Love it or hate it summer is long gone, which means it's time to fold away your summer dresses and sarongs, in favour of cosy knits and coats. These are the months in which getting dressed poses the greatest challenge; the dreaded in-between weather where the 'big winter coat' is too thick and a denim jacket is far too light. The solution? The perfect jacket and coat which will a) keep you warm enough and b) go with everything in your wardrobe.
Our preference coat for this season? Trench coats, bomber jackets and quilted jackets reign supreme during transitional periods, as do scarf coats - and - let's not forget the suede coat, which is shaping up to be this season's biggest trend.
From high street, to more premium brands, the fashion crowed has already declared their nominees for this year's favourites. The Aligne reversible trench coat, for example, has been put forward as the trench of the season by the fashion pack, much like M&S' best-selling trench which sells out every year. Other favourites for this season are M&S's borg coat (which looks just like Toteme) and the Massimo Dutti cropped suede jacket (did we mention suede is huge this year?)
In an effort to make your search far less painstaking, we've collated an edit of our favourite transitional outerwear wardrobe staples to wear now that there's an undeniable chill in the air. Shop the best jackets and coats on the market below.
Shop: The Best Jackets And Coats For Women 2024
Best Overall Coat
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S' Stormwear Car Coat will see you through the transitional period with ease, crafted with good quality cotton material that is also water repellent. Pair with burgundy sweaters or wool knit jumpers (we love this Arket Alpaca wool jumper) and accessorise with a classic Longchamp tote bag.
Sizes | UK 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 |
Colours | Buff, Navy |
Material | Cotton, Polyester |
Best Affordable Jacket
www2.hm.com
Shop this transitional wardrobe staple of the season from H&M. Made with soft felt material, the shawl can be paired with plenty of capsule wardrobe favourites and comes in three colours.
Sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL |
Colours | Black, Beige, Navy blue |
Material | Polyester |
Best Designer Coat
www.flannels.com
A true classic designer coat, the Burberry trench is a great option for transitional dressing - if you're happy to spend upwards of £1,000, that is. Made with water resistant, cotton fabric, this trench features button down detailing, double breasted closures and the brand's classic tie waist belted detailing.
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL |
Colours | Honey, Black |
Material | Cotton |
Best For Everyday Wear
www.stories.com
A bomber jacket is a wardrobe staple for autumn, and makes the ultimate day-to-day jacket. This one from & Other Stories has a boxy cut, a zip-pocket to store all the essentials and an elasticated cuff. Pair with jeans, or dress up with a silk skirt or trousers.
Sizes | XS, S, M, L |
Colours | Khaki, Black |
Material | Polyamide, Polyester |
Best Trench Coat
aligne.co
We can practically guarantee that you'll get your money's worth with this Aligne trench coatthanks to its reversible design which makes it one side waxed trench and one side heritage check. It features a corduroy detailing on the collar and cuffs which is bang-on-trend - especially for the season.
Sizes | UK 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 |
Colours | Multi check |
Material | Organic cotton, Cotton |
Best Leather Jacket
www.arket.com
This Arket leather trench-inspired coat has been doing the rounds on social media, thanks to stylish cropped and oversized design and 100% leather material. Pair with the COS chunky wool knit that looks scarily similar to The Row's £1,440 Ophelia Jumper, wide leg tailored trousers and leather boots.
Sizes | EU 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 |
Colours | Black |
Material | Leather |
Best Vinyl Coat
kitristudio.com
If you're not already familiar with Kitri's collection of vinyl coats, get to know. The brand has a selection of statement coats that will elevate every single outfit in your wardrobe, including the Simone Black Vinyl Coat. Plus, the fur is removable if you're looking for something simpler.
Sizes | XS, S, M, L |
Colours | Black, Oxblood |
Material | Polyester, Recycled polyester |
Best Rain Jacket
www.zara.com
Brave the elements with this water repellent coat from Zara. This rain jacket will see you through any autumnal rainfall, thanks to its rubberised fabric, wind-repellent material and adjustable drawstring hood. This coat comes with plenty of pockets too, which is great if you are looking for a jacket with plenty of room for the essentials.
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Colours | Beige |
Material | Polyurethane, Polyester |
Best Faux Fur Coat
www.stories.com
Take a leaf out of Selena Gomez's book with this mole & Other Stories Faux Fur Single-Breasted Coat. Throw it on over an LBD or evening gown for a cropped coat that is as cosy as it is chic.
Sizes | XS, S, M, L |
Colours | Mole |
Material | Polyester, Wool, Viscose |
Best Long Coat
www.net-a-porter.com
This cotton quilted long coat from Barbour is as practical as it is stylish. Made from quality quilted shell that's lightly padded for warmth, it's the perfect transitional coat that can be paired with lighter layers in the autumn and thicker wool layers in the winter.
Sizes | UK 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 |
Colours | Ivory |
Material | Cotton, Polyester |
Best Shearling Jacket Coat
www.cos.com
If you love shearling coats but want something a little more contemporary, COS' crop take on a classic is the way to go. Pair with your favourite wide leg jeans (we're currently obsessing over these M&S Drawstring Jeans) and a pair of season appropriate leather boots.
Sizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
Colours | Dark brown/cream |
Material | Wool, Lyocell |
Best Parka
www.zara.com
This parka coat from high street hero Zara deserves a spot in your autumn wardrobe. With an adjustable hood made from polyester and a zip up front, this is the best outerwear option fit for braving the rainy weather. Pair with wool knitwear for a cosy ensemble, or a cardigan for a casual and chic day-to-day look.
Sizes | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
Colours | Khaki |
Material | Polyester, Recycled polyester |
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Grazia. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.