Jackets Required: Beyond the Blazer by Sharon Mosley on Creators.com

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Jackets Required: Beyond the Blazer

Toss aside the puffy parkas and lighten up this spring and summer with a jaunty jacket. Whether it's an ultra-cool moto bomber, a swingy cover-up or a breezy pastel piece, it's what you wear on top that counts this year. The newest jackets add a perfect polish to everyday wardrobes whether you wear it to work or wear it to the beach.

Check out these styles that move beyond the boring blazer:

The Boyfriend Jacket — This jacket is an easy option for casual occasions, and in the new powdery pastel colors, it's an instant update for this spring. A little looser, but still lean, this boyfriend jacket works as a great layering piece over shift dresses, cuffed shorts or pencil skirts.

The Moto Jacket — Tough chic is what this motorcycle-inspired jacket is all about. Many of the newest jackets also have a preppy vibe that makes them even more modern. In lightweight leather, it's even more of a unique way to put some edge into warmer weather wardrobes. Pair this jacket with feminine blouses or sheer top for more contrast.

The Denim Jacket — This classic is a winner this year and can extend your other wardrobe basics adding additional style by mixing and matching a wide variety of separates. Wear the latest denim jackets with your favorite jeans or dress them up with sparkly tops and pencil skirts.

The Graphic Jacket — Want to really make a statement on top? Try a great graphic — in a black and white print — or a colorful combination that stands out and makes any outfit pop with only one jacket.

Team these bold patterned jackets with neutral bottoms and fun accessories.

The Cropped Jacket — These abbreviated jackets provide lots of versatility for spring and summer. Whether they're short and shrunken or short and swingy, the latest crop of short jackets gives you plenty of options. Pay attention to proportion with these cropped tops — one rule of thumb: the fuller the bottom, the more fitted the top. Stick to swingy tops over slim-fitting dresses, skirts or pants. Long, fitted tanks or camisoles are also good companions that will give you more coverage underneath.

The Varsity Jacket — Want to really cheer up your wardrobe? Play with this sporty shape that is anything but basic. The new athletic-inspired jackets are patched and printed with all kinds of new mixes that will really rev up jeans and T-shirts. This bomber is back!

The Tuxedo Jacket — Spring and summer's newest transformer for day ... and evening is the tuxedo jacket. The black-tie jacket has a new spin on the traditional soiree ensemble so you can easily dress it up with sleek trousers and ruffled blouses for cocktails or dress it down with jeans and a lacy tank. And there are always accessories to amp up the tux jacket — think lots of sparkle and shine!

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.