THE JOURNAL

The extra layer you need to see you through spring.
Dressing in May can be a tricky art to master. The weather can range from drizzling misery to blazing Riviera in a matter of hours. Social life aside, the segue between seasons can be sartorially difficult to navigate. That quilted ripstop down jacket that served you well over winter is far too heavy, and throwing on that new camp-collar shirt (sans jacket) is far too premature. So, when it comes to your outwear during these capricious in-between months, we highly advise that you focus on lightweight, durable or – if needs be – waterproof jackets (yes, waterproof; we are writing this from MR PORTER's London office, after all) that can handle any meteorological scenario
With that in mind, we’ve picked three of our favourite transitional jackets – from nostalgic 1990s shell jackets to suede bombers – that will see you through the rest of spring, summer and beyond.
THE LINEN JACKET
Copenhagen based brand NN07 provides a range of everyday items you never knew you needed, reinventing archetypes such as the slim denim jean, chambray shirt and merino wool sweater. As well as the affordable (and attractive) price point, the central appeal of this brand is its ability to mix smart with casual – something demonstrated by this season’s versatile shirt jacket, which has been cut from naturally breathable, crisp Italian linen. For those who find themselves on a sunny coast somewhere chasing the surf, pair it with some tailored shorts. And if you’re anywhere else, blue jeans will go nicely.
THE SHELL JACKET
We’ve long been fans of Japanese brand Neighborhood. Its philosophy is simple: well-made, unfussy clothes that are inherently practical. Its latest shell jacket caught our eye because of its retro appeal – putting us in mind of 1990s track jackets or a certain Fresh Prince (cue opening tune) with its brightly coloured waterproof shell. Pairing it with anything similarly sporty would be a mistake (you don’t want to look like you’re fresh off the Olympic podium after all), so we advise wearing it with something smarter, like this pair of chinos by Our Legacy and a pair of retro sneakers.
THE SUEDE BOMBER JACKET
Anyone familiar with Tod’s exquisitely crafted footwear will know about the brand’s unswerving dedication to quality and craftsmanship, and this butter-soft suede bomber jacket is no exception. Boxy enough to layer comfortably over sweaters and tees, it’ll serve you well over the summer months. Pair it with these Ermenegildo Zegna shorts for a masterclass in varsity style.
