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10 best sleeveless jackets

Make the transition from winter to spring that bit easier with some on-trend outerwear.

Tuesday 09 February 2016 17:56 GMT

In this tricky transitional period, layering is the way forward. A sleeveless jacket is a chic way to style-out the next couple of months. We’ve scoured the high street and online stores to bring you our picks, from cosy wool-mix pieces to sharp, tailored jackets that will transform a look.

1. New Look Shell Pink notch collar sleeveless coat, £29.99, New Look

Despite the chilly weather, we’re dreaming of spring, and buying pastel pieces will help ease the winter blues. Light pink is still on-trend and the shade of this understated, open-fronted jacket will go with most things. Also comes in cream and pale grey.

2. Zara Long Waistcoat with back opening, £49.99, Zara

The open-back style coupled with the nude hue, makes this jacket the most fashion-forward on the list, yet this suede-look piece is still super-easy to wear.

3. Dorothy Perkins Petite camel sleeveless jacket, £35, Dorothy Perkins

Girls under 5”3 take note, Dorothy Perkins has some great pieces in its petite range, including this sleeveless jacket made of a flattering ribbed fabric. It’s handily machine washable (unlike many) and the light camel shade is flying off the shelves, so snap yours up now for spring. Also available in navy.

4. Topshop Maxi duster coat, £79, Topshop

This long jacket will fast become a wardrobe staple. We like the super-feminine splits on the sides and the chic, tailored silhouette it gives. Wear it buttoned-up or open – we’ll be teaming ours with some slim-fit cropped trousers.

5. Hobbs Donna Double Face gilet, £169, John Lewis

Here’s a warmer option. The combination of the navy with the lighter blue of this doubled -faced wool style is super-versatile. It has more of a relaxed fit than some, so there is room for layers but if you want to cinch things in, you can use the (removable) belt.

6. Marks and Spencer Suede Sleeveless jacket, £249, Marks and Spencer

M&S is on a roll with its suede pieces. This classic-looking jacket feels great quality, has a flattering, tailored fit and comes with a detachable belt so you can choose to tie it or leave it open.

7. River Island sleeveless longline eyelet jacket, £52, River Island

Add some seriously bold colour to your wardrobe with this this thigh-length jacket. The distinctive eyelet and cord belt makes it stand out from the pack. With oversized lapels and a relaxed fit, it’s a comfy, casual option. If yellow’s not for you, it comes in grey, too.

8. Oasis Tonic waistcoat, £50, Oasis

This one will work just as well for the office as it will for the weekend. Grey goes with everything and the shorter length looks super-smart with other tailored pieces.

9. Vienna black sleeveless blazer, £20, prettylittlething.com

Another shorter option, this good-value, tuxedo-inspired jacket is ideal for throwing on over a mini dress if you want to layer-up an evening look.

10. All Saints Ora Sleeveless coat, £248, All Saints

Wear this lined, wool mix jacket open and you get a flattering waterfall drape. Button it up and it becomes a sleek wrap, so it looks like two entirely different pieces. Choose from navy or a sandy hue.

Verdict:

New Look’s tailored pink jacket is our pick of the lot. It's affordable whilst being on-trend and easy to wear with a lot of your wardrobe. If it’s leather you’re after, opt for Marks & Spencer’s chic version before it sells out.