5 Essential jackets for your fall/winter wardrobe
A good jacket is a must for cold weather fits. These are 5 jackets that I think everyone should have in their closets. Product recommendations are linked to this post!
It’s that time of year when all the fashion-heads collectively say, “I can actually start dressing!” Now that it’s starting to get really cold, I thought it would be a good time to talk about some classic jackets that if you don’t already own, you should definitely consider adding to your wardrobe. Everyone needs at least a few great jackets for the fall and winter weather. Something that you can throw on with just about anything and it looks good. To me the best jackets are the ones that look good because they are functional. I’m sure you’re all waiting restlessly for my list, here are 5 jackets that I think everyone should own.
1. Work Jacket
I know, I know, very novel choice, but hey it’s a classic for a reason. Find a good work jacket that fits you well, and you can throw it on with almost any outfit. I think the “Workwear” trend as a whole is definitely on the downward slope, and wearing head to toe Carhartt, cosplaying as a blue collar worker while drinking $10 dollar coffees and working in an office all day is a little corny at this point (to each his own I guess); that being said, having the perfect work jacket feels great. They are extremely versatile and, in my opinion, can be dressed up or down fairly easily, depending on the style. Now, you won’t catch me paying $200 plus for a brand new Carhartt WIP Detroit Jacket, but a solid second-hand one? Take my money.
One of the best options for a sturdy work jacket is a used Carhartt Detroit Jacket or Chore Coat. You can find thousands of them on Grailed, Ebay, Depop, or your local thrift store. I found my Detroit jacket on Grailed last year for very cheap and I wear it religiously throughout the fall and winter. Get a blanket lined or quilt lined work jacket, and you’ll be toasty warm all winter long. I’ll link some good listings to this post if you want to look for one second-hand. Even if you buy a used Carhartt jacket, it will still last you years and years. That’s one of the reasons that a good quality work jacket is such a great option to have in your closet, it’s a great bang for your buck.
There are tons of great brands that make awesome work jackets and put their own unique spin on them as well, if you don’t want to go the traditional Carhartt route. This jacket is one that I got from Seager last year:
Being that it’s simple, all black, and has minimal branding, it’s very easy to wear with just about anything. I wear this jacket on a bit more formal occasions most of the time actually. I think it looks great on top of a shirt and tie paired with some trousers and loafers. They don’t have that specific black one on their website anymore but they do have this navy blue version with a few sizes remaining.
The Bittner Coat from Manresa is another great work jacket option. I have yet to get my hands on one of these (Manresa, if you want to send me a Christmas present I would be eternally grateful), but I’ve heard nothing but good things about this jacket. I think every piece I do have from Manresa is the best piece in my wardrobe to be honest. They’ve come out with lots of different colors for the coat in the past but, oh would you look at that, these two are still in stock right now on their website. You’re welcome.
Here’s my final recommendation for this category from a brand that everything they touch turns to gold, Stussy. This work jacket from one of their fall collections this year is immaculate. The blue color, in particular, is my favorite. I’m still kicking myself for not grabbing it. There are still quite a few size options left in four different colors on Stussy’s website, even though this jacket dropped a bit ago now.
2. Denim Jacket
One of my first fashion memories is when my grandpa gave me his old Levi’s sherpa denim jacket when I was around 16 (hence the name I chose for my Substack). It’s not special to me because it’s a limited collaboration, or because it’s worth an outrageous amount of money; it’s special because it was my grandpa’s. That jacket is something that I still wear all the time, especially in the winter (Levi’s sherpa jackets are crazy warm - particularly the old ones). That jacket is one of the first things that started my love of clothes.
A denim jacket is another wardrobe essential. This type of jacket typically works a little better during the fall, however if you layer a warm sweater underneath or have a sherpa lined version, they can work just as well during the winter. Finding a nice second-hand denim jacket is great way to go. Levi’s, Wrangler, Lee, Polo Ralph Lauren all have great denim jacket options and most of the vintage ones are much better than the newer versions, in my humble opinion.
If you want a more modern denim jacket, this one from Edwin that I found looks amazing. A little on the pricier side, but for 100% selvedge Japanese denim, not a bad investment piece if you really want a nice denim jacket from a great brand. Here’s yet another option from Manresa as well (I have a feeling that will be a trend with many of my posts). This one is a barn coat style denim jacket with a soft blanket lining, nice and warm for those bitter Northeast winters.
3. Puffer Jacket
Puffer jackets aren’t only for finance bros on Wall Street. Having a good puffer jacket in your arsenal is a must, especially if you live in a climate with extremely cold winter temperatures. It’s hard to go wrong with the classic brands like Patagonia and The North Face for this type of jacket. Many outdoor wear brands make excellent puffer jackets that are not just functional, but often look great as well.
The Nano Puff Jacket from Patagonia is one of my most worn jackets throughout the winter, I can’t recommend it enough. It is a synthetic fill, but this jacket is very warm, especially for being so lightweight. You can wear it on its own, or easily layer it underneath another jacket for those days that you probably shouldn’t even be going outside.
If you’re looking for some more unique puffer jackets, here are a few options from Stussy and Post Archive Faction. I absolutely love the Stussy Midweight Puffer in the Lime colorway. I would kill for one of the down jackets from PAF, but they’re a little bit out of my price range at the moment unfortunately. However, they are having a sale right now on all of their down jackets! Now is a great time to pick one up if you’ve been on the fence about it. Post Archive Faction has been killing it recently in sold out collaborations with On Running and all their inline product looks amazing. If you want a down puffer jacket that nobody else you know has, look no further.
4. Leather Jacket
I actually don’t even own a leather jacket myself, I just haven’t found one that I really love yet and that I’m willing to pay a pretty penny for. Most leather jackets are definitely going to be more of an investment piece, but if you find good quality one that really speaks to you, it’ll be worth it in the long run. This type of jacket might be one of the more daunting ones to style, but when done right they can really elevate your outfit. Trying to find a vintage leather jacket is a great option as well. Most of the time they’ll be much more affordable if you find a good one second-hand and they usually develop great a great patina too.
The Thirteen Club is an amazing source for anything vintage. They’re basically an online thrift/vintage store and they always have top tier finds. I’ve seen tons of great leather jacket options on their website in the past. Check out their instagram page here as well, you’ll thank me later.
This jacket is actually a pretty decent option from Abercrombie and Fitch if you’re ok with a vegan leather. It won’t be as durable long-term but this one is a very affordable price and is actually on sale right now. The fit seems to be pretty good as well, if you want a more cropped cut.
If you're wanting something a little more modern and not used, check out Our Legacy, Stussy, or Ralph Lauren. Again, this type of jacket will be on the more expensive end but a good quality leather jacket will be something you can pass on to your grandkids one day. That being said, don’t forget to ransack your dad’s or grandpa’s close to see if they have an old leather jacket lying around that they don’t wear anymore and you can borrow it indefinitely.
5. Waterproof Jacket/Shell
If you live in a very rainy or snowy climate, this kind of jacket is a necessity. Obviously everyone knows about the infamous Arcteryx waterproof jackets, but there are a lot of other great options that won’t put such a big hole in your wallet.
Manresa is having a warehouse sale right now with 50% off of everything on their website, except their most recent winter collection (you’re welcome again). Their Highland jacket is something that I wish I would’ve picked up when it dropped and the sale has me itching to grab it. It comes in a navy blue color as well as a fantastic “infrared” color. This is a solid waterproof jacket at a great price point. I have the Marvin shell from Manresa that they dropped a while back in a great yellow color. That jacket is an anorak style pullover shell and it’s my go to rain jacket for bad weather.
This Helly Hansen jacket is another great affordable option that’s also on sale right now. There’s a reason Helly Hansen has been around for over 100 years and why it’s a favorite choice for skiers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. They make great quality products and you can find a lot of their items on sale at many different times during the year.
The last jacket on this list is a grail of mine. Barbour. An internationally revered brand, Barbour has also been making jackets for more than 100 years. Having a Barbour jacket is basically a fashion status symbol at this point. Their cotton waxed jackets are just about jacket perfection. Waterproof, warm, durable, stylish, and easy to wear. These jackets also come with a hefty price point, but if you can afford one I don’t think you’ll ever regret it. Don’t forget to check Grailed or Ebay for these jackets either, you might be able to scoop one up for much cheaper.
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