
Material: 50% cotton, 50% polyester

Channel a bit of “Manchester streetwear” cool, a la Liam Gallagher, with this Herringbone jacket from the Oasis frontman’s favorite sportswear brand. With its mid-weight construction and a drawstring waist that gives a nice cinch of definition, this jacket is peak insouciant terrace lad—subtle yet sleek, confident yet relaxed. Put-together but still effortless.

Sizes: S-XXL
Colors: black
Material: 100% cotton

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Nothing beats a jean jacket. This is the most tried and true transitional coat out there. It’s sturdy, it’s edgy, and this particular style from RRL has a dramatically pointed collar for an extra little statement.

Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: denim
Material: denim

If you’re looking for something a little more substantial—the sort of thing you can bundle up in on those blustery mornings when you just really don’t want to go to work—you should probably opt for something wool or cashmere. This plaid wool overshirt from Hartford gives Paul Bunyan vibes in the best of ways. Pair with a log cabin, roaring fire, or chilly evening drinks—you’ll be warm either way.

Sizes: IT 44-IT 54
Colors: green
Material: 65% wool, 30% polyester, 5% other fibers

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Those seeking to make a statement will appreciate the vibrant hue of J.Crew’s studio jacket. Inspired by the brand’s silhouettes and sensibilities circa the ‘90s, the Studio jacket takes a distinctly preppy air with its stately collar and patch pockets (plus a hidden pocket on the inside lining)—a more utilitarian take on the Harrington jacket, as J.Crew describes it.

Sizes: XS-XXL
Colors: red
Material: 100% cotton

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Hikers, bikers, and general outdoorsman will appreciate Arc’teryx’s Atom Insulated hoody for its lightweight and ultra-mobile construction. It definitely skews more practical athletic wear than edgy street style. It’s also on the heavier side (meaning you can’t exactly wear it in 70 degree heat)—but it is packable, allowing you to easily slide it back in your work bag as soon as the temperature goes up.

Sizes: XS-XXXL
Colors: black, black sapphire, stratus, mongoose/bracken, larch, fluidity/black sapphire, stone red, habitat, spotlight, cloud/black
Material: nylon

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Filson is known for making ultra-durable outdoor wear, and that’s no exception when it comes to this “Jac-shirt.” It’s sturdy, while still on the more breathable side thanks to the cotton construction—making it just the sort of jacket to add to your rotation this time of year.

Sizes: XS-3XL
Colors: black, green, oatmeal
Material: 100% cotton

If you’re a frequent runner, opt for this windbreaker-style jacket from lululemon. The water-resistant and windproof nylon outer shell makes it the perfect outerwear for morning jogs, but the structured funnel neck and relaxed fit offer enough versatility that you can style it with just about anything.

Sizes: S-XL
Colors: black, brown, green, ivory
Material: 100% Nylon

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This jacket isn’t just cotton—it’s cotton moleskin, a heavier and sturdier suede-like cotton. If you live somewhere that sits more so in that 50- to 60-degree range most days, opt for this transitional jacket.

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: blue, washed vintage black, forest, kaki, kraft, navy
Material: 100% cotton moleskin

There’s a lot to like about this jacket. It features a double-breasted blazer silhouette that makes it distinct from anything on this list—and ideal for any C-Suite folks looking for something that’ll take them from the train to the conference room. It’s also available in three different materials that range from lightweight linen to a more mid-weight chino, so you can select the specific level of insulation you need.

Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: dune chino, navy chino, black linen, transatlantic
Material: linen, cotton, or chino