By Leah Melby Clinton, Kristina Rutkowski
The brisk days of autumn start the season of layering—and when it comes to looking polished and staying comfortable, it helps to have some great fall jackets in your closet, whether that be a classic pea coat, trendy puffer statement denim. To help you find some new favorites, we polled fashion stylists and experts about their go-tos. These are the seasonal jackets they love and wear the most.
Sophisticated pea coat
Vancouver, British Columbia.-based costume stylist Luisa Dal Magro is a fan of “what was old is now new again,” and this toggle jacket is at the top of her list this autumn. Made from a blend of polyester and recycled wool, the iconic pea coat shape has been modernized with details including a hood for extra warmth and oversized bell sleeves. “It looks great paired with a cuffed jean and loafers or those worn-in Converse sneakers you just can’t seem to let go of,” she notes. The extended size range, which is offered in regular, tall and petite lengths, as well as the reasonable price point—less than $200—are all reasons this is a must-buy for her.
Quilted pick
Asia Grant, the Brooklyn-based creative director of beauty brand Redoux, recommends this boxy, collared jacket as a top pick for fall. “A quilted jacket instantly elevates any outfit effortlessly,” she says. “I would wear mine on a cute, daytime date like apple picking or museum hopping, as it would keep me warm but not overheat[ed].” Made from wind-resistant polyester, the contrasting Peter Pan-style collar and oversized buttons give the shape a stylish flair. “I wear it with a midweight turtleneck, warm maxi skirt and a comfortable pair of shoes,” she explains.
Winter white puffer
Short puffer coats are a top pick of nearly every expert we tapped, for both the warmth they provide and their modern look. Miami-based fashion publicist Caitlin Kelly wears this funnel-neck one regularly and loves its styling capabilities in the cream hue. “This puffer is going to look great over a workout look or even paired with sleek, white trousers,” she says. “I love the white with gold hardware details—it definitely makes it more elevated.” The jacket is stuffed with PrimaLoft, a down alternative made from recycled materials, rather than a feather fill.
Oversized blazer
Minimalist designs with maximum utility were favored among all the fashion experts we consulted, including New York City-based publicist Novella Paghera. “I’m drawn to this jacket for its clean and contemporary design, which embodies modern elegance,” she says. The soft, unstructured blazer style, without shoulder pads, makes it “a timeless and chic option” for casual and dressed up wear. For business meetings, she recommends elevating the jacket with a high-waisted black trouser, a silk scarf around the neck and chunky loafers. Alternatively, for Saturday morning coffee runs, she pairs it with a white T-shirt, comfy gray sweatpants and a baseball hat. For more blazer picks, consult our stylist-approved list.
Oversized, faux-shearling style
When you need a little extra coziness on the brisk days of autumn, a shearling jacket will do the trick. “I love how this is an edgier version of a leather bomber, but [is] still going to give some warmth,” Kelly explains. Made from faux leather and faux shearling, the classic aviator style is reinvigorated with a contemporary edge thanks to a generous, oversized collar and slouchy shape. This jacket can easily be worn during the day, or transition straight to cool, casual looks for night. “I’m going to wear this with jeans, boots and a big sweater,” she says.
Dressed-up sequins
As an always on-the-go entrepreneur, Black doesn’t have a lot of spare time to put outfits together. This statement sequined jacket from Badgley Mischka Collection is her answer to fall event dressing made easy. “On days when I wake up and feel like being a little extra, or if I have an event to attend, this is an easy option to ‘get the look’ without compromising style and most importantly time,” she says. The notched-lapel blazer is designed with a wrap front that hugs the waistline just so, and a pinstripe pattern that adds even more texture to the overall feel. Black recommends going for a complete look, with the coordinating trousers, to really make things simple. “Add a pair of open-toe, light gold strappy sandals, a clutch and you’re good to go,” she says.
Classic denim jacket
According to Detroit area-based wardrobe stylist and fashion designer Sicarra Black, a denim Levi’s jacket is always a closet staple, thanks to the brand’s quality and durability. As temperatures start to drop for fall, she recommends this relaxed-fit version to face the chillier days of the season. The quilted lining offers warmth, while the light wash of the 100% cotton denim exterior maintains the original trucker look the brand is known for. When it comes to styling, “my absolute favorite look is a denim jacket layered with a graphic tee and a midi fitted skirt with high-top sneakers or heels,” Black says.
Patterned fleece
Get the most out of fall layers with transitional pieces that transcend the seasons. Kelly recommends Isabel Marant Étoile’s zippered fleece jacket, which can be worn as is in the earlier fall months or under a big coat once winter sets in. The jacket is her answer to chic airport style—she recommends pairing it with jeans and boots or even leggings and a long-sleeve shirt for comfort. “I think this jacket is a great travel staple and can be worn as a layering item in a snowy destination or as its own piece in the fall months,” she says. The geometric print further enhances the alpine feel, adding a season-appropriate touch.
Denim with a twist
Paghera likes to incorporate bold and playful accents into her everyday fall wardrobe. For her, classic denim is taken to new heights with this eye-catching jacket in an oversized fit. “Its versatility [and] high-quality construction make it a great choice for making a fashion statement with a touch of timeless appeal,” she says. The button-front design allows the shape to be effortlessly styled for informal occasions over a simple T-shirt, baggy denim and sneakers, or with a classic knit sweater, chinos pants and loafers. “To make it more special, I would wear it with a form-fitting and ultra-flattering maxi turtleneck dress in chocolate brown,” she adds.
Sophisticated pea coat
If there’s one fall coat that belongs in your closet, it’s a double-breasted pea coat, says Irene Chen Grenby, founder and creative director of San Francisco–based accessories brand Parker Thatch, who loves this just-above-the-knee version. “It’s slimming, not bulky, and looks great over a sweater,” she says, and the bib collar is a fresh take on the more typical notched styles.
Well-designed moto jacket
Having seen hundreds of leather motorcycle jackets throughout her decades-long career covering the apparel market, this one is a no-brainer for its top-notch construction and comparatively moderate cost, Susan Swimmer, New York City–based fashion editor turned founder of the jewelry brand Evie Marques says. (Moto prices can stretch into the thousands.) The washed-leather fabric is soft and pliable, and the slim cut is “one of the most universally flattering,” she adds. If you think you might want to wear it over thick sweaters, consider sizing up.
Sporty pick
As an avid runner, a great windbreaker jacket is a non-negotiable in Grant’s fall wardrobe. “It’s much more comfortable to put on after a sweaty workout class than a sweatshirt,” she says, “and still protects you from the cold, while being compact enough to carry it in your bag.” Her favorite is is a packable, wind- and water-resistant style that’s essential on blustery days. This running jacket offers a similar look and feel. Grant says she wears her jacket “to the gym or on a run with my favorite Lululemon high-performance leggings, my Hokas, a long-sleeve underneath and even layer it under a parka if it’s very cold,” she says.