Fashion Editors Agree: This Classic Jacket Style Will Be Your Smartest Fall Buy
The day after Labor Day is my favorite day 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 the other day, 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 2024 runways revealed an array of short coats. The variety was impressive, including Hermès's short puffer jacket, Isabel Marant's shearling-lined style, Khaite's leather iteration, Burberry's bomber jacket, and Bally's cropped jackets. 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 collarless 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.
Remember the viral Zara bomber jacket from last year? Well, this is the new iteration, and it's bound to sell out.
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.
This burgundy coat will instantly elevate any outfit.
If a jacket has a funnel neck, I'm immediately adding it to my cart.
This coat features a built-in scarf and resembles the designer version we all adore but at a more affordable price.
Midi skirts and short jackets make a perfect pairing for fall.
Last fall, brown leather jackets were extremely popular, and I expect this year to be no different.
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.
We're suckers for a faux-fur coat that looks real.
This jacket is perfect for the transitional season. I would style it exactly as shown here.
Wear this jacket buttoned up over white jeans, or wear it open with a turtleneck long-sleeve top and wide-leg pants.
This jacket can take you from the office to dinner with friends in an instant.
This season, a cropped blazer is just as essential as a regular-length oversize blazer.
Take style notes from Anouk and balance out formal trousers with a casual collarless jacket.
Glossy patent-leather shoes, handbags, and clothing are a major trend for fall.
This barn jacket comes in a few colors, but the navy one is my favorite because it makes the piece look elegant with little effort.
Quilted jackets are this season's coziest coat trend. We love this one because of the cute bows and unique V-shaped neckline.
Chic celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Elsa Hosk, and Zoey Deutch often wear chocolate-brown coats.
This jacket embodies the effortlessness of the current utilitarian trend.
Don't sleep on Abercrombie's new outerwear collection. This one is so cute and cozy.
If you want a rich-looking wardrobe, add this sophisticated jacket to your collection.
The sporty-jacket trend was spotted in many fall 2024 collections, like The Row's and Tory Burch's. Style it with pleated skirts and track pants for runway-approved looks.
This jacket looks similar to the burgundy one in Khaite's F/W 24 collection.
Nikki Chwatt is an associate fashion editor based in New York City. She joined Who What Wear in 2024 after writing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content for WWD, Well+Good, Editorialist, and more. With a passion for personal style and the creativity that comes with it, one of Chwatt's goals is to help others understand that there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” style; it’s just about putting an outfit together that makes you feel confident in yourself. When she's not writing, you can find her taking a Pilates class, reading a powerful romance novel, or exploring a new wellness spot in Manhattan.
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