Fashion

19 Transitional Jackets for Whatever Weather Fall Gives You

by Gabrielle Prescod

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So, it's September and as much as it can be tempting to throw a fit that summer is over, the idea of fall is also kinda exciting. 'Tis the season of chunky knits, leather boots, layering jackets, beanies, long scarves, and watching Hocus Pocus while clutching your pumpkin spice latte (go ahead, flaunt your basic). But proceed with caution before you do a closet overhaul and trade in all your shorts and sandals for leather pants and turtlenecks. Fall weather is fickle. It can be 50 degrees and ideal for cashmere and hot toddies, or we can end up with a lingering summer that keeps us well above 60 degrees until Thanksgiving. The worst thing is being unprepared for warmer temperatures and literally becoming this meme.

The delicate balance of dressing for the transition between summer and winter can be solved (partially at least) by outerwear. Lighter jackets, like denim or track jackets, are for the days where it still feels like summer. Something heavier, like a leather or trench, is ideal for when you try to capture that “candid” Instagram of you frolicking in the foliage that you’ve been conceptualizing since September 1. Here's a comprehensive guide on what jackets to stock your closet with so you're prepared for whatever weather autumn decides to give you.

LEVIS

Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket, $89.50, Levis

The classic denim jacket from Levis is a wardrobe staple no matter the season. It's the perfect just-throw-on piece for when it's chilly enough for long sleeves. If it warms up later in the day, it can be worn off the shoulders or around the waist.

GOOD AMERICAN

Oversized Denim Jacket, $265, Good American

Khloe Kardashian's denim line isn't just about finding jeans that fit you perfectly. Her denim jackets are just the right amount of oversized and can even be personalized with your initial on the back.

ALEXANDER WANG

Daze Oversized Denim Jacket, $450, Alexander Wang

Since launching three years ago, the Wang denim collection has been super sought after. With new denim dropping every season and staples that carry over, you'll definitely want to add Denim x AW to your closet. You can rock this boyfriend jacket anytime.

FASHION NOVA

One I Want Denim Jacket, $40, Fashion Nova

With all the celebrity and social media hype around Fashion Nova, it's hard not to be intrigued by the heavily endorsed clothing brand. This denim jacket is already accessorized, so you really don't need to add anything else. The washed black and the oversized fit make it perfect for this transitional season.

HELMUT LANG

Deconstructed Houndstooth Blazer, $655, Helmut Lang

A blazer is a great solution for those 60 degree days and extremely versatile in terms of style. It can be casual or a little more refined depending on what you wear with it. This one from Helmut Lang has a great vintage feel with a strong, boxy shoulder.

H&M

Wool-blend Blazer, $50, H&M

A wool blazer is a little heavier but still perfect for when you don't want to actually wear a full on winter jacket. H&M's has a very collegiate feel that you can throw on with a pair of jeans and t-shirt or pair with a mini skirt.

TORRID

Plaid Shirred Sleeve Blazer, $44, Torrid

The importance of a fitted blazer cannot be understated. A boxy and oversized fit is great and all, but the value of a fitted blazer cannot be understated. Torrid's plaid one here is ideal!

ZARA

Checked Double Breasted Jacket, $119, Zara

Double-breasted jackets are most closely associated with a business look, but this one from Zara styled with a hoodie and fishnet shirt takes it out of the office and into the weekend.

BURBERRY

The Sandringham Mid-Length Heritage Trench Coat, $1795, Burberry

Burberry has been synonymous with trench coats for centuries. Their classic camel trench is an investment piece that you'll never regret, since it will never go out of style.

ZARA

Faux Suede Trench Coat, $90, Zara

An unexpected texture always adds a little something extra to an outfit. This faux suede instantly elevates the look of this trench and the absence of buttons sets this Zara trench apart from the rest.

ANINE BING

Classic Trench Coat, $399, Anine Bing

A darker hue trench can be a great choice. The classic color is a khaki, so even something only slightly different definitely makes a piece stand out. Wear this one with rolled up sleeves and loose hanging belt for a more casual look.

MARC JACOBS

Track Jacket, $495, Marc Jacobs

Track is back! And thank God because we're really not letting go of our sweats anytime soon. Marc Jacob's fall show was all about bringing it back to the era when tracksuits ruled the streets.

FILA

Funnel Neck Tracksuit Jacket by Fila, $100, Topshop

The resurgence of athletic brands in fashion has been super exciting — not only because sweats are now fashionably acceptable to wear but also because we can bring back all our old track jackets. Fila's version is one of those that we can wait to get our hands on again.

REEBOK

Colorblock Vector Track Jacket, $80, Urban Outfitters

Windbreakers are also coming back with a vengeance. This Reebok one is great for actually working out... or just looking like you worked out when you're really headed to a boozy brunch and a manicure.

ADIDAS

Originals CLR84 Velour Track Jacket, $75, ASOS

Adidas' three stripe track suits are probably the most well known of any. A classic one with just the three stripes or this reimagined one with an added armband made of velour is perfect. Plus the dark red is a peak fall color!

ALL SAINTS

Vintage Leather Balfern Jacket, $560, All Saints

Leather jackets are the go-to transitional jacket. The weight of the leather plus the cool factor make it an optimal buy for the season. This fitted vintage look from All Saints is something you'll gravitate to every fall.

TOMMY HILFIGER

Boyfriend Motorcycle Jacket, $445, Tommy Hilfiger

This is the essential oversized moto leather jacket. Tommy Hilfiger's leather looks vintage and just the right about of worn that's nearly impossible to find without actually buying a vintage jacket.

OLD NAVY

Plus-Size Faux-Leather Moto Jacket, $70, Old Navy

A leather jacket is a classic fall staple, but they can get a little pricey. This faux leather option from Old Navy offers the same vibe without breaking the bank.

TOPSHOP

Oversized Leather Biker Jacket, $360, Topshop

Sometimes when you want something oversized, you just want it a little bigger than usual. This Topshop leather nails it proportionally. Its the oversized fit you love without the additional length!