As we enter the spring months it’s time to swap those cosy coats for lightweight men’s jackets, but what are the key outerwear trends this season? Whether you have a penchant for preppy fashions, Sixties’ style or urban edge, there’s a look for you. 

Mod revival

Spring/summer ’13 menswear shows at London Fashion Week saw timeless outerwear, synonymous with Sixties style, make a fashion comeback. The Harrington jacket, popularised by American film stars such as Elvis Presley, Ryan O’Neal and Steve McQueen and assimilated into Mod uniform in the 1960s, appeared on the catwalks of Margaret Howell, Nicole Farhi and Pringle of Scotland. Key details include sharp collars, stripes and blue and cream colourways. Pair with Breton tops and polo shirts for true Sixties style.

While other fashion houses may have tipped a hat to the Mod man look, Jonathan Saunders has gone all out this season, updating classic styles such as trenches, cardigans and blazers with geometric prints and Pop Art colours. And a statement jacket offers an easy way to buy into the trend and update your look.

Yacht club

If you’re planning a coastal holiday this summer – and we’re talking more Riviera retreat than Whitby weekend – you’ll need a stylish cover-up for those breezy evenings next to the sea. Luckily, it seems that many of menswear’s biggest names had such a scenario in mind when designing this season’s outerwear.

Nicole Farhi and Hackett London were among the design houses to take the white blazer back from the Del Monte man and make the style a viable holiday option with double breast and preppy pocket crest details. And the latter label matched light chambray duffle jackets with coastal stripes and holiday prints for a more casual look.

Practical parkas

Practical parkas have become an urban style staple, thanks in part to unlikely style icon Liam Gallagher, and have even become a unisex favourite. This season sees the style hold firm – the light jackets with safari pockets, toggles and pull-cord details paired with everything from casual tees to smart paisley neckerchiefs.

Hackett London and Margaret Howell went for classic waterproof khaki, while Pringle of Scotland added urban drama with black cocoon pull-over parkas boasting orange detailing. Perfect for the unpredictable British weather, keep one in in your rucksack to throw over casual outfits – think chinos, shorts or jeans.