Best Fall Jackets For Women 2024 - Forbes Vetted

When it comes to fall jackets, you have a lot of options. There are quilted types, peacoats, denim jackets and puffers for miles. The best fall jackets for women deliver a moderate amount of warmth, layer well over other clothing and are versatile enough to handle changing weather, from rain to wind. As a fashion editor and enthusiastic shopper, I have collected many jackets over the years, and now I tend to be quite picky about adding any others to my already full lineup. Still, even I can’t resist the temptation of certain styles this season.

The best fall jackets for women offer a moderate amount of warmth and layer well over other ... [+] clothing.

Ahead, you’ll find a mix of classics and recently released fall jackets that deserve your consideration. Whether you want something to pull together an outfit, wear to work or keep you cozy at night, here are the best fall jackets for women to shop right now. (I’ve already put a few in my cart.)

J.Crew

Crisp, classic and comfortable: It doesn’t get any better than J.Crew’s range of (affordable) peacoats, and this Toscana pick comes in standard, petite and plus sizes. You can also choose from a variety of colors, and the wool here is thick and durable.

Everlane

An excellent mid-layer, Everlane’s quilted liner can be both a stand-alone jacket in milder temperatures and an extra layer worn under winter coats. It comes in five autumnal colors and is made from recycled polyester. Snap closures and side pockets round out the versatile design.

Anthropologie

We have a complete guide to the best jean jackets, but if you’re looking for something new, Anthropologie’s boyfriend denim jacket is a more relaxed take on the classic style. It has longer sleeves for cuffing, plus side slits so it layers easily over bulky sweaters.

Alex Mill

A chic transitional piece, Alex Mill’s bomber is cut from linen and cotton, which gives it a casual-cool feel. It adds a masculine edge to everything from high-rise jeans to flowy dresses to wide-leg work pants.

Lululemon

Whether or not you’re heading to the gym, a good athletic jacket can serve many purposes in the fall. Lululemon’s has a relaxed fit and is made of breathable, sweat-wicking Luon fabric that feels cottony-soft. It has lots of thoughtful features, including Lululemon’s signature “Cuffins” (which keep sleeves down to retain warmth) and thumbholes; a hidden phone sleeve in the front pockets; shock cords at the hem for cinching; and an elastic zipper pull that can be used as hair tie if you need one in a pinch.

Tuckernuck

Barbour has been making outerwear for centuries, and it’s a favorite brand of British royalty. The Beadnell is lined in tartan for the main body and with moleskin for the pockets to keep your hands warm. It’s also outfitted with a corduroy collar, front flap bellows pockets and a waxed, water-resistant exterior. Although Barbour jackets are pricey, they hold their value over time and are a worthy investment.

Old Navy

Car coats are typically cut shorter than other full-length options, with the idea that you can get in and out of a car or just move easily in them. Old Navy’s has a notched lapel, three-button front and welt pockets. Reviewers praise the quality fabric plus its good weight, flattering design and range of fits (petite to tall).

Quince

A lightweight puffer is a workhorse in fall: You can wear it on cool days without being weighed down, and Quince’s easily packs into a pocket for travel. It has a 700 fill power for warmth, is water-repellent and wind-resistant and made with recycled materials and responsibly sourced down. Plus, it’s affordable at less than $100.

Madewell

Made from washed leather with a broken-in feel, Madewell’s motorcycle jacket has recently been updated with brass hardware for a rugged look. This pick is a bestseller that comes in a few different colors besides black, and runs small since it’s meant to have a cropped, lean fit.

L.L.Bean

Perfectly fuzzy and cozy, L.L.Bean’s classic sherpa jacket is made for fall days. I like this jacket so much that I have two, just in case one wears out faster than the other. But so far, I’ve noticed zero signs of that happening, which speaks to the Maine-based company’s commitment to craftsmanship.

Shopbop

Stadium jackets add a sporty feel to your look and are a nice alternative to a hoodie or sweatshirt on the weekends. This pick has a slim fit with built-in stretch, so it’s comfortable to move around in. The contrasting green and white also add a pop of color and have that athletic vibe.

Gap

On mild fall days, you might only need to toss on a blazer. This one is affordable with a relaxed fit, so it looks more like a jacket than something that goes with a suit. It’s made from brushed twill and is machine-washable for convenience.

Free People

Quilted jackets are popular because they add polish to your outfit while also providing a little extra warmth. Available in five fall colors (including Dark Denim, above), this quilted velvet jacket has a striped texture, subtle puff sleeves and covered buttons. It’s soft, roomy, and easy to layer over sweaters, oxfords and dresses.

American Giant

Shakets or shirt-jacs have become incredibly popular recently, thanks to their laidback look and easy-to-layer possibilities. American Giant’s has a perfectly relaxed fit and is cut from 100% brushed cotton for extra softness with the right amount of structure.

Filson

Filson is all about high-quality, durable workwear, and their Cruiser jacket is an excellent utility coat that can take a beating and look even better for it. Pair this rugged pick with softer pieces, like sweaters and skirts, for a rough-but-refined fall aesthetic.

Veronica Beard

This mixed-texture jacket combines the warmth of a wool turtleneck sweater with the coziness of a puffer. The puff shell is water-resistant to keep you warm and dry in all weather, and the cable knit accents add enough polish to wear it over dresses or long skirts. Overall, it’s a stylish, versatile jacket that you’ll get a lot of wear out of, making it a worthy investment.

Amazon

Ok, so this vest isn’t technically a jacket, but it’s a stylish alternative to the classic long-sleeved style. The two-tone faux shearling (polyester) vest is slightly oversized but has a flattering, adjustable cinched waist—and it’s just the right in-between weight to wear on fall days. Forbes Vetted contributing fashion writer Lesley Rotchford owns the vest in the Driftwood (beige) shade and has been wearing it nonstop since early September—with everything from leggings to jeans to dresses.

Shopbop

This chic wool jacket is a spin on Toteme’s famous embroidered scarf jacket, and has similar contrast embroidered trim and patch hip pockets. It has a slightly boxy, relaxed fit—and it can be dressed up or down thanks to the elegant collarless neckline. It’s available in both Black (with white trim) and Oatmeal (with black trim).

Neiman Marcus

This sophisticated wool wrap coat embodies the quiet luxury trend. Between the beautiful camel color, the effortless oversized shape, and the shawl collar and belted waist, it’s a jacket you will reach for time and time again this fall. It can be worn open over jeans and a white t-shirt (as shown above) or belted for a more sophisticated look—and the patch pockets are roomy enough to stash your phone and wallet.

Club Monaco

Trench coats were created to be worn in the rain, but these days, they’re a shoulder-season staple that feels classic and timeless. Club Monaco’s take on the trench is made of crisp, mid-weight, stretch cotton, and features double-breasted styling, buttoned epaulettes, a belted waist and a storm flap with an inverted pleat in the back. It’s just the right length—hitting below the knee—and the cut is flattering but roomy enough to layer over a sweater.

Mango

The Barcelona-based brand is known for its high-fashion looks for (a little) less, and this faux fur coat is an excellent example. It has the casual feel of fleece, but toggle button fastenings, contrast faux-leather trim and a round neck give it an elevated vibe. The straight cut is meant to look a little oversized, and the jacket comes in two gorgeous colors—the beige shown above and a rich brown.

Nordstrom

Whether you’re trekking through Kenya or just across town, this safari jacket is stylish. Made of durable, breathable cotton, it has button-flap patch pockets on the chest, button-flap patch pockets on the hip, a notch collar and a removable belt. It’s an outdoorsy-chic look that’s practical—and perfect for travel.

At Forbes Vetted, we are experts on a variety of fashion topics, ranging from the best cashmere sweaters to the warmest winter coats for women. We meticulously research and test clothing to determine the most stylish, comfortable and versatile pieces for everything from work to weekends.

During the fall, the weather is all over the map—mornings and evening can be chilly, while afternoons are often warm and sunny. So the best jackets for women are mid-weight, offering just enough warmth without causing you to overheat on balmier days.

There are many materials to chose from, but wool, fleece, leather and denim are safe bets for fall. Nylon and other performance fabrics are also good choices, especially if you’re planning to be spending a lot of time outside. For example, the Lululemon Define Relaxed-Fit Jacket Luon is sweat-wicking and breathable, and the Barbour Beadnell Wax Jacket is waterproof.

This season, jackets aren’t just something to throw on over whatever you happen to be wearing, but an integral part of your outfit. So pick a style that compliments your overall look. For example, wear a stadium jacket with jeans or leggings to go watch a game; pair an embroidered or moto jacket with a dress to go to dinner; or try a belted jacket with trousers for work. Many of the jackets on this list are well priced—some are even under $100—so you can invest in a few to add to your fall wardrobe.

The trend right now is oversized, so look for jackets that are slightly boxy and cropped. This allows you to layer up on colder days. While jackets are usually on the shorter side (landing at the hip or above), car coats and trench coats are a smart choice for dressier occasions and are thin enough to wear in the fall.

Since fall temperatures swing from balmy to chilly, the ideal jacket for fall is mid-weight and roomy enough to layer over sweaters on colder days. Also, since we tend to be more active in the fall than we are in the winter, look for styles that aren’t too puffy or restrictive—and extra points for coats with stylish elements that make the jacket feel like part of your outfit, like the Rails Melanie Jacket and the Free People Natalia Velvet Jacket.

This fall, pretty much anything goes. You will see edgy moto jackets, ladylike quilted jackets, classic trench coats and car coats, and mixed texture jackets that combine soft materials like fleece or wool with performance nylon. (The Veronica Beard Patra Mixed-Media Jacket is an example.) The one thing all of these styles have in common is a slightly oversized fit, which comes in handy for layering.

The trend right now is oversized, but many jackets and coats have removable belts that can cinch your waist for a slimming effect. Try the LaMarque Mekia Belted Double-Face Wool Oversized Wrap Coat, the Frame Belted Cotton Safari Jacket, the Club Monaco Twill Trench Coat, or Ulla Johnson’s Shiloh Vest.