Finally, the weather is starting to turn, and the smell of crisp autumn is in the morning breeze.

One of my favorite things about fall is the return of outerwear; they don’t call it sweater weather for nothing. Unlike winter, when heavy coats are necessary, fall is the time to have fun with layers and mixing up your coats and jackets. Two of my all-time favorite styles of coats are leather jackets and trench coats. Both garments are classic, if not iconic.

While leather jackets are often associated with a more fresh, edgy style, with trench coats considered more sophisticated and reserved, both are essentials in every closet and have more in common than you think.

Surprisingly, both jacket styles appeared and became popular during World War I and II. The first brown leather bomber jackets were worn by German fighter pilots, while English and French officers wore trench coats. Didn’t think you’d be getting a history lesson in a fashion article, did ya?

After the World Wars, both styles became popular mostly for men (think Marlon Brando in the 1953 film “The Wild One”) and eventually for women, like Audrey Hepburn in 1961’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Over the decades, both the leather jacket and trench coat have remained fashionable, while going down very different style paths from their uniform origins. However, no matter their beginnings, leather jackets, and trench coats are ideal outerwear for fall on both men and women.

A classic trench adds a sense of luxury to almost any outfit, whether it tops off workwear or is thrown over a tee and jeans. You can go the standard route with a khaki-colored version double-breasted, belted waist and notched lapel, with an inverted box pleat on offer at Banana Republic and Target. Or, if like me, you’ve been wearing the traditional trench for a while and are looking to switch things up, go for a cropped style in a bold color like London Fog’s hooded trench at Macy’s. It comes in shades like “Norwegian Blue” or “Chili Red,” which are sure to spice up any autumnal outfit this season.

Gentlemen can check out the same brands and retailers for trench coats. Again, Macy’s London Fog has a classic-fit double-breasted trench that is water-resistant with two front and one inner pocket. Banana Republic has a trench in a sportier silhouette with a drop-shoulder fit, hidden box pleat, and point collar. For the most part, men’s trench options stick to the classic style and come in neutrals like beige, black, and navy. There’s not a lot on offer if you want to experiment with trench coats, and really, why would you? With a standard trench coat, you will instantly have an elegant style that you can match both with casual outfits and formal looks; if it’s waterproof, all the better!

Leather jackets, unlike trench coats, have several classic cuts like moto and biker. Wilsons Leather has women’s leather and faux-leather jackets in those standard silhouettes, as well as less expected options like peplum and versions with knitted cuffs and collars. If you want to flip the switch on leather jackets, go for a sleek style in an unexpected tone, like dusty pink or lavender. Now, you may think pastels are for spring, not fall, but a lighter tone can really stand out in the autumn, especially paired with darker neutrals. Think a sky-blue jacket zipped up over a black turtleneck and cropped black trousers with boots. Or, an ivory faux-leather coat over dark-wash denim and a navy V-neck sweater.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with a black biker jacket with zip cuffs and silver hardware. I picked up a faux leather version from Nordstrom recently, and I am very excited to don that bad boy with all sorts of fall looks. Top off jeans and flannel with boots for a walk, and then sport it with a maxi dress for a tough romance look for those rare dinners out.

However, if you’re more into a softer style, try a suede version with an open front.

For men, Gap has leather biker jackets that will easily give a cool edge to any outfit. Whether it’s to top off a sweater and jeans combo or switch out a suit blazer with a button-down and skinny tie. If wearing a leather jacket in lieu of a sport coat, or, for more formal looks, go with a sleek collarless cut. The standard black biker jacket will keep you warm for casual outings while somewhat ironically making you appear cool as a cucumber.

Don’t feel you need to limit your outerwear choices to either a trench or leather jacket. In fact, feel free to embrace both along with other options, like utility jackets, bombers, and ribbed knit sweater coats. Play with layers as the weather gets chillier; try a hoodie under your leather jacket, or a duster coat under your trench. It’s all on the table when it comes to fall!