No outfit is complete without a jacket. A tailored jacket can make a $20 dress look worth $1,000. Jackets are an easy way to elevate your style and incorporate both classic silhouettes and contemporary trends into your wardrobe rotation.
Jackets are one of the best investment pieces you can add to your closet. They’re a signature closet staple that can define your aesthetic and carry an outfit from one season to the next.
We’re rounding up the 10 different types of jackets that every woman should try at least once. These jackets offer something for everyone, from workwear-ready blazers to vintage denim jackets.
1. Timeless and Elegant Wardrobe Essential: Why Every Woman Needs a Trench Coat
A trench coat is an essential item every woman should have in her wardrobe. This timeless and elegant silhouette has been a fashion staple for decades and is unlikely to ever go out of style.
The versatility of a trench coat means that it can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions. From a formal business meeting to a casual weekend brunch, a well-fitted trench coat adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
Wear it through spring as the temperatures start to rise, and layer up with it for autumn and winter. A waterproof trench is a secret weapon for any city girl’s closet.
Calvin Klein Single-Breasted Belted Rain Jacket, $200 at Zappos; Avec Les Filles Longline Trench Coat, $159 at Nordstrom; P.A.R.O.S.H. Wool Belted Wrap Coat, $747 at Farfetch; Burberry The Short Islington Trench Coat, $2,490 at Mytheresa
Camel and beige are the most popular colors for trench coats. Still, you’ll find them available in every color of the rainbow. Look for classic colors like beige, navy, or black that will match any outfit, or choose a bold color that reflects your personality.
Keep it casual with yoga pants and sneakers, or elevate your look with heels and dresses.
2. Summer Staple: Elevate Your Wardrobe With a Denim Jacket
While denim jackets come and go, they’re a staple in summer wear clothing. You can style them with a floral dress, leather trousers, or a mini skirt. It’s the workhorse of your summer closet that will carry you effortlessly from one season to the next.
Levi’s The Original Trucker Denim Jacket, $81 (from $135) at Farfetch; All Saints Cona Cropped Jacket, $219 at Zappos; Liverpool Los Angeles Denim Jacket, $109 at Nordstrom; MM6 Maison Margiela Cropped Denim Jacket, $755 at Mytheresa
You can stick with the classic blue-wash denim look or go more contemporary with a cropped style or white denim option. Shop for an investment-worthy jacket from denim brands like Levi’s to match your jacket to your go-to jeans.
Levi’s ‘Original Trucker’ denim jacket is top of our wishlist.
3. Unleash Your Inner Rockstar with a Leather Jacket
Give your closet an edgy rockstar chic look with a leather jacket. This versatile piece is just as easy to wear as a denim jacket but with added attitude.
While a classic black leather jacket is a timeless option, don’t be afraid to experiment with other colors and finishes to add some personality to your look. Whether you prefer a bold red or a sleek metallic, there’s a leather jacket out there to match your style.
Levi’s Faux Leather Fashion Moto Jacket, $65.44 (from $180) at Zappos; Sam Edelman Leather Moto Jacket, $199.90 (from $360) at Nordstrom; Diesel L-Tafelia Cracked-Effect Biker Jacket, $895 at Farfetch; Acne Studios Leather Jacket, $1,900 at Mytheresa
One of the perks of a leather jacket is that it’ll adapt to create the perfect fit over time. Leather develops its own characteristics over time with wear, giving it a unique look.
Looking for a genuine leather jacket at a more attainable price point? Shop pre-loved for a vintage style through consignment retailers like Rokit Vintage and Vestiaire Collective.
4. Add a Touch of Vintage and Feminine Cool to Your Look with a Bomber Jacket
Give your closet a biker-inspired update with a bomber jacket. This versatile piece can be dressed up or down, making it an excellent choice for different occasions.
Whether you prefer classic black or a bold statement color, a bomber jacket is a great way to add some edge to your outfit. The sleek silhouette and ribbed detailing create a timeless look that will never go out of style.
Thebe Magugu Cropped Satin Bomber Jacket, $766 at Matches Fashion; Sacai Satin Varsity Bomber Jacket, $825 at Mytheresa; Edikted Cala Oversize Bomber Jacket, $118.40 at Nordstrom; Levi’s Zip-Fastening Bomber Jacket, $125 at Farfetch
Investing in a high-quality bomber jacket is brilliant, as it’s a versatile piece you can wear for years to come. Layer it over a t-shirt and jeans for a casual look, or pair it with a dress and heels for a night out. With a bomber jacket in your wardrobe, you can effortlessly add some biker-inspired style to any outfit.
This silhouette is more vintage and feminine at once, giving you a lightweight jacket ideal for casual weekends and works with jeans, skirts, and everything in between.
5. From Desk to Drinks: Elevate Your Workwear Game with a Statement Blazer
No workwear wardrobe is complete without a blazer. While a black blazer is a staple, add a pop of color by choosing a shade that complements your complexion and skin tone.
You can spend $50 or $500 on a blazer and still get the same look with little tailoring.
Open Edit Oversize Blazer, $79 at Nordstrom; Saint Laurent Single-Breasted Grain-de-Poudre Blazer, $3,890 at Matches Fashion; Cinq A Sept Petite Khloe Tweed Blazer, $395 at Farfetch; We Wore What Cropped Blazer, $79 at Zappos
An oversized blazer creates a more laidback look, while bold hardware adds a military-inspired aesthetic to your outfit. Cropped blazers can help elongate your silhouette, and it’s worth shopping for different fabrics. The tweed blazer was given its place in fashion history by Coco Chanel and remains a closet staple.
Style your blazer as a two-piece set or mix and match with signature pieces for a feminine look.
6. Stay Cozy and Chic All Winter Long with a Wool Jacket
You can’t leave the house without a jacket in the colder months. If you live in a chilly climate, it’s worth investing in a wool jacket to see you through winter.
A high-quality wool jacket is warm and adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit. Choose a classic silhouette in a neutral color like black, gray, or camel for a timeless look that will never go out of style.
Rag & Bone Fletcher Crop Wool Blazer, $575 at Nordstrom; Acne Studios Wool and Alpaca Wrap Coat, $690 (from $1,150) at Mytheresa; Clea Camila Boiled-Wool Bomber Jacket, $353 at Matches Fashion; Yves Salomon Woven Wool Maxi Coat, $765 (from $1,090) at Farfetch
You’ll find a range of silhouettes from maxi coats to blazers and wrap coats. Choose a silhouette that suits your style, and shop for a wool option.
While wools like cashmere will set you back the most, you can shop for wool blend fabrics for a more budget-friendly option.
7. Cruelty-Free and Timeless: Faux-Fur Coats as a Fashion Staple for Every Occasion
Fur coats are a fashion staple that will never die. Most brands are moving away from using animal fur, making faux-fur jackets a more affordable and cruelty-free option for this classic style.
This stylish silhouette comes in a range of length options, from cropped jackets to full-length coats that are ideal for evening wear.
Unreal Fur Black Bird Faux Fur Coat, $584 at Farfetch; Zella Corded Faux Fur Jacket, $67.05 – $119.20 (from $149 at Nordstrom); UGG Avaline Faux Fur Coat, $162 (from $328) at Zappos; Velvet Erica Plaid Faux Fur Jacket, $280 (from $401) at Mytheresa
Brands like Guess incorporate faux fur jackets as part of their permanent collection. The ‘Marciano’ faux fur jacket is one of the brand’s best sellers.
8. Ultimate Athleisure Staple: Explore the Versatility of Puffer Jackets in Various Silhouettes
A puffer jacket is a functional style that has an athleisure feel. This jacket comes in various silhouettes, from oversized puffer jackets to cropped vests.
BP. Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket, $30.97 (from $79) at Nordstrom; UGG Ronney Cropped Puffer Jacket, $93 (from $198) at Zappos; Ganni Oversized Puffer Coat, $525 at Farfetch; Bogner Pippa Diamond-Quilted Down Hooded Gilet, $421 at Matches Fashion
You can wear these jackets everywhere, from your next ski trip to commuting to the city or running errands in winter.
Lululemon offers a range of puffer jackets, including its ‘Wunder’ puff jacket. Check out Superdry for a more affordable alternative to activewear brands like Lululemon and Sweaty Betty when shopping for a puffer jacket.
9. Upgrade Your Outerwear Game with a Quilted Jacket
Are you looking for a more sophisticated alternative to the puffer jacket? Add a touch of countryside chic to your closet with a quilted jacket.
It’s the signature style from the British brand ‘Barbour’ and is ideal for transitional weeks when you want to layer up but don’t need a heavy jacket.
Barbour Beadnell Summer Quilted Jacket, $250 at Nordstrom; L.L. Bean Quilted Riding Jacket, $159 at Zappos; A.P.C. Claire Quilted Jacket, $479 at Farfetch; Burberry Quilted Jacket, $1,150 at Mytheresa
Barbour’s waxed and quilted jackets come in various signature styles made famous by celebrities like Alexa Chung, the Princess of Wales, and Olivia Palermo.
Quilted jackets are the perfect springtime option for your closet. Add a more feminine touch by shopping for a floral quilted jacket.
10. Timeless and Versatile: The Peacoat Silhouette for Every Season and Style
A peacoat is a smart choice if you’re looking for a coat that can see you through any season, rain or shine. This classic silhouette has been popular since the 1800s, when it was first created as part of a navy uniform. Over time, it has become a timeless wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down.
To make the most of your investment, opt for a peacoat in a neutral shade that complements your existing wardrobe, or choose a signature color that expresses your personality. Either way, you can be sure that this versatile coat will give you a great cost per wear and last you for years to come.
Brands like J. Crew, Boden, Karen Millen, and Tommy Hilfiger are famous for their double-breasted peacoat. Choose a wool peacoat to get your closet winter ready.
Jil Sander Double-Breasted Felted-Wool Peacoat, $1,250 (from $1,924) at Matches Fashion; Lauren Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Peacoat, $149.99 ($300) at Nordstrom; ‘S Max Mara Mary Virgil Wool Peacoat, $1,495 at Mytheresa; Calvin Klein Double Breasted Peacoat, $129 at Zappos
These 10 different types of jackets are a must-have for every woman’s closet, taking you through every season and from the office to casual weekend wear.