Hello and welcome to today’s post on jackets. Layering is one of my favorite things about the cooler temperatures, whether you’re adding your first layer in fall, a heavy coat for cold winter days, or a lighter jacket for spring. Jackets and coats can be an essential part of your wardrobe no matter where you live.
It’s important to me to have a few key blazers, jackets, and warm coats that I can rely on year after year because of the weather here in DC! If you also find that you turn to these pieces a lot, then you might also want to consider investing in a few so you don’t have to purchase them year after year.
Ten Essential Jackets To Wear From Fall To Spring
Okay, just to be clear, I’m not suggesting you need to have ten different jackets in your closet. However, these are all meant to be great options that you could have a few of – or maybe you’re someone who just loves coats and you do want them all, ha! I can relate. Outerwear always feels like part of the outfit to me. So, I love having options for different seasons, whether that means the same jacket in different colors or several different styles to match whatever vibe I dress for that day.
Throughout this post, you will notice that these jackets are all made of high quality materials! I try to make sure I always choose jackets with high wool percentages, cashmere, or cotton!
Neutral Wrap Coat
My wrap coat is a total dream. It’s flattering, warm, packs easily, and it fits over your sweaters without any issue. Don’t you hate when your sleeves are too bulky to wear under a coat? This wrap coat gives a minimalist aesthetic, so it’s perfect if you’re a neutral lover. It also comes in a really pretty ecru or black. You can wear this coat to work, dinner, or on vacation. Honestly, there isn’t anywhere you can’t wear this coat! I’m wearing size XS, so I recommend sizing down one size. Click here to see a video of this coat on me.
The Iconic Trench Coat
I can only think of a few climates here in the US where you don’t need a trench coat! Trench coats are definitely a necessity for spring and fall here on the east coast, but they’re also the perfect layer to travel with for most seasons outside of winter. My exact trench coat comes in a few color options. I sized down one size as recommended by the brand, and it’s the perfect fit. Every color has this beautiful pattern detail when you roll up the sleeves!
A Denim Jacket
There are so many different versions of the denim jacket available, so it really is about finding the one that works the best for you and your wardrobe. I’ve searched all over for the perfect denim jacket, and the one I’m wearing in the photo below is my favorite. It’s the perfect cut for a lot of different body types. I’m wearing size small.
Lightweight Jacket That Enhances Simple Outfit
Okay, speaking of the perfect jacket, here it is again in a different color. This olive green jacket is the perfect pop of color if you wear a lot of neutrals. It adds dimension to your outfit! It’s easy to style over brown, beige, and grey in particular. I’m wearing it below over a brown wool layering top (shop this year’s version here) with jeans, but you can also wear this with a slip skirt or over a dress!
I own this jacket in three different colors, and I wear each of them a lot. If you’re considering a jacket that you can wear a lot, this is it. It’s the perfect weight to wear all fall, layer over in the winter, and wear again in the spring. You won’t find another jacket that you’ll get this much use from! I highly recommend it. I’m wearing size XS in this version of the jacket since the brand recommended to size down.
Neutral Blazer
A neutral blazer, whether you go for tan, black, or grey, is a necessity for your closet! You can wear this casually like I am below, or you can throw it over work trousers or a skirt for the office. My blazer is old from Zara, but I’m linking one I’ve tried on and I’m considering for myself. It comes in tan, black, gray, navy, and several other options. Plus, it comes in wool or other fabrics, so you can find the right one for the season or climate you’re shopping for. I’ve linked them below.
If you’re looking for ways to wear a blazer to work, check out my recent blog post on a business casual capsule wardrobe.
Leather Jacket
You might not think a leather jacket is your style, but I think they’re really versatile! You don’t have to have an edgy or cool girl wardrobe to wear one. Leather jackets look really nice over an elevated t-shirt and a skirt like I’m wearing below, with jeans and a cashmere turtleneck, or even over a slip dress. You can pair them with edgy pieces or pair them with classic pieces, which is why I think they’re worth considering! I just purchased this brown faux leather jacket in size small, and I’ve been eyeing this one, which is real leather. My jacket below is old from Topshop.
Lady Jacket Cardigan
Lady jackets are everywhere right now in all different forms. They’re available in tweed, cotton, and every material in between! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve worn the two that I own. Click here to shop mine, and click here to see it on me. I really love this year’s version since it’s a relaxed fit. It’s incredibly comfortable and just adds a polished look to your outfit. It’s another jacket that you can wear to work for meetings or dress down with jeans. I included a photo of me wearing last year’s version, so you can see how chic it looks with sock tights! The perfect solution to wearing ballet flats during the colder months.
Fun Winter Coat
Several years ago, I found a really fun winter coat that was totally out of my comfort zone. It’s an orange, brown, and green plaid, as you can see below! Funnily enough, it’s one of my absolute favorite coats, and it goes with so much in my closet since I wear a lot of neutrals. I love to wear it over a jogger set just as much as I wear it over a nice dress or jeans. My point is, if you see a coat that’s really fun and a little bit outside of your usual choice, go for it! You may end up wearing it all the time like I do with mine.
I linked below a few coats that I’ve seen this year that I think are really fun and a little outside of a traditional winter coat.
Fun Blazer
Similar to a fun winter coat, I also have these two fun blazers that I turn to often! A fun blazer doesn’t have to mean it’s a bright color with tons of embellishments. It might mean a fabric that you aren’t used to wearing, like velvet! I wear the two I own over a shirt dress, with jeans, or with a skirt. Mine are both old, but I’m linking a few below that I’ve seen recently that I think add a little something extra to your look. There is a split blazer option like the one I’m wearing, so I linked that one first.
Fleece Coat
One coat that’s on my list this year is a new fleece coat. I really need a coat that I can throw on over sweatpants or leggings. I honestly love to wear my topcoat or puffer jacket over that type of outfit, but with a toddler, I just need something a little more casual. This is also a great option for you if you commute to a workout class, or if you’re just grabbing coffee with a friend! These are the two that I’ve been trying to decide between. The first one also comes in black!
One Last Thought: A Couple Of Tips For How To Choose A Jacket
Choose High Quality Materials Like Wool, Cotton, Linen, or Cashmere
Like I mentioned earlier, I try to purchase coats that are mostly made of wool or cotton – depending on the season. I also love a cashmere blend coat, but they are typically outside of my budget! Try to avoid winter coats that are largely made of acrylic type materials – they don’t last as long and they won’t keep you very warm. Cotton and linen jackets are also at the top my list for transitional months or summer. I love a linen blazer, and they’re super useful to layer over a summer dress without adding extra warmth. These fabrics are very breathable.
Shop For What You Love As Opposed to What’s On Trend
Coats and jackets can be more expensive than other things in your closet, so try to avoid anything too trendy that you won’t want to wear in years to come. I try to purchase outerwear I think I’ll wear next year. At the start of the season, it’s always good to do a wardrobe clean out and donate or sell pieces you won’t wear anymore. That way, you’ll know just what type of coat or jacket you’re looking for when you go shopping. Once you’ve done an initial closet evaluation, wait a week or two before donating or selling your outerwear to be sure you don’t miss it!
If you made it this far, thanks so much for reading today. Let me know what you think in the comments. What’s your go-to coat or jacket? I’d love to know!
