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Fall Jacket Guide

I know fall is still a ways away for most of us, but I noticed an uptick in search traffic for my fall jacket guide from last year so I thought I should update it and republish. Plus this is a good time to start thinking about your fall wardrobe and what might need refreshing so when the cool weather arrives, you’re ready for it.

I really hope we have a cooler fall this year than we did last year. I’m all for warm weather, but when it lasts well into October, it’s hard to get in the fall spirit.

5 Fall Jackets Every Woman Should Own

Most of us need several lightweight jackets for various purposes. Jackets make a fun accessory and provide an extra layer of interest so it’s fun to have a few if budget and closet space allow. I like to have a jacket for dressy occasions and one or two for my casual daily life, and I need something for rainy days too.

Here are 5 fall jackets you may want to have in your closet this year and what styles and colors are trending.

5 Must-Have Fall Jackets

#1. Utility Jacket

The utility jacket is pretty much the quintessential fall jacket — or at least the trendiest. These are great for casual wear and look amazing with jeans and a tee or sweater, but you can throw them on over a casual dress as well.

I think of utility jackets as army green, but you can find them in other colors too. Often they come in tan or navy, and I have a grey one I like a lot. A camo one is fun to have as well.

Also, don’t rule out a fun variation on the more classic style. This grey drapey utility jacket is really fun too. Here are some different ways I’ve worn utility jackets over the years.

Shop Utility Jackets: (Click the arrow on the right to scroll through all my picks!)

#2. Field Coat/Quilted Jacket

When the weather isn’t quite cold enough for a parka but it’s a little too cold for a twill jacket, a lightweight quilted jacket or canvas field jacket is nice to have. I always think of the iconic Burberry (the one pictured above is 25% OFF!) when I think of this type of quilted jacket, but of course there are tons of other brands making similar styles. I linked up a bunch below.

Shop Quilted Jackets: (Click the arrow on the right to scroll through all my picks!)

#3. Anorak/Raincoat

It often rains in the fall, so having something appropriate for wet weather is essential (unless you live in the desert somewhere!) But for most of us, it’s nice to have a casual rain jacket.

I have a trench coat (see #4) but I find myself not wanting to wear it sometimes because it feels too dressy. An anorak or raincoat is the perfect casual alternative, so I picked up this North Face rain jacket last spring, and I love it. It has a nice shape to it, and it’s perfect for more casual occasions when a trench feels a little much.

My best tip is to make sure your raincoat has a hood so you aren’t obligated to carry an umbrella.

Shop Rain Coats: (Click the arrow on the right to scroll through all my picks!)

#4. Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is a wardrobe staple, and while it comes in handy all year-round, I wear mine mostly in the fall and spring. This is my solution for dressier occasions when it’s raining or I need a light layer.

Of course, a trench coat can be worn as casual wear too. In fact, it is a great way to elevate a basic outfit or even athleisure. Throw on a trench to run to the grocery store or the mall, and you’ll look chic and put together even if you’re wearing your gym clothes underneath.

Shop Trench Coats: (Click the arrow on the right to scroll through all my picks!)

#5. Leather or Suede Jacket

Finally, a must-have for fall (in my opinion, of course!) is a leather jacket. Some styles are dressier and some are more rugged, so go with what works best with your wardrobe and lifestyle. Also pay attention to what styles looks best on you. I’m always drawn to the asymmetrical moto style jackets with the flaps across the chest, but I’ve learned that I look better in a simpler style that zips straight up the front with no flaps. I like how this one is a blend of the two styles. A collarless style is also nice for a dressier look.

The waterfall collar is a big trend right now, and it’s a fun variation on a more traditional suede or leather jacket. (Usually you’ll find that in a suede.)

As far as colors go, black and brown leathers are always classic, and you can’t go wrong with either. It just depends on your wardrobe and what you’ll wear the most. Grey, burgundy, and plum are all really pretty in both leather and suede, and all colors of suede are trending right now. That’s a fun way to add a pop to your outfits. I would try to spend less on a color than I would on a more classic black or brown.

Here are some ways I’ve styled my leather and suede jackets over the years.

Shop Leather/Suede Jackets: (Click the arrow on the right to scroll through all my picks!)

Honorable Mention: Denim Jacket

You may have noticed I didn’t include a denim jacket in this list. I actually consider that more of a wardrobe piece than a jacket because I usually wear a denim jacket as part of my outfit. I definitely consider it a wardrobe essential, so I suppose you could count it as #6. Here are some ways I’ve worn my denim jackets over the years.

Shop Denim Jackets: (Click the arrow on the right to scroll through all my picks!)

I hope that was helpful! In a way, jackets are more fun than coats because you can incorporate them into your outfit rather than just covering it up, but if you need to update your coats this year, don’t miss my Fall/Winter Coat Guide! I’ll be updating it soon.

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19 Responses

  1. I finally ordered a light pink field jacket from Old Navy that I absolutely love! Now, getting to wear it is another story since it’s not really jacket weather in Florida until December! I’ll probably get excited and wear it anyway when I can count on the air conditioning!

  2. You’d hate it out here in CA since the weather is kind of mild year round. We are finally having what feels like summer and I couldn’t be happier. I wear a lot of sweaters and jackets, but rarely need more than that. I kind of miss buying coats. I’ll have to remember that when we move back south in a few years and I live through a real winter again. HA! Happy weekend!!!

  3. I just picked up an army green utility jacket from Old Nay – should be arriving today! I bought it because I was looking for a lightweight jacket to take on my vacation that looked a bit dressier than my workout jacket! i know I will get tons of wear in the fall. I have to admit I am looking forward to the cooler weather. Supposed to be a record high here today of 37 Celcius!

  4. Great post!  With our weather here in the Pacific Northwest, we need several different kinds of jackets.  Something lighter for rain, something heavier for rain, something with a hood, something without, etc., all in varying weights.  And that is just for the Fall!  Ha ha   My mom and I laugh over how many jackets we have accumulated over the years, but we wear them all!

  5. I have most of these. I love my utility jacket I got in coral last year. When you say a jeans jacket is a wardrobe piece, does that mean you wear it all day? Like you would a cardigan? I’ve always worn mine just as a jacket when going out. 

  6. I have all these in my closet, plus more. I am the coat/jacket queen! 😉 I figure when the weather gets colder, rain or snow, all most people see is your outerwear. So I like to change it up! 
    Have a wonderful,  jacketless weekend! 

  7. Another informative post Jo-Lynne!  Based on our lifestyle, I am all set for the cooler months, since I have several utility jackets, a denim jacket, and a good rain jacket, which I don’t even think I wore last year.  It wasn’t cold enough for me to need it.  I hope y’all have a fabulous weekend!

  8. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Fall coats around here get a little forgotten… It seems like our winters are so long that the winter coats rule the closet… (we are in them for so long) however if we keep getting some of these more milder winters. which I’ll take any day… that may change things a bit. I found the last several falls I lived in my sweater capes( or ponchos)… but feel like I’m ready to give that a break… I would like to get a nice comfy cardigan to wear on the colder days,, and maybe incorporate a fall jacket… I am pretty covered for the warm rainy days, and the cold rainy days. and winter.. I am also on the hunt for a nice black leather jacket which I can see myself getting a lot of wear from fall right into winter.
    Happy Weekend

  9. Thank you for having a new post on jackets. It made me realize I have every one of them in my closet. I actually have 5 different colors of denim jackets. (white, tan, blush, light and dark blue jean) No wonder my husband told me no more jackets. I’ve had my eye on a grey utility jacket for a while, If I get it, I’ll have to sneak in it my house. Have a nice weekend!

  10. I think I’d like to order the NF raincoat. In reading the reviews, several people have complained about the zipper. Have you noticed any problems with it?  Thank you!

    1. I noticed those reviews too, but I didn’t have any trouble with it so far. I wore it to Nashville and all over town sightseeing back in March – zipped and unzipped quite a few times. It was great, and it has a nice flattering shape to it.

  11. Last fall was so warm that I rarely needed a jacket – yet I now have a bunch of these jackets on a wishlist lol! Hopefully they will still be around once I see what type of fall we will have this year.

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