It’s officially cozy season, and the fall weather has brought all its wardrobe favorites with it. In addition to cardigan sweaters and knee-high boots, the transitional jacket is a beloved autumnal classic. The best fall jackets are lightweight enough for layering when the temps aren’t quite cold — the Goldilocks of your seasonal closet, if you will.
Whether you want something to throw on for early-morning dog walks or a more buttoned-up (excuse the pun) style for work or evening plans, there’s a topper out there for everyone. Consider the trusty denim jacket, trench coat, or leather jacket… or more on-trend barn jackets and seasonal suede jackets. And as it gets colder, think of coats made from wool, fleece, and puffer materials as well as styles with scarf details for extra coverage and warmth.
To provide a little shopping inspiration, we’ve gathered our top picks from reader-favorite retailers like Lululemon, Free People, Gap, Damson Madder, and Anthropologie to cart up and elevate your fall ‘fits.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket
Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket, $, available at Lululemon
Everlane The Ranch Jacket
Everlane The Ranch Jacket, $, available at Everlane
Ann Taylor Plaid Trench Coat
Ann Taylor Plaid Trench Coat, $, available at Ann Taylor
Mango Jacket with Jewel-button Strip Collar
Mango Jacket with Jewel-button Strip Collar, $, available at Mango
Cos Double-Faced Wool Scarf Jacket
COS Double-Faced Wool Scarf Jacket, $, available at COS
FP Movement Hit The Slopes Fleece Jacket
FP Movement Hit The Slopes Fleece Jacket, $, available at Free People
Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Zip Vegan Suede Jacket
Abercrombie & Fitch Slim Zip Vegan Suede Jacket, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Asos Design Curve Penny Lane Faux Fur Trim Coat
ASOS DESIGN Curve penny lane faux fur trim coat, $, available at ASOS
Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Cotton-Blend Trench Coat, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Babaton UnReal Leather Synergy Bomber
Babaton UnReal Leather Synergy Bomber, $, available at Aritzia
Zara Detachable Scarf Puffer Jacket
Zara Detachable Scarf Puffer Jacket, $, available at Zara
Damson Madder Avery Embroidered Quilted Coat
Damson Madder Avery Embroidered Quilted Coat, $, available at Damson Madder
Barbour Classic Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket
Barbour Classic Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
Gap Denim Oversized Bubble Jacket
Gap Denim Oversized Bubble Jacket, $, available at Gap
Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer
Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer, $, available at Hikerkind
Uniqlo Corduroy Short Jacket
Uniqlo Corduroy Short Jacket, $, available at Uniqlo
Alex Mill Chiltern Street Jacket In Waxed Cotton
Alex Mill Chiltern Street Jacket In Waxed Cotton, $, available at Alex Mill
Old Navy Button-Front Mac Coat
Old Navy Button-Front Mac Coat, $, available at Old Navy
Maeve Cinch-Waist Blazer
Maeve Cinch-Waist Blazer, $, available at Anthropologie
Alpha Industries Long Liner Jacket
Alpha Industries Long Liner Jacket, $, available at Madewell
Sézane Yuma Jacket
Sézane Yuma Jacket, $, available at Sézane
Coach Zip Front Wool Jacket
Coach Zip Front Wool Jacket, $, available at Coach Outlet
L.L. Bean BeanFlex Utility Jacket
L.L. Bean BeanFlex Utility Jacket, $, available at L.L. Bean
Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $, available at Quince
Maeve Enlarged-Leopard Print Vest Jacket
Workwear can be so drab — sometimes, you just need a little print to spice things up. Wear this vest over a chunky sweater to give your office outfit that extra oomph.
Shop Maeve At Anthropologie
Maeve Enlarged-Leopard-Print Vest Jacket, $, available at Anthropologie
Barbour Classic Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket
Name something more classic for fall than a waxed Barbour jacket.
Shop Barbour at Bloomingdale’s
Barbour Classic Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket, $, available at Bloomingdale’s
FP Movement Hit The Slopes Fleece Jacket
This R29 editor-approved jacket is not to be slept on. The oversized fleece will help you stay cozy all season — plus, it has great storage for snacks and easy snap buttons.
Shop Free People
FP Movement Hit The Slopes Fleece Jacket, $, available at Free People
Asos Cropped Trench Coat
Trench coats are one of those staples that will be in your closet forever. Why not try out a cropped version that’s under $80 this fall?
Shop Asos
ASOS DESIGN Cropped Trench Coat, $, available at ASOS
Ann Taylor Crew Neck Belted Coat
For all my working ladies, throw this Crew Neck Belted Coat over your office outfit for a chic solution to chilly commutes.
Shop Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor Crew Neck Belted Coat, $, available at Ann Taylor
Lululemon Always Effortless Jacket
True to its name, the Always Effortless Jacket from reader-favorite brand Lululemon will have you covered all season long. This hip-length style is water- and wind-repellant, and has many a pocket for those last-minute trips to the grocery store or taking Fido out.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Always Effortless Jacket, $, available at Lululemon
Vuori Canyon Insulated Jacket
Brisk morning runs have nothing on Vuori’s Canyon Insulated Jacket. It is made of a mixture of recycled fabric and elastane that will keep you warm while working up a sweat.
Shop Vuori
Vuori Canyon Insulated Jacket, $, available at Vuori
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
This retro puffer from The North Face will keep us warm and stylish as the temperature lowers.
Shop The North Face at Revolve
The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, $, available at Revolve
Everlane The Teddy Liner
If you prefer lighter jackets for layering or tend to run warmer, try the Teddy Liner to keep at just the right coziness level this fall.
Shop Everlane
Everlane The Denim Barrel Jacket, $, available at Everlane
Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
We love a double-breasted trench from heritage brand Ralph Lauren to top off any outfit.
Shop Ralph Lauren
Lauren Double-Breasted Cotton-Blend Trench Coat, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Buck Mason Heritage Leather Rider Jacket
Buck Mason’s relaxed fit leather jacket is the perfect addition to your capsule wardrobe. You’ll be reaching for this staple year after year.
Shop Buck Mason
Buck Mason Heritage Leather Rider Jacket, $, available at Buck Mason
Mango Pockets Cotton Parka
‘Tis the season for barn jackets. This workwear favorite will keep you warm and on-trend.
Shop Mango
Mango Pockets Cotton Parka, $, available at Mango
Coach Leather Jacket
Buffy the Vampire Slayer would be proud of this sleek leather jacket.
Shop Coach Outlet
Coach Outlet Leather Jacket, $, available at Coach Outlet
Axel Arigato Saul Varsity Jacket
You don’t have to be a high school hero to rock this chic varsity jacket from Scandi-brand Axel Arigato.
Shop Axel Arigato
Axel Arigato Saul Varsity Jacket, $, available at Axel Arigato
Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01
We love a packable puffer moment, especially with this kitschy Peter Pan collar.
Shop Hikerkind
Hikerkind Packable Down Puffer 01, $, available at Hikerkind
Eloquii Studded Faux Leather Jacket
Get all the drama of a leather jacket and more with studs!
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Studded Faux Leather Jacket, $, available at Eloquii
Alpha Industries Long Liner Jacket
J’adore Alpha Industries’ take on the quilted liner as a chic asymmetrical buttoned-up jacket with side tides.
Shop Alpha Industries at Madewell
Alpha Industries Long Liner Jacket, $, available at Madewell
Abercrombie & Fitch Winterized Collarless Shearling Jacket
While it may not be cold enough for shearling just yet, who are we to say no to this fabulous collarless jacket?
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Winterized Collarless Shearling Jacket, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Zara Waxed Puffer Jacket
At under $100, this waxed puffer jacket is well worth the money. We especially love the contrasting corduroy collar that gives the jacket extra style points.
Shop Zara
Zara Waxed Puffer Jacket, $, available at Zara
Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket
A leather motorcycle jacket is always a great idea in the fall, especially when it’s as sleek as a luxury one for a fraction of the price. I mean, the zipper details and belted waist — how could you not add it to your cart ASAP?
Shop Quince
Quince 100% Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $, available at Quince
Uniqlo Oversized Half Coat
Uniqlo’s Oversized Half Coat boasts an adjustable waist belt and removable vest, meaning you get to decide how to wear it.
Shop Uniqlo
Uniqlo 3WAY Oversized Half Coat, $, available at Uniqlo
Alex Mill Chiltern Street Jacket
Alex Mill’s oversized version in red is just one stylish example of a modern take on the traditional hunting coat.
Shop Alex Mill
Alex Mill Chiltern Street Jacket, $, available at Alex Mill
Jenni Kayne Corduroy Jacket
Shackets are great, but if you want something elevated, try this corduroy jacket from Jenni Kayne. It’s a great layer to just throw on and go, no matter the activity.
Shop Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne Corduroy Jacket, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Damson Madder Diana Quilted Jacket
We cannot resist Damson Madder’s adorably twee version of the quilted jacket. Covered in bow embroidery and with additional bow details and a button-down front, it’s perfect.
Shop Damson Madder
Damson Madder Diana Quilted Jacket, $, available at Damson Madder
Aritzia Stella Bomber
There’s something about bomber jackets and fall that just makes sense. We have our eye on this relaxed-fit style made of Japanese crepe fabric that simply doesn’t wrinkle.
Shop Aritzia
Wilfred Stella Bomber, $, available at Aritzia
COS Wool-Blend Cape
Style and function came together and created this gorgeous wool-blend cape from COS that will keep you warm and looking stylish. Try wearing the cape over sweaters and leather jackets as an added layer of warmth on extra chilly days.
Shop COS
COS Wool-Blend Cape, $, available at COS
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