THEhe summer, with its unpredictable climate, requires a good dose of ingenuity when it comes to outfits. We all know the buzzword by now: layering, or the art of wearing layers (layersin English) overlapped to cover and uncover if necessary based on fluctuating temperatures. Nevertheless give up the jacketeven in a summer key, sometimes it’s impossible. How to overcome the problem?
Parades and street style agree: there is nothing better than a maxi shirt to solve the dilemma in no time of Spring Summer 2026. Large, light and elegant, in every variant, it is the piece that most of all lends itself to being worn instead of a jacket on sunny days. More than a last addition, a precise styling choice that defines the look.
The most suitable shirts to be worn as a summer jacket
Let’s start from the basics: not all shirts are born as jackets, but some more than others can become one. Among all the trendy models for Spring Summer 2026, the elegant women’s shirt that seems stolen from his wardrobe, with an oversized fit, especially in the striped version, with the classic men’s collar. For lovers of solid colours, the total blue model in all its shades, from light blue to navy, but also the everlasting white suit shirt. The red or pink versions, however, are more lively. Cotton is fundamental: light, yes, but firm enough to dress like outerwear.
Not just poplin. The choice also falls on other rigid, thick and opaque materials: the denim shirt is among the variants that are best suited to being worn as a summer jacket. The most glamorous and least seen ideas? The classic Korean collarless, printed, boho chic or floral, even decorated with applications, in keeping with the seasonal trends. The shirt-jacket par excellence? Tecnica, in windproof nylon, like the key piece of the Prada Spring Summer 2026 fashion show.
The technical shirt is the new spring windproof jacket according to Prada Spring Summer 2026. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
Shirt as jacket, outfit ideas for Spring Summer 2026
Forget the traditional idea of layering. The shirt, in a jacket version, becomes the icing on the cake, the finishing touchbut who dresses first. The absolute protagonist, it must be combined with care and attention to detail. The handbook to follow: first of all, it should always be worn open or semi-opento reveal the outfit underneath. Be careful of too strong contrasts: in the jacket version, it is better to wear the shirt over ribbed tank tops and neutral t-shirts than to risk color blocking.
The white men’s shirt is worn like a jacket over a gray tank top, dark jeans and heeled ballet flats, even in the office. (Getty Images)
The styling trick seen at the fashion shows to be copied is to pick up the tone of the dress underneath, when worn as an overcoat (Tod’s Spring Summer 2026). Or, focus on the mix of codes rather than nuances: the men’s maxi shirt is worn over the hyper-feminine bustier dress, as seen on the catwalk at Dolce&Gabbana, or over the lace bodysuit and romantic shorts (Ermanno Scervino).
The striped maxi shirt becomes a jacket on the bustier dress for Dolce&Gabbana Spring Summer 2026. (Spotlight Launchmetrics)
Loosely knotted on the long dress, worn with sneakers and biker boots. In an elegant, waisted version, it is perfect on a summer maxi cotton dress, even buttoned up, as demonstrated by street style. The most particular casual chic idea, the shirt as a jacket over the bon ton cardiganrather than vice versa.
Incredible how it can transform into an original and feminine summer jacket, a long sequined skirt or a satin slip dress. Finally, the boldest version: shirt-jacket on shirt, varying the styles. Because, really, we can never have enough.