Transitional Jackets Are the Key to Easy, Breezy Fall Dressing
1 min readIt’s officially fall. Crisp green leaves are becoming crinkled browns, gone are the steamy summer nights, and the sunset glows earlier and earlier. But while the change in seasons might be obvious, what to wear is most definitely not—especially when it comes to outerwear. It’s too hot for a parka or heavy puffer and too cold for a denim jacket or cropped cardigan.
That’s why the transitional jacket saves the day. Coming in the form of trenches, fleeces, thin puffers, shackets, and beyond, a transitional jacket is just as it sounds: a piece of outerwear that helps you adjust to the seasonal changes in the weather. At its core, it should be lightweight and versatile. Whether its Canada Goose’s fluffy featherweight coat, Aritzia’s classic trench, or Dorothee Schumacher’s floor-dusting sweater, the style knows no bounds. The best transitional jackets take you from indoor to outdoor, work to play, fall to winter, and spring to summer.
Canada Goose Fallon Puffer Jacket
Convinced of the merits of the style? Below, find our 12 favorite transitional jackets to get you started as you build your multi-seasonal wardrobe.
You will never regret investing in a Canada Goose. Whether you already own one or are looking for your first, this is the perfect style for when an anorak is too heavy and a vest isn’t getting the job done. It’s more than just a cute pink coat; it’s wind-resistant and water-repellant so it can handle its own as the elements descend.
Tried and true, the trench coat is a fall favorite. With a belted cinched waist and calf-hitting length, Aritzia makes a classic silhouette.
If you’re searching for something to beat fall rain (and the Nor’easters that we’ve been having), look no further than Barbour’s functional coat. And it’s still sophisticated, so it’s not just limited for rainy day wear either.
Funnel neck jackets are one of the hottest pieces of outerwear to get your hands on. Lululemon took the silhouette and shaped it into a windproof, insulated jacket that’s as comfortable as it is chic.
Runners, rejoice! Stellar transitional jackets also come in athletic form, courtesy of Bandit. If you’re deep in marathon training, you’re going to thank us for this one (it comes with a detachable run vest, too).
Siegelman Stable might be known for its hats (queue Jalen Brunson at the Knicks victory parade), but its line of apparel is just as fabulous. This sherpa fleece proves it.
The Great and Stetson came together for a Western-inspired collaboration that we can’t get enough of. They even took the shacket (a shirt-jacket hybrid) and fringed the bottom for a rustic-meets luxe look.
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Another notable collaboration is the brainchildren from The North Face and Sky High Farm Goods. TNF’s iconic weather-ready Mountain jacket got emblazoned with the Hudson Valley farm’s whimsical logo. It sold out quickly, but you can still find a few pieces if you act fast.
Nothing screams fall quite like a barn coat. Filson has been making some of the best seasonal clothes since 1897, so you can trust that this jacket will stand the test of time.
Not sure what to layer over your elegant LBD? Yves Salomon’s fluffy feathered jacket squanders all fancy dressing woes with its elevate iteration of transitional outerwear.
Iro knows how to make flattering silhouettes that are roomy yet tailored. This coat is no exception, and its double-faced construction means that you’re getting two jackets for the price of one.
According to Dorothee Schumacher, some transitional jackets can even come in the form of sweaters. A contrasting leather collar dresses this style up. I’s not your average maxi cardigan—that’s for sure.
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