Level Up Your Denim With These Jacket Trends
From leather bombers to cropped trenches.
After surviving the most bone-chilling winter in New York City, I’ve never been more thrilled to experience signs of spring. Cherry blossoms are blooming outside my window, and the sweet melody of birdsong has returned. But I haven’t yet got my hopes up for balmy weather; temperatures are still hovering around 50 degrees. So, I’ve prepared accordingly, filling up my capsule wardrobe with this season’s most coveted jacket trends.
Yes, these styles are incredibly chic, but what I love most about them is that they pair exceptionally well with jeans, which is important for someone like me who cycles through denim like nobody's business.
I’ve recently been leaning into cropped trench coats, which I’ve paired alongside dark-wash jeans for an elevated feel. The shortened style emerged across the Spring 2026 collections of The Row, Toteme, and Aknvas, earning its spot as a designer favorite. Meanwhile, at Khaite and Dior, collarless outerwear took center stage. Defined by a seamless crew neckline, this prim-and-proper silhouette reads vintage to a T. I’ve learned to modernize it a bit, though, by pairing it with relaxed high-rise jeans that convey a chill, cool-girl message.
Elsewhere, on the street style scene, cream barn jackets and chocolate brown leather bombers are experiencing a hot streak. Both trends were prominent this past fall, and they’ve transitioned seamlessly into the current season. However, instead of wearing them with heavy-duty denim, It girls are opting for jeans that boast warm-weather qualities (think high-water hemlines and brilliant shades of ivory).
Ahead, I’ve curated an edit of the aforementioned jacket trends, along with the jeans that make them look oh-so good. You’ll find that I’ve demonstrated how to style each look, and I’ve provided a mix of affordable and designer pieces that’ll bring these outfits to life.
4 Jacket Trends to Wear With Jeans This Spring
Cropped Trench Coats
Despite the name, cropped trench coats are considered jackets for all intents and purposes. The lightweight style hovers around the waist, which makes it an ideal choice for those moments when you want to stay warm without breaking a sweat.
Lately, I’ve been wearing this layer with dark-wash denim for days in the office. Teamed alongside a blue button-down, a set of sharp slingbacks, and a roomy laptop bag, it’s the perfect nine-to-five uniform.
Cream Barn Jackets
Swap your camel-colored barn jacket for a cream alternative that feels more appropriate for spring. A pair of ankle-length jeans, preppy boat shoes, and a matching shoulder bag will complement the look nicely. This laid-back outfit will come in handy for casual lunches and errand runs.
Chocolate Brown Leather Jackets
In a recent story for her Self-Checkout newsletter, Editor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike noted, “It’s not a new style, per se, but a slouchy brown leather jacket feels particularly now.”
I’m of the same mindset, so I snagged Aritzia’s viral Synergy Bomber and anchored the layer in a pair of contrasting white jeans. I finished things off with a buttoned gray cardigan, a structured handbag, and heeled mules.
Collarless Jackets
I reported on the rise of collarless coats last year, and I’m pleased to say that the ladylike style hasn’t gone anywhere. However, this spring, I’m intentionally choosing cropped, breathable options so I don’t risk overheating.
Worn with loose-fitting jeans, a gauzy white tee, and ballet flats, this is the low-effort, high-reward outfit that I'll return to time and again.
