As fall is just about upon us, it’s time to check in on the upcoming coat and jacket trends for the months ahead. Fall is ripe for an outerwear reboot, as there are so many options in terms of fresh collections and seasonal upgrades.
It certainly helps that one needs a coat for winter, so why not combine function with style and pick up a new, trendy jacket here this season?
Here’s a rundown of a few of-the-moment coat styles to consider for fall/winter.
First up, funnel-neck jackets, especially those on the sportier side, tend to lean more toward function than fashion. Uniqlo’s Cotton Blend Short Parka features a water-repellent material and a hood. You can wear this casually with wide-leg jeans or pull-on pants, paired with a V-neck sweater or faux-wrap top, as the coat will provide coverage for your neck and throat. If a shorter silhouette doesn’t speak to your style, check out & Other Stories’ A-line Funnel-Neck Jacket in khaki green, beige, or dark blue. This piece leans on the utilitarian aesthetic but also boasts a buckle belt closure for a bit of flair on an otherwise simple shape. To balance out this coat’s volume, pair it with cropped trousers or a straight, knee-length skirt. Of course, if you consider yourself a next-level outfitter, you may be able to get away with a flared jean or throw it over a printed maxi dress.
On the flip side of the funnel are collarless jackets. You can whip one over just about any outfit to feel confident. The ladylike cut of this coat style can be dressed up or down. Nordstrom’s One-Button Long Coat in black can elevate a running-errands look of leggings and an oversized flannel shirt (with perhaps the collar popping over the coat), while on a different day it will put a final polish on a shirt dress (again with a popped collar) and pumps. I also love the idea of this coat in combination with a fully buttoned shirt and a necklace layer underneath the shirt’s collar, maybe even closing the coat with the necklace on top. For something a bit more eccentric, consider Abercrombie & Fitch’s Quilted Collarless Non-Closure Jacket in a burgundy or blue pattern. This definitely taps into the boho trend, and while not as practical as a funnel-neck or longer coat, this is the perfect mid-fall layer to add some print and whimsy to a neutral outfit. The blue version, in particular, really stands out when paired with denim.
Another material that goes great with jeans are all things suede. Sumptuous, mysterious, and elegant, a suede jacket gives you the opportunity to play with texture in your look while being extremely versatile. Ann Taylor’s Studio Collection Suede Collared Jacket in a toasty camel is an investment piece you can wear year after year. For this fall, pair it with a mock-neck sweater, wool trousers, and a loafer. As we head into winter, make it part of your holiday uniform, and next fall, pair it with dark denim pants and a plaid shirt combo. Zara’s faux suede jacket in a darker brown is a bit more budget-friendly and really pops against a bright blue top, again worn with jeans.
Speaking of faux, I’d be remiss in my reporting if we didn’t take a moment to consider faux fur coats. I am not personally a fan of fur, real or fake, in any form, but I take my job seriously, so as a trending item, I’d recommend looking for a vintage-like version. Or better yet, go hunting for actual vintage or secondhand items. Check out sites like Beyond Retro or Thredup to see what they have on offer to get a fiscally and ethically responsible coat. Balance the luxurious feel of a fur jacket with a minimalist look of winter whites or beige separates. Complete the look with a bit of punctuation, like a red shoe or statement earring, or both.
Plaid is to fall what flowers are to spring; not necessarily groundbreaking but quintessential. Banana Republic Factory’s Knit Boucle Coat in black or pink plaid would make a great topper to any fall look, particularly a thin-ribbed knit dress with knee-high boots. If you’re fully on the plaid boat, check out Anne Klein’s Plaid Belted Button-Front Trench Jacket and matching Wide-Leg Mid-Rise Pants for a shoulder-to-ankle plaid ensemble. Full-on plaid can be a lot, so if you’re not up for the challenge, break up these pieces and wear the jacket with a turtleneck, black straight pants, and crisp white sneakers.
If you are looking to break some ground, sartorially speaking, skip the plaid and pick out some polka dot action. Walmart’s Dolkfu Quilted Black Polka Dot Collarless Button-Down Puffer marries two trends in one. The white dots and collar-free cut would make a cute accompaniment to a red, high-necked sweater and black jeans look, or with a ruffly blouse and dress slacks. Bloom Chic offers a Static-Free Polka Dot Double-Breasted Coat in indigo, available in sizes 10-30, making it a light topper on a misty day. Wear with rain boots and your coziest of matching sets for a comfortable, yet stylish running-around-town look.
As you know, trends come and go, so you may already have older versions of these outerwear options hanging in your closet, looking at you, plaid shacket. If so, it’s time to take them to the dry cleaners and give them a new life this season. A good coat will take simple clothes and enhance your look into outfit territory.
