Best Women’s Fall Jackets and Coats for 2024 - Buy Side from WSJ

Find your ideal outerwear in this curated mix

Written By

Written by

Contributor, Buy Side from WSJ

Leah Melby Clinton is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ.

Written by

Contributor, Buy Side from WSJ

Kristina Rutkowski is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ.

Updated October 22, 2024, 9:10 AM EDT

$328 $197

$178

$60

$345

$439

$61

$695

$380

$525

$150

The brisk days of autumn start the season of layering — and when it comes to looking polished and staying comfortable, it helps to have some great fall jackets in your closet, whether that be a classic pea coat, trendy puffer statement denim. To help you find some new favorite outerwear, we polled fashion stylists and experts about their go-tos. These are the seasonal jackets they love and wear the most.

$197 at J.Crew

$328 save $131

Stay warm — and look cool — with this wool-blend bomber jacket from J.Crew. With a stand collar and an elastic hem and cuffs, this topper has a classic silhouette, but the luxe material and gold-tone snap buttons dress it up enough for nights out. Add this style to your wardrobe in Dark Slate or Navy.

$178 at Everlane

For in-between weather, a trench coat is a smart pick. This style from Everlane has a slim fit and hits at the mid thigh, offering plenty of coverage from the elements (though you'll want to hold onto a proper rain jacket for downpours). Throw it on over a button-down and trousers for a business casual look or keep it understated with jeans and your favorite hoodie on the weekend.

$60 at Quince

Quince's denim chore coat offers a modern take on the classic jean jacket. This button-up style is great for fall because of its oversized fit — layer with a T-Shirt, cardigan or sweatshirt depending on the weather. The patch pockets are also handy for stashing your keys or a lipstick on the go.

$345 at Net-a-Porter

Minimalist designs with maximum utility were favored among all the fashion experts we consulted, including New York City-based publicist Novella Paghera. "I'm drawn to this jacket for its clean and contemporary design, which embodies modern elegance," she says. The soft, unstructured blazer style, without shoulder pads, makes it "a timeless and chic option" for casual and dressed up wear. For business meetings, she recommends elevating the jacket with a high-waisted black trouser, a silk scarf around the neck and chunky loafers. Alternatively, for Saturday morning coffee runs, she pairs it with a white T-shirt, comfy gray sweatpants and a baseball hat. For more blazer picks, consult our stylist-approved list.

$439 at Bloomingdale's

When you need a little extra coziness on the brisk days of autumn, a shearling jacket will do the trick. This style, similar to Kelly's pick, is akin to "an edgier version of a leather bomber, but [is] still going to give some warmth," she explains. Made from faux leather and faux fur, the classic aviator style is reinvigorated with a contemporary edge thanks to a generous, oversized collar and slouchy shape. This jacket can easily be worn during the day, or transition straight to cool, casual looks for night. Kelly prefers to wear herswith "jeans, boots and a big sweater," she says.

$61 at Amazon

According to Detroit area-based wardrobe stylist and fashion designer Sicarra Black, a Levi's denim jacket is always a closet staple, thanks to the brand's quality and durability. As temperatures start to drop for fall, she recommends this relaxed-fit version to face the chillier days of the season. The quilted lining offers warmth, while the light wash of the 100% cotton denim exterior maintains the original trucker look the brand is known for. When it comes to styling, "my absolute favorite look is a denim jacket layered with a graphic tee and a midi fitted skirt with high-top sneakers or heels," Black says.

$695 at Revolve

Get the most out of fall layers with transitional pieces that transcend the seasons. Kelly recommends Isabel Marant Étoile's zippered fleece jacket (Hers is sold out but a new white-and-purple pattern is available now), which can be worn as is in the earlier fall months or under a big coat once winter sets in. The jacket is her answer to chic airport style — she recommends pairing it with jeans and boots or even leggings and a long-sleeve shirt for comfort. "I think this jacket is a great travel staple and can be worn as a layering item in a snowy destination or as its own piece in the fall months," she says.

$380 at Ralph Lauren

If there's one fall coat that belongs in your closet, it's a double-breasted pea coat, says Irene Chen Grenby, founder and creative director of San Francisco-based accessories brand Parker Thatch. We like this pick from Ralph Lauren, which is made of a wool blend and has stylish, crest-embossed buttons. Grenby says of the style: "It's slimming, not bulky, and looks great over a sweater."

$525 at Madewell

Having seen hundreds of leather jackets throughout her decades-long career covering the apparel market, this motorcycle style is a no-brainer for its top-notch construction and comparatively moderate cost, Susan Swimmer, New York City-based fashion editor turned founder of the jewelry brand Evie Marques says. (Moto prices can stretch into the thousands.) The washed-leather fabric is soft and pliable, and the slim cut is "one of the most universally flattering," she adds. If you think you might want to wear it over thick sweaters, consider sizing up.

$150 at Nike

As an avid runner, a great windbreaker jacket is a non-negotiable in Grant's fall wardrobe. "It's much more comfortable to put on after a sweaty workout class than a sweatshirt," she says, "and still protects you from the cold, while being compact enough to carry it in your bag." Her favorite is a packable, wind- and water-resistant style that's essential on blustery days. This running jacket offers a similar look and feel. Grant says she wears her jacket "to the gym or on a run with my favorite Lululemon high-performance leggings, my Hokas, a long-sleeve underneath and even layer it under a parka if it's very cold," she says.

Leah Melby Clinton is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ.

Kristina Rutkowski is a contributor to Buy Side from WSJ.

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Best Women’s Fall Jackets and Coats for 2024 - Buy Side from WSJ