It's officially fall, which means jackets are very much on my mind. I've been wanting to add a few fresh styles to my arsenal, starting with the number one jacket trend of the season I've been spotting on every chic fashion person and at all our favorite retailers. I'm talking about opulent and detailed brocade, jacquard, embroidered, and tapestry jackets. Yes, if you want to go maximalist this fall, opt for outerwear featuring heirloom textures, rich metallic finishes, delicate embroidery, and dark-romance vibes—a decadent aesthetic I saw all over the fall/winter 2026 runways, from Dior to Dries Van Noten. The jacket trend is the perfect way to add interest to a pair of basic jeans and make a fashion statement with zero effort required.

Below, I'm sharing my favorite brocade and jacquard jackets that will make you look like an It girl this fall.

Shop the Best Brocade and Jacquard Jackets

The common denominator of my fall mood board, amid cutouts of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and '90s Calvin Klein runway looks, is sleek suede. Whether in an espresso-colored blazer or a sable miniskirt, I can confirm this luxe-looking textile will be present in my fall wardrobe in more ways than one. And it won't be just me. Gigi Hadid has already been spotted wearing a pair of suede shoes at the airport, and Selena Gomez is known to wear the trend too.

Truth be told, my suede collection could use a refresh. Perhaps a new pair of flats, a tote bag, or even a belt—all at an affordable price, of course. With a strict budget of $200, I curated an edit of the richest and chicest-looking suede items for fall. Scroll on to shop everything from capris to sneakers to trench coats.

Shop the Chicest Suede Finds Under $200

As we drift slowly into September, the hazy days, cool mornings and inclement transitional weather is making itself known. Don't know what to wear to beat the chill and avoid overheating? It can only mean one thing: it's officially time to start thinking about autumn jackets.

As it stands, there's no shortage of expensive-looking outerwear vying for our attention right now. From the elevated allure of frog-fastened styles to the utilitarian edge of the funnel-neck, this season's jacket offering is anything but boring. But where to start? Well, if you ask me, Zara, H&M and COS are pretty good places to begin.

Boasting styles that feel influenced by luxury fashion (whilst maintaining that all-important high-street price tag), these brands have quietly been making standout minimalist jackets for years. And this season, they’ve surpassed themselves. Whether it's sumptuous suede and leather worked into sleek funnel-neck styles or smart military jackets elevated in regal shades of blue, this season, Zara, H&M and COS are a pared-back dresser's dream, and I've uncovered the very best to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to shop.

9 Minimalist Jackets From Zara, H&M and COS for Autumn 2026

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The shift from summer into autumn has my wardrobe working overtime. Cool mornings have been followed by sharp temperature spikes and bright days broken up by soft rain. Whilst I'd like to throw myself in fully to the lavish layering of autumn, the weather seems to have other ideas, so in the meantime I've been following the lead of stylish people everywhere who are depending on light windbreakers to be the perfect light layer to see us through this uncertain moment. And if you're wondering where to find the chicest styles on the high street, these Zara finds might be the answer.

Once a wardrobe staple for long walks or quick runs to the local coffee shop, recent seasons have reignited fashion's infatuation with technical jackets and windbreakers. Offering just enough warmth to handle a cool autumn breeze without needing to strip off when heading onto the tube, their practicality is clear, and now brands like Zara are showing how the windbreaker can bring together form and function.

Looking at stylish people across the globe, the windbreaker has more styling opportunities than you might think. Of course, its classic appeal sees it paired with sportier looks, but if you lean into the contrast, this relaxed style can marry well with denim, tailoring and even flowing skirts.

For autumn 2026, Zara has leaned into the return of the windbreaker, and brings its eye for design to make it feel like a focal point of any outfit, rather than a last-minute addition before heading out the door. The finer details bring a fashion-forward edge to this staple light jacket, from a smattering of buttons to bold funnel-neck collars and a vast palette that ranges from minimalist neutrals to trending cobalt blue. Now, the best styles are already moving fast, so let's get straight to the best Zara windbreakers for autumn 2026.

Shop the Best Zara Windbreakers for Autumn 2026

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With September’s arrival has come a swift turn in the weather. The bright skies may still be making an occasional appearance, but the steady drop in temperatures and arrival of soft showers have encouraged layering back into our wardrobes. As we navigate the seasonal switchover, I like to start with the basics, and as a great autumn jacket can make an outfit, that’s exactly where I’m starting.

Whether we’ve carefully curated an outfit or quickly thrown on the closest T-shirt and jeans, having a sleek jacket in tow can always give the illusion of effortless elegance. And with the new autumn collections here, we’re spoilt for choice with excellent outerwear options this season. As autumn brings its own set of exciting plans to our calendars, you don’t want to spend your time scrolling through the new-in sections, so I’ve spent hours scouring all the new arrivals to bring you the best jackets for autumn 2026.

If there’s a gap in your jacket lineup, you’re sure to find something to suit your style below. For autumn 2026, the signature styles have returned, and within them, finer details are allowing dressers to express their personal style. Leather jackets are back to ground our outfits, whether you’re drawn to the structured forms at Róhe or the relaxed lines at House of Dagmar. The damper days have welcomed back the cropped trench coat, blending practicality and design, which continues to outlast moving trends.

After months of cotton and linen, autumn invites us to play with textures again, and this season we’re welcoming back the supple finish of suede and the insulating properties of wool. If staying warm is at the top of your list, I’ve found a series of refined teddy jackets, ready to take on the sudden drop in temperatures whilst also bringing a tactile finish. Last but far from least, the sporty technical jacket has returned, and alongside the neutrals that appear each season is a series of playful shades ready to inject joy into our off-duty looks.

With the weather already cooling, let’s jump straight into the best jackets for autumn 2026.

1. Leather Jacket

2. Cropped Trench

3. Suede Jacket

4. Technical Jacket

5. Wool Jacket

6. Bomber Jacket

7. Teddy Jacket

With autumn less than a month away and the temperatures starting to drop here in the UK, my hunt for the most polished autumn wardrobe staples has officially begun. And although I like to dip my toes into trends to add some interest to my outfits every so often, the truth is that I’m a classic dresser to my core. To me, it’s all well and good to hop on the latest fad, but the most elegant, put-together wardrobes always have a foundation of timeless basics you can rely on year after year. Think of the type of classic pieces that can be dressed up and down with ease, can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits, and, most importantly, will never look dated or out of style.

And so, with the new season fast approaching, I decided to go on the hunt for the classic pieces that will make up the basis of my autumn capsule wardrobe. From luxury investments that are sure to stand the test of time to affordable staples that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, I spent hours scouring the web as well as the Instagram pages of the most elegant dressers I know to find the classic pieces that can be relied upon year after year.

And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below. From polished outerwear to refined accessories, keep scrolling to shop the classic pieces I’m planning to add to my wardrobe for autumn 2026 (and beyond).

Classic Pieces to Buy This Autumn 2026

1. Outerwear

2. Knitwear

3. Bottoms

4. Shoes

5. Dresses

6. Bags

7. Tops

There are so many different ways you can spend your hard-earned money on fall and winter outerwear. You can choose to invest in pricey, professional blazers for the office or head to your nearest thrift store and find a beat-up leather jacket for your next concert. If you're bracing yourself for snowy weather, you'll be looking for technical fabrics built for warmth, while Southern Californians like me know better than to spend a ton of money on bulky layers. However, if none of these things resonate and you simply want to be ahead of the season's biggest trends, you've come to the right place.

Sometimes, I just want to buy something cool and current. I want to look like I'm in the know and aware of the fashion industry's most popular trends. Right now, I'm here to tell you that band jackets fit these criteria perfectly. I've been spotting them at Mango, Zara, and H&M, as well as luxury brands such as Etro, Khaite, and Nili Lotan. Scroll down to shop my favorite band jackets for fall and winter 2026 that are giving Sgt. Pepper (in the best way).

Shop Band Jackets for Fall/Winter 2026

It might just be because of the what felt like eternal heatwave we had here in the UK this summer, but I’m really starting to feel the chill in the air. And with this, I can only think about one thing: what jackets am I going to wear this autumn? Now I’ve always been more of a minimalist dresser, but to be completely honest, my trench coat feels just a tad too boring to me this year. It will never date, of course, but for autumn 2026 specifically, I plan to use my outerwear as an easy way to add interest to my outfits. And my first port of call for inspiration? The runways, of course! Between hours spent scrolling through the look books of luxury brands, as well as talking to my fellow editors who attended fashion week earlier this year, I decided to go on the hunt for the most elegant but easy-to-wear jacket trends to incorporate into my wardrobe this Autumn. And believe me when I say the catwalk did not disappoint this year.

In my search, I found five new jacket trends that perfectly strike the balance between elevated, wearable, and classic enough to last in my capsule wardrobe for many years to come. Think chic animal-print styles that feel as versatile as any neutral, to elegant waisted silhouettes that will add an instant sense of polish to jeans, skirts and trousers this season.

So if you, too, are in need of some autumn outerwear inspiration for 2026, keep scrolling to see and shop the five jacket trends that the chicest dressers will be wearing instead of their trench coats this season.

5 Jacket Trends Chic Dressers Will Rely On This Autumn

1. Animal Print

Style Notes: Once considered tacky by the industry, chic dressers can’t seem to get enough of animal print in 2026, and I’m no different. Whether it be a leopard-, zebra-, or even cow-print jacket, a jacket in this pattern feels interesting enough to elevate an otherwise simple outfit; however, rest assured that the monochrome hues will still allow you to wear it with all of the neutrals in your capsule wardrobe.

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2. Funnel-Neck

Style Notes: If you want your outfits to look intentional and refined, then look no further than a funnel-neck jacket. There’s just something about this high-neck silhouette that looks so elegant. But the best part? The coat will do all of the talking, meaning minimalists like me can keep the rest of our outfits super simple. And don’t just take it from me; designers such as Victoria Beckham and Niccolò Pasqualetti are backing this polished outerwear trend for autumn 2026.

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3. Plum

Style Notes: I practically live in black and brown throughout autumn and winter, but when I want a hue that’s slightly different but no less polished, I’ll be turning to gorgeously deep plum shades that feel equally as sophisticated as they do elevated. With the likes of Hermès, Miu Miu and Michael Kors backing this colour trend for autumn 2026, I think it's safe to say that plum hues are officially here to stay.

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4. Check

Style Notes: If you’ve already started your new-season shopping, you’ve most likely noticed that the pretty polka-dots we saw in the summer are slowly but surely being replaced by checks this autumn. They feel perfectly suited to the moody vibe of autumn, and are also an easy way for a pared-back dresser to add interest to their outfits without having to incorporate bold colours. From heritage Burberry plaid to vintage-inspired tweed at Chanel, there are so many different types of this print to choose from this season.

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5. Waisted

Style Notes: Waisted silhouettes have been huge in the past few years, and they’re going nowhere for autumn 2026. An instant outfit elevator, a jacket with a cinched-in waist is not only extremely flattering, but the waisted silhouette provides a polished finish that will dress up any jeans, skirts, or tailored trousers this season. And the best part? This elegant outerwear style will look expensive regardless of the price point you decide to invest in.

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If you're paying close attention, you're probably already aware of the cummerbund trend sweeping our FYPs right about now. Just like you and me, Zara has noticed and released the Pleated Sash Belt. But before I can officially embrace this unexpected accessory, I still have to make friends with the pair of Zara balloon pants in my closet—one controversial trend at a time.

All things considered, this confirms Zara's got its finger on the pulse, which makes the five trends I'm about to dive into even more crucial. Think embellished jackets, 100% leather, and primary colorways. Ahead, shop the It-girl trends I spotted at Zara.

5 It-Girl Trends Spotted at Zara for Fall 2026

Band Practice

As a former band nerd myself, I'm all for the marching-band-jacket trend. The key to styling this epaulet- and bronze button–adorned jacket is to let it do all the talking. A simple pair of low-rise or barrel-leg jeans will do the trick.

'90s Mock-Necks

It doesn't look like we're escaping the '90s nostalgia for a while, especially with so many sleek sleeveless mock-neck tops available. Wear it with a midi skirt and kitten heels for a true '90s office siren look.

Primary Colors

This summer, we saw color trends come and go: teal, chartreuse, and even royal purple. But this fall, I've got an inkling that primary colors—like strong cobalt blue, tomato red, and electric yellow—will take the front seat. It seems Zara thinks so too.

Neutral Stripes

Oddly, a crisp and clean striped knit has become my transition piece of choice. To my surprise, this horizontal (or vertical) print is becoming a neutral in my pre-fall wardrobe. I'm really into the idea of a striped polo with a pair of relaxed straight-leg jeans.

Leather Goods

When I see a Zara item listed as 100% leather, I perk up. I know I'm in store for a leather trench coat or limited-edition heeled sandals. This fall, I expect Zara to keep us busy with 100% leather buys. Ahead, discover some of my favorites.

Opening Image: Zara

As fashion people, we spend a lot of time talking about our capsule wardrobes, and for good reason. They’re the foundations that great outfits are built upon, easily mixed and matched for instantly refined outfits. But they also work as a backdrop for more standout pieces. As my autumn wardrobe is slowly taking form, I’ve been searching for a few non-basic buys that will revitalise my capsule wardrobe staples. And right now, Zara’s new collection is full of joyful pieces that are ready to take my early-autumn wardrobe to a whole new level.

If you’re looking for understated, minimalist buys, we’ve got you covered, but this edit is full of fun. There are vibrant shades, tactile finishes, and intricate details that transcend basic buys and take the simplest pieces to new heights. These are the joyful additions that will work hard with your classic jeans, the patterned skirts that pair easily with your favourite white tee, or the striking dress that just needs a pair of boots to complete the look.

For those easing into maximalist additions, a great place to start is a standout jacket. Every single year Zara comes up with a new viral hit, but for autumn 2026 there’s an array of styles to choose from. There are bold primary colours (I particularly love the red high-collar bomber jacket) alongside smooth suede with tassel fringe, which will add drama through movement with every step. Shirts and blouses have been upgraded for the cooler months, with intricate embroidery, bold stripes and frog-fastening closures which are polished and striking in equal measure. Alongside, there’s a host of interestingly cut trousers, fresh colour palettes and eye-catching prints to satiate your standout needs. As the best Zara pieces tend to move fast, let’s get straight into the 9 standout buys of Zara’s early autumn collection.

Shop the 9 Non-Basic Zara Buys Already Selling Fast

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I've officially shifted my energy from the thrills of summer fashion to perfecting my fall wardrobe. So goodbye, bikinis, and hello, funnel-neck jackets. But as I focus my attention on summer-to-fall closet swaps, I'm also sticking to a very strict budget. That's where Zara comes in. Its new arrivals know how to appease my high standards and low funds.

I've already got my eye on a few fall trends (ahem, royal purple accessories, long-sleeve T-shirts, Bermuda shorts, and balloon trousers), which Zara, thankfully, has prepared for. Outside of my fall wish list, Zara's new-in and new-ish selection includes lots of sheer lace, athletic shorts, mesh flats, satin details, and so much more.

With my tight budget and tendency for perfectionism, I got to work curating a very selective edit of the best Zara fall finds. That means true everyday basics (hello, cropped flare jeans), statement dresses, and designer-looking mules. Scroll on to shop 14 editor-approved Zara finds plus more chic fall items.

Shop the Best Zara Fall Finds of 2026

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