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We don’t need to tell you that the rapidly dropping temps mean fall is here – we’re sure you’ve already gaged that from the shortening days and uptick in all things pumpkin-flavored. We also don’t need to tell you that fall means a jacket upgrade is in order. The more discerning among you are probably already bookmarking potential outwear purchases.
We’re here to help you choose the right style for your autumnal needs. Maybe you just need a blazer to reboot your office wardrobe. Or maybe a waxed jacket would suit your wintering needs a bit better. Whatever your situation, we’ve selected some classic cool-weather styles and identified of our favorites of each. No tricks here, just treats. Browse our picks for the best jackets to help you survive the season below.
Vuori Track Jacket
Vuori may be known for their performance and lounge styles, but their foray into the world of casual outerwear is proving to be as good as their sweats. This track jacket is proof: sleek, packable and discrete, this all-black runner can be tossed on or stowed away at a moment’s notice.
Gap 100% Recycled Nylon Bomber Jacket
GAP can be hit-or-miss (we’ll pass on GAP x YZY, thanks), but there’s no denying they’ve struck gold with this nylon bomber jacket. An added bonus, the bomber is part of the cult-classic retailers recycled line, meaning this jacket’s ecological footprint is about as small as it can be with a flex this big.
All Saints Caldy Reversible Jacket
Two jackets for the price of one? And both look good? We’re sold on the Caldy jacket from All Saints, but just in case you need more convincing, take a closer look at the cross-quilted stitching, premium materials and meticulously tailored cut.
Rowing Blazers x FILA Babar Tennis Warm-Up Jacket
Rowing Blazers and Babar have a lot in common — they both value leisure, both know their way around a suit, and both appreciate a good warm-up. We appreciate the RB x FILA jacket, too, and only partly because of the King of Elephants color scheme and illustrations. The ribbed collar and cuffing, combined with the cotton blend, make this jacket the eye-catching statement layer for fall.
Fear of God Essentials Coach Jacket
Fear of God’s “Essentials” line has taken the streetwear world, and fashion world more broadly, by storm, offering high-quality garments with elevated cuts and styles at a (semi-) affordable price. Their Coaches Jacket is no different: perfectly boxy and draped just a tad oversized, the light layer will keep you fitted enough to thrive on chilly city days and warm enough survive them, too.
Levi’s Sunset Trucker Jacket
A nuanced take on the trucker we all know and love, the Levi’s sunset jacket incorporates a newer, relaxed feel and a cropped body. Likewise, the color swap of an insightful beige from denim is a welcome’s one; fall is all about the not-so-bland neutrals.
Universal Works Kyoto Work Insulated Jacket
Universal Works did something really special this season. The already killer Kyoto work jacket, a pillar of UW’s outerwear, received some cold-weather tweaks, making it even more ready to stand up to winter weather, side tie and all.
Taylor Stitch The Decker Jacket
I mean, come on: have you ever seen a better looking jacket? Textured wool welt pockets, and designed with a nod to the freezing east coast nautical, Taylor Stitch may have just created the jacket of the season for fisherman and frigid Friday nights alike.
Alex Mill Work Jacket
You didn’t think we were going to leave a denim jacket off the list, did you? There’s a reason the blue-hued coat persists; it looks good with everything and anything. Alex Mill makes sure that the seminal style isn’t just your boring old denim trucker — they’ve added well-placed pockets, a workwear-based cut, and a plant-based indigo die for an updated take.
Sérf Ramona Herringbone Virgin Wool-Blend Jacket
French chic meets American heritage in this herringbone wool-blend jacket from Sérf. The Ramona maple brown texture is the perfect amount of attention-grabbing, and with a detailing borrowing from both workwear and formalwear, the jacket can be paired with just about anything.
Buck Mason Dry Waxed Canvas N1 Deck Jacket
Buck Mason’s new waxed line is already among of our favorites of the season. They’re clearly ready for anything, and equally important, they’re really good-looking, too.
L.L. Bean Double-L Wax Cotton Upland Coat
There should be zero surprise that L.L. Bean makes it onto the Waxed Jacket list — after all, the style is just one of the many iconic iterations they’ve given us. Especially inspired by classic hunting jackets, this upland coat has pockets to spare and a rugged chocolate color.
Barbour Beaufort Wax Jacket
When most outwear-heads think of waxed jackets, they think of Barbour. The U.K. export is the benchmark of waxed jackets, where our friends across the pond have the waxing process down to a t(ea). If you want a lifetime jacket, this one’s for you.
Todd Snyder x L.L. Bean Fishing Jacket
The TS x L.L. Bean Fishing Jacket is not technically a waxed jacket, but it might as well be — it boasts the classic button-up design, serious water repulsion capabilities, and that classic waxed jacket sheen.
Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Hudson Jacket
Flint and Tinder’s no-frills waxed option is as good as any on the list. The flannel-lined jacket is warm, handsome and sturdy as hell.
Pendleton Carson Jacket
Pendleton puts craftsmanship before all else, on display front and center with the Carson jacket. A fetching olive green, the zip-up, multi-pocketed coat has everything you could want and more for braving a late-fall latte.
Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket
A retro-themed fleece from outdoor suppliers Patagonia, this style continues to be all the rage, year after year. Warm, fuzzy and with that vintage-fleece feel, it really is the perfect fall fit.
Uniqlo Single Collar Short Blousonx
This is it. This is the jacket that we want to wear all fall. No further questions. x
Polo Ralph Lauren Stretch Corduroy Jacket
PRL’s corduroy just oozes fall cool, with the fabric of the season making a velvet-y, deep green appearance in the stretch corduroy jacket. This jacket zips up nicely over OCBD and tee alike.
District Vision Greg Fleece Jacket
Running gurus District Vision don’t just make sportswear sunglasses — they make a mean cold-weather fleece. Lifestyle inspired and performance driven, the Greg Fleece is mobile enough to sustain you through that Sunday jog and cozy enough to get you to the brewery for that post-long run porter.
Wacko Maria x Nanga Leopard Mountain Parka
Nanga is synonymous with weatherproof, and with the cheetah-all-over print, how much more do we really need to say?
Asics Accelerate Waterproof Jacket
Running brand Asics accelerate jacket gets everything right for a weather-ready active later — a stretchy, mobile fit, a comprehensive lock system, and a glossy black color.
Howler Borthers Voltage Full Zip Jacket
Part zip, part puffer and fully snug, the high-wattage voltage jacket is ready to keep you insulated all winter long. A lightweight, quilted puffer body with classic hoodie detailing makes for a causal jacket that can stand up to any bad weather that rolls in.
Topo Designs Global Jacket
Colorado-based Topo Designs knows a thing or two about harsh conditions, and as such have designed the Global Jacket with maximum weather-resistance in mind. Fully waterproof and dressed in an on-trend burnt orange, this jacket is the lifesaver you didn’t know you needed.
Arc’teryx Zeta SL GORE-TEX Jacket
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few F/W seasons, the lowdown on Arc’teryx is pretty simple — it’s a seasoned hiker’s dream. This jacket is one of the best on the market when it comes to a weatherproof, durable and insulated fit, and in a rich maroon, the Zeta leans more influencer than woodsman.
Club Monaco Suede Trucker Jacket
Club Monaco knows how to make a sophisticated jacket. The contrast ribbing! The double chest pockets! That suede! There’s nothing Club Monaco doesn’t get right here — we just wish we had found it sooner.
Abercrombie & Fitch Relaxed Vegan Suede Zip Jacket
A vegan suede option that won’t break the bank, Abercrombie continues to impress with in-style output at an affordable price. This jacket combines all the things we love in outwear right now: a relaxed fit, an easy-zip design and wear-with-anything attitude.
Schott Waxed Natural Pebbled Cowhide Leather Jacket
With all the Bond hype, doesn’t it feel appropriate to snag a jacket that gives off some serious 007 vibes? Schott’s cowhide leather jacket is the real deal, and it looks like it could’ve been pulled straight off of dangerously smoldering Daniel Craig’s shoulders.
Slate and Stone Harrington Suede Bomber Jacket
Dark suede is a hard-to-miss combination, especially when it’s draped on a modern-cut bomber. Durable and handsome, this Slate and Stone jacket will keep you the epitome of causal-cool for years to come.
Sérf Matsy Vegan Textured-Leather Shirt Jacket
If real leather isn’t so much your speed, but you still want that organic bad-boy look, Sérf’s vegan design takes the cake. A dense piece of textured faux leather, the Matsy Shirt Jacket is the perfect fall layer over a white tee. Motorcycle not included.
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We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.