Despite the fact that I live part-time in Los Angeles, I have an unhealthy collection of jackets. In my defense, I also live part-time in NYC and I love cooler weather, so I’ll take any excuse to wear a fall jacket. Although I lean into a few trends each season, when it comes to outerwear, I generally prefer timeless pieces I can wear on repeat. If you’re looking to create a great fall wardrobe, here are the best fall jackets for women.
Fall and winter coats tend to be pricey, which is why I prefer to invest in classic style instead of trendier ones. There are endless options of women’s coats for fall. However, classic styles are the most versatile, allowing you to layer with the items in your closet year after year.
The Best Fall Jackets for Women
Leather Jacket
Whenever I have nothing to wear in the fall, I grab jeans, a t-shirt, and a leather moto jacket. Leather jackets have timeliness appeal and they instantly add a little edge to any outfit.
Although you can find leather jackets in many colors, my personal favorite is classic black. If real leather isn’t your thing (or if you’re on a budget), you can always opt for a faux leather option.
Blazer
Blazers are fall outerwear staples, and in fall I always have several on rotation since they’re so versatile. When it’s warmer, I’ll wear a blazer over a slip dress as an extra layer, and in colder months I’ll wear one with jeans or wide-leg trousers and add some ankle boots. I love menswear-inspired pieces, and blazers are some of my favorite third pieces. Specific colors will go in and out of style, but you can’t go wrong with black, tan, navy, or any neutral plaid for fall.
See more blazer outfit ideas here.
Quilted Jacket
For casual jackets, the quilted jacket is a great light jacket option. They’re elevated just enough to make even the most casual outfits feel a little more put together. There are a variety of quilted coat silhouettes to pick from but I personally love one that is a little oversized. This mid-length quilted liner jacket is the best layer as the weather gets cooler.
Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are a casual layer, are versatile, and pretty much go with everything in your closet. A denim jacket is a great piece to throw on when it’s one of those weird in-between fall weather days. In the fall months, you really can’t go wrong with a classic denim jacket but there are also so many great options that are trendier!
Trench Coat
A trench coat is great for moderate fall weather or if you live in a warmer fall climate. Trench coats come in a variety of lengths and colors, but I prefer a classic long, tan style in a slightly oversized straight cut. This silhouette and color combination is timeless and always in style. Of course, Burberry makes the iconic original, but you can also find high-quality trench coats at J.Crew and Reformation.
Shirt Jacket or Shacket
For casual days, a shacket, or shirt jacket (whichever you prefer to call it), is the perfect topper.
A shacket provides the appearance of a button-down shirt, with the heft and warmth of a jacket.
Most shackets are made from wool or flannel, but you can also find them in leather, denim, shearling, and other fabrics.
Sherpa Jacket
I love throwing on a snuggly sherpa jacket in the fall. You can wear a sherpa jacket with leggings, but for an elevated casual option, try it with a sweater, some jeans, and boots so it’s not just your weekend coat.
Wool Coat
On cool fall days when temperatures drop, grab a wool coat. This highly versatile outerwear piece will keep you looking polished regardless of what you have on under it. Seriously though, I’ve worn a wool coat over a sweatshirt, and somehow, I looked put together. Plus, you’ll get use out of it well into winter.
Wool coats not only work during the day, but they’re also my outerwear of choice for nighttime over a more formal outfit or party dress.
If you don’t already own a wool coat, I recommend picking up a black one and tan one first. However, wool coats also look fabulous in gray, brown, burgundy, and even dark green.
