Building your wardrobe includes incorporating these essential jackets and coats. Here are some timeless pieces that you need in your closet.
One of the best things about the seasons is our ability to accessorize with season-specific items. For the fall and spring, I always grab a jacket and in the cooler months, I grab my favorite winter coat.
You are going to learn the 11 essential jackets and coats that you need in order to have a complete wardrobe. Wool, trench, suede, leather, it’s all here!
After learning about all of these jacket and coat trends you are going to be a pro at creating various timeless looks for years to come!
This post is all about the trendiest jackets and coats to keep you stylish all year round.
JACKET AND COAT STYLES: COATS
1. Wool Coat
The most classic (and most used) item out of all my jackets and coats is my wool coat. While there are a lot of coats out there that are labeled wool, most are wool-blends. As a result, you should always look at the percentage of wool in the garment before purchasing. The rule of thumb that I follow is to buy coats with, at minimum, 70% wool. Generally, the more wool in the coat, the more expensive it will be. But, the more wool that the coat has, the warmer it will be.
If buying a 100% wool coat is not within your budget, you can always invest in good winter layers to make up for the lack of warmth. In contrast, if it is within your budget to invest in your wardrobe, I highly recommend investing in a good-quality wool coat as your first purchase. I would start with a camel-colored coat. The classic color of a camel coat along with a structured silhouette gives this wool coat great versatility for styling.
WOOL BLEND OPTIONS ARE LINKED BELOW.
PURE WOOL OPTIONS ARE LINKED BELOW.
Style your wool coat with black over-the-knee boots for a quick classic fall look.
2. Houndstooth Coat
When I think of timeless, I think of houndstooth. This pattern is absolutely gorgeous on a coat. Not only is houndstooth a beautiful timeless option for a wool coat, but it can also make even the plainest outfit look dressy. I often reach for my houndstooth coat when I am wearing an all-black outfit because it is ultra-chic (and easy). I even pair the full outfit with minimal eye makeup and a bold rep lip for a chic Parisian vibe.
HOUNDSTOOTH COAT OPTIONS ARE LINKED BELOW.
INVESTMENT OPTION LINKED BELOW.
3. Down Coat
Here in New York City, our winters can get pretty cold. My down coat is one of the items I reach for most during the cold months out of my jackets and coats. That is why investing in a quality down coat to keep warm during the late fall and winter months is essential. Much like investing in a wool coat, you get what you pay for. But the difference is that you can get away with spending less on a down coat and feeling warmer.
Over the years, I have purchased and tried so many different brands of down coats from budget to luxury brands. I have honestly found that you can get pretty warm down coats at any price point. The only difference is in how long they last. Here are some of my absolute favorite down coats:
DOWN COAT OPTIONS ARE LINKED BELOW.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS LINKED BELOW.
4. Trench Coat
Transitional weather is the perfect time to wear a trench coat. There is that short period of time in between summer and fall, and spring and summer, when the weather is cool but not cold enough to reach for a down or wool coat. Trench coats are fun because they come in various beautiful colors and aren’t super expensive but are super chic. You can create fun looks for less during those months. I have the standard beige trench coat that I reach for the most. Once in a while, I love to switch up my trench coat color with a color like light blue in the spring and eggplant or burgundy for the fall.
CLASSIC OPTIONS ARE LINKED BELOW.
CUTE COLORS ARE LINKED BELOW.
JACKET AND COAT STYLES: JACKETS
5. Shacket
This was the latest item that I’ve added to my collection and boy did I regret waiting so long to invest in this piece. Much like the trench coat, a shacket is a perfect transitional piece. If you don’t know what a shacket is, it’s basically a cross between a shirt and a jacket. It has the look of a oversized shirt, but it is a much warmer material so you can wear it as a jacket. The most common type of shacket you see is the plaid shacket in the fall, and you can buy a shacket in a variety of colors that you can wear in either the fall or even the spring. I would invest in a lighter color if you want to repurpose your fall jacket in the spring.
AMAZON SHACKET LINKS BELOW.
NON AMAZON OPTIONS.
6. Leather Jacket
What is the difference between a jacket and a coat? The most simple definition boils down to the length of the garment. A coat is also usually heavier in material than a jacket, although that may not always be the case, and that is why I stick to the length definition. What is the most classic, timeless, and versatile jacket you can own? It is definitely the leather jacket. Leather jackets have been a style staple for ages, this is why it is the ultimate timeless piece to invest in.
With the changing times, there are also options for vegan leather which is amazing! While I find that vegan leather is not as warm as regular leather, I have a couple of stunning vegan leather jackets that are incredible in quality and soft to the touch. Much like the trench coat, you can buy leather or vegan leather jackets in a variety of colors. To start, I would highly recommend investing in a classic black leather jacket. You will see how often you reach for this piece throughout the years to complement any outfit.
LEATHER JACKETS.
VEGAN LEATHER JACKETS.
7. Suede Jacket
My second favorite jacket to style outfits with is the suede jacket. It is super stylish and always elevates even the most plain-looking outfit. I often reach for suede jackets in the fall for that street-style vibe. I’ve paired suede jackets with denim and sneakers, and I’ve also paired this jacket with an all-black dress and over-the-knee boots.
SUEDE JACKETS ARE LINKED BELOW.
VEGAN SUEDE JACKETS ARE LINKED BELOW.
8. Puffer Jacket
The puffer jacket is another one I reach for frequently when it gets cooler here in New York City. Being that they are light yet warm, they are perfect for a crisp morning walk with my cup of tea or coffee. It is also great for fall activities when you want something cute and light, but warm to wear. I love that puffers are super versatile. Because of how versatile they are, you can really wear them with any outfit. Pair a red puffer with an all-black outfit and boots. You can even get a dressier-looking puffer jacket (think shiny puffer) if you want to elevate a sporty look.
PUFFER JACKETS ARE LINKED BELOW.
9. Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are similar to puffers except they are like a deflated version of them. For the most part, when I go to style a bomber jacket it is usually for a sporty or casual look. I don’t usually style a bomber with a dressy outfit, but that is my personal opinion. My favorite bomber is my olive green bomber jacket, it is super sporty and goes with everything.
BOMBER JACKETS ARE LINKED BELOW.
10. Shearling Jacket
If you want that aspen vibe, reach for a shearling jacket. These jackets are not only super stylish, but they are also incredibly warm. You can actually get this in jackets and coats, but my preference is usually a jacket.
SHEARLING JACKETS ARE LINKED BELOW.
11. Faux Fur or Fur Jacket
Faux fur or fur jackets are an absolute staple in my closet. Out of all the jackets and coats in my closet, this is my style favorite. I often reach for these on my nights out or during the holiday season. I love to pair a dressy outfit with a black faux fur or fux jacket, it just oozes elegance. The best part is you do not have to spend a lot on this item. I have both faux fur and fur options and honestly some of the faux fur options I have are super warm.
FAUX FUR JACKETS ARE LINKED BELOW.
FUR JACKETS ARE LINKED BELOW.