The period after Labor Day is my favorite time of the year because it means I get to meticulously assess my collection of jackets and coats to decide which ones to part with and which new styles to integrate. While going through it a few weeks ago, I noticed a lot of wool and leather long jackets, following last year's outerwear trends. While I love each one with my whole heart, I know my wardrobe will look a lot different this year because short jackets are officially back.
Now, I'm not suggesting that you should get rid of all your longer outerwear. However, I am noting that short-hem jackets will become more prevalent on the streets. How do I know? The fall 2025 runways revealed an array of short coats. The variety was impressive, including Altuzarra's short fur jacket, Brandon Maxwell's sporty style, Alexander McQueen's funnel-neck leather iteration, Burberry's brown wool jacket, and Bally's bomber jacket. Now that the arrival of fall is right around the corner, more outerwear brands have embraced the silhouette, putting out an array of options on the market.
To simplify your shopping experience and help you navigate the trend, I've carefully curated an edit of the 22 best short jackets. Keep scrolling to shop the pieces and discover a few chic short-jacket outfit ideas to inspire your style as we transition from summer into fall.
A jacket like this one is a versatile piece for layering. Pair it with a collared button-down shirt, wide-leg pants, slingbacks, and a statement bag.
Everyone needs a staple leather jacket like this one.
Fall hasn't even started, and all we fashion editors can think about are suede jackets. Trust me—get your hands on this one while it's still available.
Take notes from the Brandon Maxwell runway show and pair a sporty jacket made from a technical fabric with a polished pencil skirt or tailored pants.
Fashion people in Paris and NYC can't stop wearing this red sporty jacket. Zip it up and style it with baggy black trousers, athletic pants, or a pencil skirt.
This corduroy coat will instantly elevate any outfit.
If a jacket has a funnel neck, I'm immediately adding it to my cart.
I can't choose between the rich brown or classic black.
If you haven't noticed, dark-wash denim is the current trend among fashion enthusiasts. Grab this cropped denim jacket and pair it with a dark-wash denim skirt, loafers, a sweater, and socks for a preppy-chic look.
Midi skirts and short jackets make a perfect pairing for fall.
Chic celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Elsa Hosk often wear chocolate-brown coats.
Celebrities and editors always come back to Nour Hammour for perfect outerwear.
Obsessed is an understatement.
Quilted jackets are this season's coziest coat trend.
Style with a simple white tee and jeans. This jacket will do all of the work for you.
I have no notes on the jacket and the styling.
If you want a rich-looking wardrobe, add this sophisticated jacket to your collection.
Take style notes from Anouk and balance out formal trousers with a casual collarless jacket.
Barn jackets aren't going anywhere.
This distressed leather jacket is not a want but a need.
I would style it exactly as shown here.
We're suckers for a faux-fur coat that looks real.
Wear this jacket buttoned up over white jeans, or wear it open with a turtleneck long-sleeve top and wide-leg pants.
This season, a cropped trench coat is just as essential as a regular-length one.
Leopard-print coats will be everywhere this fall and winter.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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