Beyond the Blazer: 10 Jacket Styles Every Woman Needs (and How to Wear Them!)

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

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 classic silhouettes and contemporary trends into your wardrobe.

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 ten 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.

A classic redefined: The trench coat, an everlasting wardrobe essential, effortlessly transitions from vintage charm to modern-day chicA classic redefined: The trench coat, an everlasting wardrobe essential, effortlessly transitions from vintage charm to modern-day chic

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.

The evergreen denim jacket: Once a symbol of rebellious youth, now a summer wardrobe stapleThe evergreen denim jacket: Once a symbol of rebellious youth, now a summer wardrobe staple

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 at the 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.

The leather jacket: A piece that historically symbolized the edgy rockstar now reimagined for the modern fashionistaThe leather jacket: A piece that historically symbolized the edgy rockstar now reimagined for the modern fashionista

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.

Bomber jackets blend their military origins with today's fashion-forward sensibilitiesBomber jackets blend their military origins with today’s fashion-forward sensibilities

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.

The blazer, a symbol of professional attire, reinvented for today's diverse styleThe blazer, a symbol of professional attire, reinvented for today’s diverse style

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. Coco Chanel gave the tweed blazer its place in fashion history and remains a closet staple.

Style your blazer as a two-piece set, or mix and match it 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.

A wool jacket offers sophisticated warmth, blending timeless style with modern eleganceA wool jacket offers sophisticated warmth, blending timeless style with modern elegance

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.

Embrace luxury with a cruelty-free edge in a fashionable faux-fur coatEmbrace luxury with a cruelty-free edge in a fashionable faux-fur coat

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.

Combine comfort and style with a puffer jacket, the ultimate athleisure stapleCombine comfort and style with a puffer jacket, the ultimate athleisure staple

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.

A quilted jacket brings countryside charm to urban fashion, blending tradition with trendA quilted jacket brings countryside charm to urban fashion, blending tradition with trend

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.

The peacoat, a nautical classic reimagined for contemporary all-season styleThe peacoat, a nautical classic reimagined for contemporary all-season style

These ten 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.