• About Me
  • Style
  • Travel
  • Shop my outfits
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe to my newsletter

Samantha Chown Johnston

Inspiring you to love & wear your wardrobe

March 27, 2023

The ultimate spring jacket edit

It’s finally spring, which means it’s time to break out the light outerwear (after you’ve done your spring closet refresh!). This spring jacket edit will help you build a timeless collection of toppers to complete your outfit. It will also help you prepare for any outing or weather. 

What are the main items that should be in your spring jacket collection? For me, I love a leather jacket, a blue denim jacket and a classic trench coat. Spring is also the prime season when it begins to be appropriate to wear my favourite topper — the blazer — as outerwear. 

As always, I encourage you to shop your closet first before you add anything new. If you are looking to fill a gap in your wardrobe, I’m sharing some pieces I would consider if I were buying new or simply for inspiration. 

The Trench Coat 

The iconic spring jacket to help you look chic while staying prepared for whenever those April showers appear. The classic trench coat is a gap in my wardrobe. I seem to spend every spare minute window shopping via my phone and have my eyes 👀 on a few. Before I buy anything new, I’ve been checking out my local consignment stores hoping for a good find. 

The Leather Jacket

The leather jacket is such a simple way to add texture to your outfit and quickly elevate the classic combo of jeans and a white tee. It’s also a piece where I would spend a hefty amount of money knowing its versatility and longevity. I’ve had my leather jacket for more than a decade and it’s one of the most worn items in my wardrobe. It’s so well loved, my tailor had to replace the entire lining because the arm holes were completely torn from repeated use. I can safely say I’ll be wearing it until it disintegrates or no longer fits, whichever comes first! 

The Denim Jacket

I love a denim jacket for everyday wear. It’s perfect for picnics, patio drinks, or inside when it’s a bit cool as a third piece to your outfit. My preference is for an oversized fit in either classic blue or black and 100% cotton for the sturdy structure. 

The Blazer 

The blazer is an absolute must and one of the areas where I would lean towards an investment piece. It more than pulls its weight by acting as workwear, elevating casual outfits, and being a chic topper for occasions like date night, a wedding guest look or an event. For spring, I opt for natural fibres like cotton and linen and avoid synthetics like polyester, which can hold smells (yuck). 

The Extras

Once you’ve got the basics covered, you can consider adding additional toppers for a splash of drama or interest. Here’s some fun extras I’d consider adding to my wardrobe. 

What else would you include in your spring jacket edit? Let me know in the comments! 

This post contains affiliate links.


←How to refresh your closet for spring 
The sustainable golf clothing edit to last round after round→

Posted In: Style · Tagged: Capsule Wardrobe, Spring Style

Comments

  1. Tammy says

    March 28, 2023 at 13:50

    I absolutely NEED that Ganni jacket in your extras 😍

    Reply
    • Sam says

      April 16, 2023 at 18:03

      SAME!

      Reply
  2. Sean M says

    April 1, 2023 at 20:09

    Such great content – helped me a ton with gifting

    Reply
    • Sam says

      April 16, 2023 at 18:03

      Glad to help!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome!

Hi! I'm Sam, a sustainable fashion and lifestyle creator based in Austin, TX. Here you'll find sustainable fashion news, digital wardrobe tools, and slow living tips to help you buy less, wear what you own, and live intentionally.

Newsletter

Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Finely Crafted, to help you shop with sustainability, quality, and joy in mind.

  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • tiktok

Reader Favorites

Skyline of Paris - Vintage shop in Paris

Secondhand and vintage shops to try in Paris 

Four ways to wear a cropped blazer

How to handwash clothes

How to hand wash your clothes

Categories

  • Style
  • Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop my outfits

Search

Neutrals 🤝 Metallics Went to my first perform Neutrals 🤝 Metallics 

Went to my first performance at the @balletaustin and pulled some old favourites from my closet for the occasion. 

I bought this textured velvet top in 2012 as a “going out top” and it continues to serve its millennial purpose 10+ years later. 🤭

#slowfashionstyle #slowfashionhabits #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
March hits a whole lot different when it’s sunny March hits a whole lot different when it’s sunny 🫢

1. First trip to Round Top
2. Exploring new haunts
3-4. This old fave of mine is now my new identity 🤠
5. Hunting for antiques at Blue Hills
6. Taking in the @balletaustin 
7. Some of my pieces are now available on @byrotation 
8. Artisan pop-up @southtonorth.co 
9-10. My first rodeo and longhorn 🤘🏼
11-12. Wearing some longtime and secondhand faves 
13. Treasure hunting @honeyhillmarket 
14. Secondhand @agolde jeans fresh from the tailor 

——

#slowfashionstyle #slowfashionhabits #slowfashionootd #lovedclotheslast #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
You won’t find your style if you’re constantly You won’t find your style if you’re constantly ordering *just one more* thing to fill that imaginary wardrobe gap or if you’re always chasing trends. 

When I moved to Austin six months ago, I made a commitment to live in my wardrobe instead of buying for a new city and climate. 

Slowing down gave me space to reflect, get creative, and reconnect with what I actually love to wear—the pieces that feel like me.

It’s paid off. I’m (sooooo very slowly) adapting to the heat, tapping into the local vibe, and still feel like myself getting dressed every day.

If your closet feels full but nothing feels right, maybe it’s not more you need—but less noise. Get creative and play around with what you already own & love. ❤️ 

#slowfashion #nonewclothes #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #austinstyle #ootdinspo 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
Heading into my 8th summer with this dress.🌞💛

The power of buying pieces that suit your personal style is that they grow with you. I’ve worn so many iterations of this outfit, I’ve lost count. And many more to come.😌 What are you rewearing this spring and summer?

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, summer outfits, ballet flats
First time in Round Top; Hide my wallet 🫢 Just First time in Round Top; Hide my wallet 🫢

Just over an hour east of Austin is a little strip of antique dealers and venues hosting small businesses like vintage sellers, small fashion brands, jewelry makers, and more. 

A few of my faves:

@eastendsalvage 
@terracottacowboy 
@gathergoods 

Have you been? ✨🤠

———

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, antiques, Blue Hills
A spring office look to have on repeat. 🔁 I c A spring office look to have on repeat. 🔁 

I changed the buttons on this white blazer from a horrid brown to a monochrome white. And honestly, it might be the smartest thing I’ve ever done. 🤭

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, office outfit, studded belt, what to wear to work
These jeans might be my best secondhand buy 💙 These jeans might be my best secondhand buy 💙

Pro tip: Buy a size up so you know they’ll fit and then have them tailored. These have been hemmed and taken in at the waist. 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle #75HardStyleChallenge 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage, cuffed jeans, pearl necklace, office outfit
Scenes from my first SXSW 🤘🏼🥺 So fun to Scenes from my first SXSW 🤘🏼🥺

So fun to experience it with my twin. Now that it’s over, I’m already scheming how to do it better next year. Leave me your tips! 

———

#lifeabroad #sxsw2025 #rewearthat thrift style, festival looks, summer style
This linen dress on repeat + a spritz 🫒🌞 Sl This linen dress on repeat + a spritz 🫒🌞

Slow fashion outfit details:

• sunnies - 5 years old
• dress - 5 years old 
• loafers - 9 years old
• bag - 6 months old 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, summer outfit, linen dress, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
No office to go to but I’m still wearing a blaze No office to go to but I’m still wearing a blazer.

Wearing a $15 100% wool blazer my husband secretly bought for me after I put it back on the rack at the thrift. 🫶🏼🥺

——

What to wear, office outfit, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage

#slowfashion #slowfashionstyle #slowfashionblogger #sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionblogger #thriftedstyle #secondhandstyle #secondhandfirst
What I wore this week. 🌞🍒🤍 I love spring What I wore this week. 🌞🍒🤍

I love spring weather & it’s finally here to stay in Austin! Here’s a look back at everything I wore to @sxsw from cooler mornings to balmy nights. Still working my way through the #75HardStyleChallenge — getting dressed every day using only what’s in my closet. 

———

Spring outfit, office outfit, what to wear to work, cuffed jeans outfit, classic style, what to wear, secondhand, thrifted, vintage

#slowfashion #slowfashionstyle #slowfashionblogger #sustainablefashion #sustainablefashionblogger #shopsmallbusinesses #thriftedstyle #thriftblogger #secondhandstyle #secondhandfirst
Everything I wore to @sxsw part II Here to norma Everything I wore to @sxsw part II 

Here to normalize getting dressed for big events using what’s already in your closet. No panic buying. No stress. Simply leaning on pieces you love and want to rewear.

Everything tracked using @myindyx

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle 

What to wear, outfit ideas, spring outfits, secondhand, thrifted, vintage
What I’ve been wearing to my first @sxsw 🤠⚡ What I’ve been wearing to my first @sxsw 🤠⚡️

Headed on a work trip soon? Here are tips for dressing for a conference in warm weather:

- Wear natural fibers to help regulate body heat. Try silk, linen, cotton, etc.

- Bring a layer like a blazer for the heavy AC in meeting rooms and conference centres 

- Wear comfy shoes! Loafers, flats, chic sneakers all work.
Keep moths and other pests out of your clothes 👋🏼

1. Grab some fabric pouches (keep the ones that come with jewelry!!)

2. Fill with dried herbs that moths hate: bay leaves, cloves, rosemary 🌿🪴

3. Store in your closet or drawers to keep clothes in tip top shape! 

——

#lowbuyyear #sustainablestyle #rewearthat #slowfashion clothing care, sustainability, diy, personal style
Pretty sure I could spend all day here ❤️ Whe Pretty sure I could spend all day here ❤️

Where to thrift in Austin:📍Honey Hill Market

Visit @honeyhillmarket for an incredible selection of western items and neutral basics in natural fibres like linen and cotton for that Texas heat. 

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo #workstyle
Some February faves 🤍🍒 Nearly done the #75H Some February faves 🤍🍒

Nearly done the #75HardStyleChallenge and am having more fun than I expected getting dressed with what I already own. I also committed to a low buy year—only adding 25 items or less—and figured I’d be itching to add to my closet by now. Happy to report no purchases made this month!! 

Tracking all my outfits using @myindyx 

Do you have any shopping / styling intentions for this year? Let me know! 👇🏼

#25in2025 #lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo wardrobe staples, spring outfit ideas
This plus add sunscreen. Been dying for a reason This plus add sunscreen.

Been dying for a reason to wear this secondhand @proenzaschouler dress. The @atxopen is in town so I couldn’t miss my opportunity to sport some tennis whites. 🎾🤍

#lowbuyyear #outfitideas #sustainablestyle #outfitinspiration #rewearthat #slowfashion #ootdinspo spring outfit ideas, summer outfit
Your sign that you’re never too old to try somet Your sign that you’re never too old to try something new ✨❄️🎿

After being a very casual snowboarder, I figured my 30s were the time to return to skiing. Fast forward to a quick trip to Colorado where I stepped into some skis for the first time in 25 years. 

Hit some fresh powder, survived accidentally taking a blue run and après-ed very successfully. Colorado, we’ll definitely be back. 👌🏼🥂🗻

Slow fashion outfit details:

• jacket @perfectmomentsports via @poshmark 
• ski pants @arcteryx (5 years old)
• googles borrowed from friends
• sunglasses @lespecs (5 years old) 

#sustainablefashion #apresski #rewearthat #ootdfashion #ootdinspo #skistyle #colorado
Week one of my #75HardStyleChallenge Finally get Week one of my #75HardStyleChallenge 

Finally getting around to digitizing my wardrobe using @myindyx and I am obsessed!! 

Being in a new city / new climate is helping me get creative with what to wear. Can you tell I’m really excited about loafers in January?!😅

#outfitroundup #outfitideas4you #personalstyleblog #whatiworethisweek #75hsc #mirroroutfit #secondhandfashion digital wardrobe, wardrobe tracking, slow fashion
A moment of gratitude for 2024 ✨💫 Some of fa A moment of gratitude for 2024 ✨💫

Some of fave moments this past year: multiple visits home, exploring Montreal, celebrating friends’ milestones, incredible live music and the small moments in between.

——

2024 recap, Pinterest inspired, living abroad
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 Samantha Chown Johnston · Theme by 17th Avenue