The Runway-Approved Jacket Trends Set to Define Summer 2026

We’re well into warmer temps now—at least here in New York City—and last week, admittedly a touch late, I finally retired my heavier coats for the season and pulled my summery, lightweight styles back into rotation. But after taking stock, I realized my options were looking rather sparse. So, naturally, I turned to the season’s best jacket trends to help secure my next favorite layer for breezy days, chilly evenings, and those occasional over-air-conditioned office days.

Shop the Best Summer Jacket Trends

A few key silhouettes have reappeared across the runways and in the covetable street style looks currently filling my feed, each serving its own stylish purpose. There are lightweight funnel-neck windbreakers that won’t overheat you on humid days when drizzle is in the forecast and can also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. There are cinched blazers that, weather permitting, serve as the only outer layer you need for desk-to-dinner days. And for those who prefer their outerwear to make an impact, bold jackets in singular, punchy hues make a statement all on their own.

So, if you’re also curious about what fashion girls everywhere will be layering up in this season, scroll on to discover the summer jacket trends worth watching and shopping now.

The Utility Jacket

I’m starting to see utility-inspired tactical jackets everywhere—and thankfully, this trend leans as much functional as it does stylish. Additional pockets are always welcome, while details like contrasting collars and drawstring ties lend the look a bold, utilitarian edge.

Designers are fully on board, too: The style made constant appearances on the Fashion Week runways, from Isabel Marant and Balmain’s bomber-like silhouettes in mixed-media materials and earthy hues in Paris—pieces you can still shop now—to Giorgio Armani and Missoni’s relaxed suede and effortlessly cool twill jackets in Milan.

The Easy Funnel Neck

Funnel-neck styles are a current ELLE editor favorite, and I myself have a few options I tend to reach for on breezy days (including my current favorite, Kookai’s The Spray Jacket). Whether worn closed and buttoned up to play up their modern silhouette or left open for a more relaxed approach, there are plenty of options to explore, from hooded versions and structured twill iterations to lightweight cotton picks and nylon styles designed to shield you from the occasional summer rain.

The Cinched Blazer

While blazers may warrant their own category apart from jackets, certain cuts and structures lend themselves to outerwear styling—especially in summer, when you won’t be layering a coat on top. This season, the cinched waist has emerged as a defining silhouette, whether achieved through sharp tailoring, as seen at Lanvin and Luisa Spagnoli, or through tightened belts, such as Dolce & Gabbana’s off-white option, styled with breezy cotton pants in Milan.

There’s undeniable power in a blazer, and a cinched one is an instant way to make any outfit feel more sophisticated and pulled together.

The Bold Hue

If there’s a jacket guaranteed to carry an outfit, it’s one crafted in an ultra-saturated, high-impact hue. And if you don’t mind all eyes on you, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of chic options to choose from, including Victoria Beckham’s oversized deep-blue canvas jacket, as seen on the runway in Paris, along with other statement-making styles versatile enough to work seamlessly across seasons.

Sheer and Organza

There’s something inherently fun and eye-catching about a sheer jacket, so I was pleased to see the style return so boldly this season. Beyond being a statement piece in its own right, it also invites experimentation, letting you change up the look depending on what you wear underneath.

A few personal favorites spotted on the runway—and still up for grabs—include Fendi’s bomber-style zip-up in a charming floral print and Ralph Lauren’s unique translucent belted style.

---

Why Trust ELLE

Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.