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12 Chic Lightweight Jackets to Up Your Fall Layering Game

Top your ’fits off with these.

By Noelia Rojas-West
best 12 lightweight jackets
IMAGE COURTESY OF BRANDS

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Exhausted from scrolling on Pinterest in hopes of finding (and maintaining) the perfect “city girl aesthetic”? Well, lucky for you, the extensive search is over. The 90-degree weather of summer has taken a bow, returning us to our harvest roots. The time has come for cozy sweaters, chunky boots, and, until the winter temps roll in, the most noteworthy lightweight jackets to caress your early fall wardrobe.

If you’re like me, you hate to dampen a great outfit for the sake of warmth. I often rummage through every article of clothing I own instead of choosing a practical, weather-appropriate piece. This year, let’s plan for sartorial success and make a statement with every look we create while staying cozy and stylish—without overheating. ‘Weather’ you’re in search of a classic trench coat or a leather jacket is your cup of tea—I have you covered.

Shop the best lightweight jackets to layer over your fall ensembles, below.

The Babydoll one

Coachtopia Upcrafted Garden Applique Jacket

Upcrafted Garden Applique Jacket

Pros

  • Sustainable product made from recycled dead-stock materials

Cons

  • Pricey

Calling all It girls: The search for a playful jacket is put to rest with this Coachtopia treasure. This sustainable piece will last a lifetime of joy and will add the ultimate pop of color to any season. Out with the old and in with the newest babydoll aesthetic.

Sizes: XS-XL

Color: Raven Blue Multi

Material: 68% cotton; 32% polyester

Customer review: “I LOVE IT!! I’m 64 and out makes me look 25. It fits to the T.”

The Sporty one

Skims Track Jacket

Track Jacket

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Form-fitting
  • Size inclusive

Cons

  • Runs small

The most appealing athleisure piece on the market has been handed to us on a silver platter by the queen of form-fitting clothes, Kim Kardashian. She fully understood the assignment and gifted us the sweetest zip-up this season.

Sizes: XXS-4X

Material: 74% cotton; 18% polyester; 8% Spandex

Colors: Washed Onyx, Stone, Army, Cocoa

Customer review: “I WANT IN EVERY COLOR. I wasn’t sure if I’d like this and I’m obsessed. I sized up and felt it was perfect.”

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The Moto one

Free People We The Free Ryder Sport Vegan Moto Jacket

We The Free Ryder Sport Vegan Moto Jacket

Pros

  • Vegan

Cons

  • Runs large

Moto is in, and I am especially excited to introduce a vegan option. This multi-colored masterpiece is flattering and a tad oversized, which makes it the ideal choice for a statement.

Sizes: XS-XL

Material: 88.7% poly; 7.5% cotton; 3.8% viscose

Colors: Red Combo, Black Combo

Customer review: “My daughter loves it—so unique. So many compliments. She is so happy with it.”

The Denim one

A.P.C. Blue Antonio Denim Jacket

Blue Antonio Denim Jacket

Pros

  • Comfortable fit

Cons

    Oversized denim jackets have been all the rage for years. Dress this one up with a sweet slip skirt and a knee-high pointed-toe boot or down with a pair of trousers and easy loafers. Or, if you are feeling bold, like a certain A-lister (ahem, Kendall Jenner), you can go for a denim-on-denim look to strut your stuff down the runway...or rather, the sidewalk.

    Sizes: XXS-XXL

    Material: 100% cotton

    Colors: Washed indigo

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    The Quilted one

    Ganni Ripstop Quilt Jacket

    Editor’s Choice
    Ripstop Quilt Jacket

    Pros

    • Sustainable Materials

    Cons

    • Pricey

    Tea time and elegance, anyone? Our quilted dreams have been answered—and exaggerated the collar on this masterpiece is incredibly adorable. Sprinkled with a touch of romance and sophistication, this Ganni jacket has got to be my favorite of the bunch.

    Sizes: 0-22

    Material: 100% certified recycled polyester

    Colors: Black, Teak

    The Coquette one

    Rhode Cecilia Pullover

    Cecilia Pullover

    Pros

    • Good Materials
    • Comfortable

    Cons

    • Runs Large
    • Only one color way

    Gather ’round my cottage core girlies, we have the most precious jacket on the market: a half zip pullover with a wonderful floral elegance. It’ll add a cozy sherpa touch to your autumn and winter wardrobe.

    Size: S-L

    Material: 53% wool; 24% acrylic; 24% polyester

    Color: Walnut & Black Vichy Rose Mini

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    The Comfy one

    Uniqlo Sweat Full-Zip Long-Sleeve Hoodie

    Sweat Full-Zip Long-Sleeve Hoodie

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Comfortable

    Cons

      Under $50.00 and a classic, this jacket will be perfect for getting groceries, the gym or even just lounging at home.

      Sizes: XXS-XXL

      Material: 82% cotton; 18% polyester

      Colors: 6 options

      Customer review: “Love it....Perfect fit, not too tight and not too loose. like the color beige, will probably buy all!”

      The Timeless one

      Reformation Marco Bomber Jacket

      Marco Bomber Jacket

      Pros

      • Classic style

      Cons

      • Only two color options

      This is the one, the perfect oversized and charming jacket we have all been waiting for. A piece so neutral that it can be elevated in a heartbeat. Throw it over your shoulders with your best pair of jeans for a look that is as timeless as time can be.

      Sizes: XS-XL

      Material: 100% regeneratively grown cotton

      Colors: Marzipan, Dark Olive

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      The Leather one

      Frame The Femme Leather Blazer

      The Femme Leather Blazer

      Pros

      • Real leather

      Cons

      • Luxury price

      Leather season is back—so why not embrace it with one of the best leather blazers? Plus, this espresso shade screams a latte in the morning and a martini at night.

      Size: 00-16

      Material: 100% lamb leather

      Color: Espresso

      The Luxurious one

      Khaite The Hector Jacket

      The Hector Jacket

      Pros

      • Real leather

      Cons

      • Luxury price

      I’m a sucker for suede, and this scarlet beauty completely captured my gaze. The attractive detail and the fierce color make for any occasion.

      Size: XS-XL

      Material: Full-grain suede (100% lambskin), lined in cupro

      Color: Rust Suede, Black Leather, Brown Python-Embossed Leather

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      The Windy one

      The North Face Women’s Tek Piping Wind Jacket

      Women’s Tek Piping Wind Jacket

      Pros

      • Affordable

      Cons

      • Can be a noisy material

      Easy, breezy, windy girl. The wild weather is approaching, and it’s mandatory to keep from the sharp chill with this snug gem.

      Sizes: XS-XXL

      Material: Reflective lines, highly wind-resistant WindWall™ fabric

      Colors: TNF Black, Gardenia White, Falcon Brown

      Customer review: “I love it, it is too comfortable to use.”

      The Classic one

      J.Crew New Icon Trench

      On Sale
      New Icon Trench

      Pros

      • High quality
      • Classic style

      Cons

        It’s never a question of if you should purchase a trench, but a question of which color. The crisp green speaks volumes and allows a daring side to radiate, but if that’s not your thing, it also comes in a classic khaki. The world is your oyster, doll.

        Sizes: 00-24

        Material: 100% cotton

        Colors: Utility Green, Black Vintage, Khaki

        Customer Review: “Love this trench! I have been looking for a long time for the perfect trench, and this is it! The style and fit are superb.”

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