Jackets are one of the most fun wardrobe pieces to shop for, and not just because they are easier to try on than, say, wiggling into a pair of skinny jeans. They can provide a quick glimpse into an individual’s style ethos, or offer the opportunity to dress up, go incognito, and play with a look that may feel totally outside of one’s comfort zone. You may be a down-puffer-jacket kind of gal, but throw on a 1940s cinched-waist trenchcoat and suddenly you’re channeling the mystique of Sophia Loren à la The Key. There’s no mixing and matching needed, no details to nail. A total transformation is as easy as shedding one jacket and slipping into the next. Here are 14 of this season’s jackets we’d like to slip into this fall.
Apiece Apart’s ‘Big Sur’ soft blazer
Apiece Apart’s ‘Big Sur’ soft blazer is not so subtly reminiscent of a robe with its wide waist tie and oversize hip pockets. Made of wool boucle with a gentle structure and rolled collar, this teddy bear-hued wrap has all the the makings of a wardrobe staple: style, quality, and super-seductive comfort. $455 at apieceapart.com.
Everlane’s E2 Bomber Jacket
Modern luxury fans out there are no doubt familiar with Everlane’s model: modern tailoring and classic silhouettes, well done at an accessible price. While their website is chock full of simple fall jackets you could wear down to the threads, their army green bomber with an ever-so-subtle sheen can add polish to such a range of ensembles, it’s a no-brainer. $125 at everlane.com.
Argent’s Gingham Tie Blazer
Argent workwear was already lighting up our radar when none other than Hillary Rodham Clinton stepped out in their basketweave tie blazer to accept Planned Parenthood’s Champion of the Century Award earlier this year. This pink-and-fuchsia version offers the same HRC-approved cut, in a tonal gingham take. $358 at Argent.
Ganni’s Passion Leather Jacket
The faintest of sky-blue-grey leather in a fantastic cut that echoes ’70s silhouettes—who could resist Danish design darling Ganni’s solution to fall layering? With a slightly longer torso cut and a cinched waist, layer over sweaters and wide-leg pants for full retro-chic effect. $675 at netaporter.com.
Coach’s Varsity Racer Jacket
When Stuart Vevers took over as Creative Director for Coach in 2013, it was clear change was on the horizon. Reap the benefits with this season’s silky bomber, a piece that epitomizes the fearless, easygoing new look of the label, and whose clementine-hue will add a pop of color to even the most adventurous of wardrobes. $895 at Coach.
Patagonia’s Los Gatos Fleece Jacket
The coziest of the coziest: one look at that soft, snuggly bear-hug-of-a-garment and you’ll be ditching your scratchy wool pea coats, stat. From the original king of sustainability, Patagonia, comes a basic cut of deep-pile polyester fleece with a high collar, so your neck stays extra warm, regardless of whether you’re rocking a turtleneck or a v-neck. $129 at thereformation.com.
Apiece Apart’s Peralta Trench Coat
The trench is an easy go-to for fall. Not so easy: finding the perfect shape and color. This season, forgo more tailored, structured styles and lean in to effortless slouchy cuts that let you bundle and cinch as you see fit. You’ll fall in love with the fluid movement and comfort of a looser trench, especially when it comes in colors like the Peralta’s muted onion tone. $480 at apieceapart.com.
Paper Crown’s Sadie Jacket
Ramp up the impact of a good floral print by choosing bold colors and oversize patterns, like Paper Crown’s Sadie Jacket in this tropical-imbued sage peony pattern. A wide floppy collar and skinny drawstring waist give the loose cut form, and the scattering of pink peonies will brighten up even the most overcast of autumn days. $258 at papercrown.com.
Cos’s Metallic Coated Cotton Jacket
A lightweight cotton shell with a soft poplin lining (and an elastic waist—retain that body heat!) Cos’ architectural little jacket is a metallic gem. We’re sweet on the kimono-style sleeves and hidden zipper. It’s the kind of piece that feels like a statement item, but on the right owner (or should I say with the right attitude?) could be worn with the ease of a basic. $68 at Cos.
Jenni Kayne’s Corduroy Boy Blazer
If pumpkin spice were a garment—a cool, California-born garment that is—we’d picture it as a lovely, broken-in boy blazer like Jenni Kayne’s almond-hued number. A slight shrunken fit is mitigated with stretch fabric for a flattering fit that can take you from the library stacks, to the office, and, yes, even cocktails or coffee. $295 at jennikayne.com.
Vince’s Fur-Trimmed Bomber
Arguably the hippest of the classic cool-girl cuts, the bomber jacket has serious staying power season-to-season. Bundle up in Vince’s coastal blue iteration, trimmed out in brown fur and slightly cropped for a edgier look. $695 at Vince.
Stutterheim’s Mosebacke Raincoat
An A-Line take on the classic raincoat made by Swedish label Stutterheim. A roomy, swinger cut than your run-of-the-mill raincoat makes this handmade beauty feel extra modern. We like the neutral sand color, but you can choose any of the 14 color options to suit your style. $295 at stutterheim.com.
& Other Stories’s Frilled Embroidery Denim Jacket
Lightweight denim jackets probably deserve a list of their own, but if we had to choose just one for this season we’d snag something with true pizzazz, such as & Other Stories’s medium blue jacket accented with frills. We can see this layered over any number of printed shirts and sweater combinations, and are especially smitten with the Western-feeling yoked front with snap closures. A bolo tie would not be out of the question in this beauty, nor would rocking the full Canadian tuxedo. $115 at & Other Stories.
Theory’s Clairene Open Front Topper
Somewhere between a coat, a cashmere wrap, and a loose blazer, is Theory’s Clairene jacket: modern simplicity at its best. With an open front, this classic was made for layering. Constructed from a soft wool-cashmere blend, the notched collar and structured shoulders may say menswear, but a pale pink ivory color rings distinctly feminine. $595 at Theory.
Hayley is an Associate Editor at Washingtonian Weddings. Previously she was the the Style Editor at The Local Palate, a Southern food culture magazine based out of Charleston, South Carolina. You can follow her on instagram @wandertaste.
