In our opinion, the best part of autumn is the return of cozy and stylish layering pieces. Items like men’s fall jackets are an easy, quick way to add fun to your usual wardrobe rotation. (And a dash of personality.)
Plus, they really pull an outfit together. All it takes is finding the right one for you.
Need some help? We’ve asked our Next Level Wardrobe stylists to share their picks for the four best fall jackets for men. Stick around to the end to find out how you can wear these outfit-completers for every work dress code, too.
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Know Before You Shop: What to Look For in Men’s Jackets for Fall
Don’t run to the mall or click “buy” on any autumn layering pieces just yet. First, let’s talk about how to shop for jackets the smart way.
Tip #1: Be Ready to Invest.
Because jackets and coats are so versatile, this is an area where we recommend upping your price point.
You don’t want to buy a coat that’ll quit on you halfway through the season. (Especially for those of you in cold climates). You want to purchase something that’s built to last.
That’s why you should think about costs per wear rather than just the initial sticker price.
Tip #2: Allow for Alterations
Did you know that most clothes need alterations? That’s because brands make clothes to fit an average. They have one model they base their designs on and adjust all sizes from there.
Jackets are no exception to this rule. In fact, most jackets need adjustments in the body and the sleeves.
Keep this in mind when shopping for jackets. If you find a quality, versatile piece you love, take it to a trusted tailor to get your dream fit.
Tip #3: Take Care of Your Clothes.
We know it’s not as exciting as telling you to go out and buy clothes every time something wears out. (That’s what stores try to tell you, anyway.)
But if you ask us, caring for the clothes you wear is a huge part of having great style.
And it’s a big part of getting your time and money’s worth out of your purchases.
Once you buy a stylish men’s fall jacket, treat it well. Hang it up at the end of the day. Follow the care instructions on the tag. Give it a lint roll or de-pilling if needed.
The 4 Best Fall Jackets For Men
Ready to jack up your jacket game?
We’ve picked out four men’s fall jackets that won’t just keep you cozy when the temperature drops. They’ll also look polished and professional.
From shirt jackets to bombers, to quilted layers to overcoats, here’s what’s worth shopping for this season.
Men’s Fall Shirt Jackets
If you’re hunting for a light fall jacket for men, look no further than the shirt jacket. Also known as a “shacket,” this piece adds a crisp finish to outfits without feeling bulky.
For example, take this weather-ready option from Theory. Theory is a luxury sports brand that makes comfortable and put-together pieces like this jacket.
Product by Theory, shop here.
The navy color pairs well with neutrals and statement colors without feeling too harsh.
Plus, the fabric is wrinkle and abrasion-resistant and quick drying. So, if you get caught in the rain on your commute or need to fold it up when packing for a business trip, you’ll still look sharp.
Or throw on this stand-collar jacket from Rodd & Gunn if you’re in the mood for something more styled.
Product by Rodd & Gunn, shop here.
The color’s still versatile, but the collar and ribbed elastic details add a touch of something extra.
Wear this men’s casual fall jacket with dark-wash jeans and chukkas for an easy desk-to-dinner outfit.
Men’s Fall Bomber Jackets
Next on our list of men’s fall jackets? The bomber.
We gave a little preview of this style in the last section. But these jackets are a more trend-aware way to do a light jacket for autumn.
They end at the hips and feature the classic bomber collar and cuffed sleeves.
We love these jackets for power casual and casual dress codes in particular. Why? Because they subtly add structure. This is great for guys who want to square off their shoulders or define their torso.
Try out this style with this men’s black fall jacket from Boss.
Product by Boss, shop here.
Black is that go-to neutral that looks good on everyone and for every dress code. But, it sometimes gets a bad rap as being too stiff or drab.
Wearing black as a bomber jacket strikes a happy medium. The bomber silhouette feels more updated and modern than a blazer and more approachable.
Jackets are also the ideal opportunity to play with texture. Remember, layering pieces are your chance to show off more of who you are.
A way to do this without going over the top is with texture. Like the soft suede of this bomber from BLANKNYC.
Product by BLANKNYC, shop here.
Suede reads as soft, luxe, and cozy — all perfect adjectives for fall. Warm up any look with this cognac-colored piece.
Quilted Jackets for Fall
We’ll get to full overcoats soon, but what if you need something between that and a light jacket?
That’s where the quilted jacket comes in.
Insulating yet packable, they’re great for when fall’s in full swing, but it’s still too early for winter wear.
On top of that, the quilted pattern adds visual interest. You look like you put effort into your look when all you did was shrug on a jacket.
So, what’s the secret to mastering the quilted look?
Keeping it low profile.
It’s easy to go from cool and modern to channeling the Michelin man in an awkward puffer jacket. Remember, you’re wearing this every day, not for a ski trek.
This option from Reiss strikes the balance of being warm, sporty, yet office-friendly.
Product by Reiss, shop here.
It has a closely-tailored shape, and the sleeves skipped the quilted look to make this piece even more streamlined.
You also don’t see unnecessary or over-the-top pockets, zips, or sports logos. Clean and straightforward, this fits in at the office or for a walk around the park on your lunch break.
Product by Polo Ralph Lauren, shop here.
Another way to try out the quilted style is with a vest like this one from Polo Ralph Lauren. This is especially practical if you move around a lot at your job since the sleeveless style keeps you hands-free.
This is a more sophisticated alternative to the “tech-bro” or “business bro vest” you’ll see around Manhattan or San Francisco.
Overcoats For Fall
Rounding out our list of the best fall jackets for men is, of course, the overcoat.
Overcoats are those longer, mid-thigh-length coats perfect for formal dress codes. Or for anyone wanting to go that extra mile of stylishness.
For mid to late fall, try a sturdier option like this oatmeal version from Reiss.
Product by Reiss, shop here.
This men’s wool fall jacket fits the bill for all things sharp, suave, and dress-code savvy.
Wear this over a suit or take it from business formal to business casual with chinos and a quarter-zip.
Or try this simple topcoat from Corneliani if you’re a lover of low-key staples.
Product by Corneliani, shop here.
This piece would fit right in with any minimalist or capsule wardrobe. You can wear it for every dress code, and it’s the perfect weight for fall, spring, and even some winter climates.
How To Style Men’s Fall Jackets
You have your roster of the best men’s fall jackets. Now, let’s dig deeper into how to wear them for all occasions.
Whether you need a business formal, power casual, or casual outfit, we’ve got a formula for you.
Business Formal
The best jacket to wear for a formal business dress code is the overcoat. This option has long, clean lines and plenty of structure for a powerful effect.
Channel your inner CEO with an all-neutrals look. Start with a thin, black sweater. Then, add window-pane patterned trousers and a wool coat in the same shade of grey.
The pattern of the pants keeps this look from feeling drab or too “one-note.”
Hand-Picked Power Casual
Power casual or business casual is the most common dress code out there. It’s that perfect in-between of formal office staples and relaxed, modern details.
Jackets fit perfectly into this dress code. Why? Because you can use them as a stylish alternative to the usual go-to blazer.
They’ll make your outfit feel more relaxed without looking unprofessional.
One of our favorite ways to make a jacket the start of your outfit is through colorblocking.
Try a brown shirt jacket over an all-white ensemble. Tie the brown of your layering piece back to brown derby shoes or chukkas, and you’re all set.
Casual
Last but never least, let’s talk about how to wear a jacket in a casual (not sloppy) way.
Like we said at the beginning of this post, jackets are the perfect finishing touch to an outfit.
It’s a hack to make it look like you spent more time picking out your outfit than you did.
For an everyday casual look, start with jeans and a basic white tee. Then, put on a bomber jacket, preferably one with a bit of texture, like a suede or leather finish.
Complete the ensemble with one of our favorite closet essentials: white sneakers. Simple but effective, wear this to a laidback workplace or for a weekend autumn adventure.
Now that you’ve got a head start at finding the best fall jackets for men, why not upgrade the rest of your closet? From seasonal styling advice to closet makeovers, Next Level Wardrobe is here to help.
Apply for our men’s styling services to discover your style and improve your shopping habits.
