
Whether you’ve had your Halloween decorations up since August or have yet to taste your first PSL, there’s no denying that fall is here. And with the changing of seasons comes the customary clothing shift, from tanks to cardigans and sandals to boots.
Now is also the time to add a fantastic fall jacket (or two) to your rotation. “Fall jacket trends usually reflect the wide horizon of the fashion landscape,” says Albert Varkki, fashion expert and Von-Baer co-founder. They develop each year, matching other fashion categories in terms of color palette and pattern, but certain designs (such as denim and leather) are timeless and stay fashionable season after season, he says. According to Jon Salas, an on-air style contributor, the theme for autumn 2024 is drama: strong fits, forms, and colors. Here’s more on five of the most popular autumn jacket styles and how to incorporate them into your collection.
01: Oversized Styles
According to Salas, oversized everything is trendy in many fashion categories, especially coats and jackets. It’s not enough to merely wear something too big and call it a day. “We’re not talking puffy, oversized jackets—we’re talking oversized jackets that drape loosely and fittingly on the body,” he clarifies. It’s also a remarkably cohesive trend. “There’s always a misconception that more fabric and loose fits make you look bigger, but an oversized drape effect creates an optical illusion that makes for a very fitted silhouette,” the designer explains.
Not entirely comfortable wearing anything overly large? Salas recommends adding a belt over the jacket to constrict the waist. This not only elevates the style, but it may also feel more familiar to individuals who prefer to wear more fitting coats. Wear a long, drapey jacket with sneakers for a stylish and trendy style, or combine it with heels or boots for a more upscale appearance.
02: Chic Capes
While capes aren’t the most recent fad, they’re trendy right now. “Capes are having a moment because they feed into the oversized obsession and are also very practical and easy to wear,” according to Salas. “They’re not quite as heavy as a winter coat, but they do provide some barrier against crisp nights, and are also an easy way to elevate any outfit.”
Even better: They’re accessible at a range of pricing points and at most places, he claims. You may also choose between cropped, mid-length, and full-length.
03: Red Anything
“The primary colors have been making a comeback this fall, but red stands out by leaps and bounds and has been very popular for fall coats,” Salas adds. “Whether the jacket is leather or knitted, the fire engine shade is popping up virtually everywhere this season.”
It’s strong, but you can ease into it by going for a somewhat more modest shade of burgundy or wine that leans more neutral.
04: Blazers as Jackets
Yes, a blazer that would normally be worn with a pantsuit may also be worn as a coat, according to Salas, a trend that has been seen on runways all over the world. It’s incredibly adaptable and can be worn with jeans or trousers, which contributes to its popularity, he explains. Varkki agrees, saying that blazers are classic, effortlessly dressed up or down, and ideal for layering.
You may even choose one that is somewhat bigger (imagine combining two autumn styles at once). Salas recommends that it be fitted beautifully in the neck and drapes about your shoulders to avoid looking like you’re wearing your father’s old blazer from 20 years ago.
05: Utility jackets
Whether influenced by workwear or military patterns, this is an excellent example of a fall jacket trend that focuses on a practical and useful look, according to Varkki. There’s the popular barn jacket, which is distinguished by a corduroy hue and waxed fabric, or more army-inspired cargo jackets. Regardless, they are all about pockets, belts, and buckles, he claims. While it may seem obvious to combine a utility jacket with jeans and a T-shirt, Varkki thinks it also works as an unexpected and edgy topper for a dress and boots.