The best autumn jackets to buy now

When the air gets a bit fresher a jacket is the perfect finishing touch to add to any outfit.

autumn jacket

by Hannah Mellin |
Updated on

When it’s too cold to wear a summer jacket but too warm to whip out your cosy winter coat, you know it only means one thing — it’s time to get an autumn jacket. It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful seasons, with the leaves changing colour and richer sunsets, but autumnal weather comes with a slight chill in the air, so an autumn jacket to wrap up in is a must-have.

When looking for an autumn jacket, remember you want something that isn’t too heavy, so you can easily layer up, but will also keep the cold and rain off of you. Shackets (a blend between a shirt and jacket) are a popular choice and great for layering. While bomber jackets are also a good option for wetter weather and a classic trench coat always looks chic. You may even fancy a blazer to complete your look or something a little ‘cooler’, like a biker jacket.

Best autumn jackets at a glance

• Our favourite: Joules Belfield Shower Resistant Dry Wax Jacket - View now on Joules
• Best trending: Chloe Jacket - View now on Freepeople
• Best lightweight: Mango Polana Trench Coat - View now on John Lewis

If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly and are slightly self-conscious by splashing out on another new jacket, just remember you can continue to wear it throughout the colder months by adding more layers underneath.

The best autumn jackets

Best shacket

Oversized shacketH&M

Whether it's work, a weekend walk or lunching with the ladies, this modern shacket is suitable for all occasions and weathers. Comes in two options: dark and light checked.

Customer review: "Love it! Perfect for autumn and winter. This shacket is not lined but still nice and thick and perfect for layering. I love it and would recommend."

Pros

  • Oversized fit
  • Warm
  • Can be worn in spring and autumn

Cons

  • Size down as it is oversized

Best lightweight

Technically it's not classed as a 'jacket' but this trench coat is light and roomy enough for you to wear all year round. We love the Khaki green colour that will look particularly nice during the chillier months, but it is also available in brown and navy.

Customer review: "This is a really lovely trench coat and very well made. Excellent quality and just what I was looking for. I have used it every day since I bought it!"

Pros

  • Very well made
  • Available in different colours
  • Smart and casual
  • Water resistant

Cons

  • Won't be warm enough in cold weather

Best borg jacket

A borg jacket is perfect for wrapping up in on those colder autumnal days and is so versatile and perfect for layering. Snuggle up this winter in this borg jacket from M&S that is available in a gorgeous camel colour, as well as beige, navy and dark green.

Customer review: "Purchased to wear indoors in winter but may wear outside too. It is cosy and a good shape, someone reviewed that it washes well so think it will be ideal."

Pros

  • Washes well
  • Up to size 24
  • Good value

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Best eco-friendly jacket

We are absolutely obsessed with this jacket. This jacket is double layered with Borg fleece on the outside and polar fleece on the inside, making it perfect for keeping out the cold weather. Not only does it feel great, it looks sleek and stylish. If you're looking for an eco-friendly jacket, then you can rest assured that this jacket saves plastic bottles from going into landfill or the sea.

Our review: " From the moment I put this on, I haven't wanted to take it off. Whether it's popping to the shop or heading out for an evening meal. I love the versatility of this jacket, which perfectly marries comfort with style. And, who doesn't love having three pockets."

Best biker jacket

Not only does a biker jacket go with nearly everything – from jeans to trousers and even dresses – it adds an element of coolness to any outfit. This faux leather biker jacket from M&S is effortlessly stylish and cool and comes at a very reasonable price. Available in black, neutral and chocolate.

Customer review: "Fantastic jacket. Great value, looks fabulous. I’ve received lots of compliments."

Pros

  • Soft colours available
  • Three colours available

Cons

  • It is a little cropped

Our favourite

We've got a soft spot for this Joules Belfield Dry Wax Jacket that is both stylish and practical. Cut to waist length with an a-line fit, it features a chunky cord collar, slightly dropped shoulders and antique brass-style popper fastenings to the front.

Pros

  • Shower resistant
  • Bespoke lining

Cons

  • No reviews just yet

Best gilet

Keep off the chill and layer up in this Laurel Gilet from Lighthouse that will allow you to keep warm on autumn and winter walks thanks to the Repreve® technology and waterproof material.

Customer review: "Great fit and perfect for wearing over fleece of long sleeved t shirt. Would definitely recommend."

Pros

  • Comfy and warm
  • Sizing is true to size

Cons

  • May be too light in colder temps

Best trending

Quilted jackets are still having a moment, and we simply adore this Chloe Jacket from Free People. Available in a whole range of colour combinations - from pink to blue - the quilt-inspired design will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

Pros

  • Unique pattern
  • Boxy fit
  • Perfect thickness for autumn

Cons

  • Runs large and some reviews say that the fit is too boxy

Best smart jacket

Houndstooth always looks lovely during the colder months. This blazer would look particularly lovely with a chunky rollback styled underneath. Currently reduced with a selection of sizes left.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • Great length

Cons

  • No reviews yet

Best denim jacket

A denim jacket never goes out of fashion and is an essential in every woman's wardrobe. We love the extra fur lining, perfect for autumn and winter.

Customer review: "I bought this jacket as soon as it appeared, and I am really pleased with it. A very warm addition for those winter days that do not a require waterproof jacket, but plenty of comfort to snuggly into. I normally take a size 12 but to enable a thick knit underneath went up to a size 14. Nice deep buttoned front pockets deep enough to accommodate your mobile and keys leaving hands free for shopping etc."

Pros

  • Deep pockets
  • Bordg lining provides warmth

Cons

  • Thick so may be tricky to layer

Autumn jacket FAQs

How to layer up an autumn jacket?

The best piece of advice when it comes to layering is to make sure the outer piece of clothing is a tad oversized, giving plenty of room for the under layers that can range from a vest, a long-sleeved t-shirt or a roll neck jumper. Mixing textures not only adds visual interest but also contributes depth and warmth to your look. There are three main steps to layering for cold weather: think about your base layer, mid layer and outer layer.

Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle, three cats and a tortoise called Bobby.

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