Love it or have it summer is officially over, which means it's time to fold away your summer dresses and sarongs, in favour of cosy knits and coats. September and October are 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 transitional autumn jacket and coat which will a) keep you warm enough and b) go with everything in your wardrobe.
While it's too early for a big winter coat, a light autumn jacket is perfect to see out the milder end-of-year temperatures before things turns glacial. Our preference 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.
Best Autumn Jackets And Coats 2024: Our Shortlist
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 autumn jackets and coats on the market below.
Shop: The Best Autumn Jackets And Coats For Women 2024
Best Overall Jacket For Autumn
www.massimodutti.com
After seeing the Massimo Dutti wool coat all over my Instagram this season, I'm declaring it the diamond of the season. With a flattering relaxed fit, a versatile oyster hue and a stylish cropped design, this jacket can do no wrong. It goes with everything from jeans and sneakers, to trousers and ballet flats, and will quickly become the most hard-working item in your closer. Also - pockets!
Best Overall Coat For Autumn
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.
Best Affordable Autumn Jacket
www2.hm.com
Shop this transitional wardrobe staple of the season from H&M for only £29.99. Made with soft felt material, the shawl can be paired with plenty of capsule wardrobe favourites and comes in three colours: grey, black and beige.
Best Designer Autumn 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.
Best For Occasion Wear
www.stories.com
A fashion-editor favourite, the & Other Stories wool coat with its floor-sweeping length, button-up detail and single-breasted design is perfect for your occasionwear wardrobe. Pair with black tie dresses and jumpsuits.
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.
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.
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.
Best Denim Jacket
shop.mango.com
Denim is still wearable through autumn, as long as you're opting for darker denim washes. This shirt-style denim jacket features pockets at the front, a tie-closure as well as buttoned cuffs for the ultimate chic design. The jacket has already made its name on Instagram, and its beginning to sell out - which is no surprise - so we suggest you snap it up before it's gone for good.
Best Scarf Coat
www.arket.com
This fringe scarf jacket from Arket combines two of the ultimate transitional wardrobe staples - jackets and scarves. Made with a cosy wool blend that'll see you all the way through to the cold snap of winter, you can pair this scarf coat with the majority of your existing autumn wardrobe.
Best Wool Coat
shop.mango.com
When it comes to wool coats, quality is key. Mango's oversized wool coat is handmade, featuring a flattering v-neck collar, double button fastening and draped shoulder seams. Also available in black and brown, this coat will work well paired with your favourite office wear staples, like a leopard Ganni blouse and wide leg trousers.
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.
Best Quilted Coat
www.arket.com
Everyone knows it - quilted jackets are a great option for autumn. This one from Arket is made with waterproof materials, which makes it perfect for this in-between season, and features a corduroy shirt collar for an extra touch of sophistication.
Best Camel Coat
www.marksandspencer.com
If you're on the lookout for a camel coat that'll see you from autumn all the way through to spring, we highly recommend this one from high street hero M&S which looks just like Kate Middleton's. It's especially cosy thanks to its longline hem, and pairs easily with wool jumpers and cardigans making it perfect for layering.
Best Rain Jacket
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Afghan Coat
www.superdry.com
This incredibly chic boho Afghan coat will see you through the seriously cold snap in autumn and winter. It's especially cosy thanks to its lined material and faux fur detailing, and pairs especially well with capsule wardrobe staples, especially white blouses and tailored trousers.
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Grazia. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.