As the seasons are changing, it’s time to transition our favorite summer looks into outfits fit for cooler days. Enter: the transitional jacket—aka a lightweight layer that helps you stay warm and protected without the bulk of a winter coat. Rather than being the centerpiece of your outfit, these jackets serve as the perfect finishing touch, adding both function and style. With autumn’s unpredictable weather—think sudden rain or brisk winds—a good jacket isn’t just practical; it’s your first line of defense and a chic fashion statement all in one.
Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite transitional jackets, from timeless trench coats to laid-back suede styles. Wondering what to pair them with? We’ve also included tips on how to style each piece and details about the silhouettes. Keep reading for all the transitional jacket inspiration you need this season.
Barn jacket
Seen on runways like The Row and Prada, a barn jacket is a functional workwear jacket that can be thrown over a pair of raw denim barrel jeans, paired with a set of biker boots, and even worn with a dress and tights. This is more of a casual jacket, so it works well for daywear rather than work or evenings.
Trench coat
A trench coat is perhaps the most versatile transitional jacket. Not only are many options water-resistant (good for rainy days), the neutral color of a classic trench means it can be paired with just about anything—from a mini skirt, a dress and tights, to a pair of jeans and a smart shirt. This is also a great workwear item and is smart enough to wear to the office.
Leather jacket
With the resurgence of late aughts style, leather jackets are seriously on-trend this season. In particular, motorcycle styles that epitomise the Alexa Chung era of the 2010s are majorly in style. We'd pair a black leather jacket with lightwash denim and a pair of low-profile trainers, but you can also throw over a dress, or add an edge to your going-out look.
Bomber jacket
Bomber jackets are a transitional classic, as the lightweight jacket is often water-resistant and easy to pair with diverse styling options. The jacket looks great with a more minimalist look; we're thinking a slicked-back bun, a form-fitting dress, and a pair of dark motorcycle boots. However, you can also wear a bomber jacket more casually, with sneakers and jeans.
Suede jacket
Suede jackets can be a bit of a trickier option for fall, as the material isn't waterproof and is famously difficult to clean. However, the fabric is cozy, chic, and brown suede jackets are definitely trending this season. We recommend treating your suede with a protection spray before its first outing, and then letting the world be your sartorial oyster. They can easily be layered over jeans, skirts, dresses—whatever your vibe. It is a stiffer material, so it can be hard to layer over shirts without the look feeling too bulky.
Denim jacket
Denim jackets are a classic, and for good reason. Right now, darkwash, organic denim styles are trending, and can work as a more formal way of wearing the look (for example, at the office). However, cropped and light-wash denim jackets are a fun and casual option for layering over a dress.
Blazer
Blazers are a chic transitional jacket option, and can work for more formal situations like the office, as well as for dressing up a pair of jeans. They're also a great option for wearing over your going-out clothes, like a mini dress or a nice top. We love more oversized styles, which look great when layered over a baggy shirt, slouchy trousers, and a pair of loafers.
Megan Wallace (they/them) is Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Sex and Relationships Editor covering sexual pleasure, sex toys, LGBTQIA+ identity, dating and romance. They have covered sexuality and relationships for over five years and are the founder of the PULP zine, which publishes essays on culture and sex. In their spare time, they can be found exploring the London kink scene and planning dates on Feeld.
