As a former outerwear designer, I know firsthand how much thought goes into creating the perfect jacket. From selecting fabrics to balancing warmth and silhouette, designing outerwear requires a keen eye on everything from the closures, to the filling for warmth, and length. Despite the temperatures still hovering around the high 70s midday here in Maryland, they do drop down in the evenings, making it essential to consider both style and functionality when shopping for outerwear in the fall and winter months.
With that said, I’m tapping into my past expertise to round up 10 quality jackets I’d shop for in the fluctuating weather. My top picks include two number-one best sellers from Amazon and brands like Madewell, Free People, and Columbia. The best part? Prices start at just $31.
10 Editor-Loved Fall Jackets:
- Amazon Best-Seller: Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip Jacket, $35 (Originally $46); amazon.com
- Editor’s Pick: Bdg Urban Outfitters Faux Leather Longline Aviator Jacket, $124; nordstrom.com
- Double Discount Sale: Prettygarden Faux Fur Shearling Jacket, $31 with coupon (Originally $61); amazon.com
- Oprah-Loved Brand: Blanknyc Faux Shearling Jacket, $168; nordstrom.com
- Amazon Essentials Lightweight Packable Puffer Jacket, $43 (Originally $45); amazon.com
- Quince Leather Stand-Collar Jacket, $170; quince.com
- Madewell x Alpha Industries Waxed Cotton Car Coat, $265; madewell.com
- FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket, $198; freepeople.com
- Bellivera Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket, $38 (Originally $60); amazon.com
- Uniqlo Pufftech Relaxed Jacket, $80; uniqlo.com
Columbia Benton Springs Full-Zip Jacket
The number one best-selling fleece jacket on Amazon with 37,000 five-star ratings is Columbia’s Benton Springs Full-Zip Jacket—clearly the people’s choice. It comes in over 20 colors, including white, black, navy, and pink, and it features a fleece exterior, two front pockets, and a classic zipper front closure. The fit is close to the body, and it has an elastic drawstring at the waist that’ll keep the cold air out.
FP Movement Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket
When designing lightweight outerwear, our go-to stye would be similar to this Pippa Packable Puffer Jacket from FP Movement. It has a packable design that makes it easy to pack into a bag if the weather warms up, but it can also be worn during the colder months because of its heavier filling. The silhouette is oversized, making it ideal for layering over chunky sweaters, and it comes in 21 colors, so there’s something for everyone.
BDG Urban Outfitters Faux Leather Longline Aviator Jacket
I used to love designing styles similar to BDG Urban Outfitters’ Faux Leather Aviator Jacket because of its eye-catching elements. It comes in a cool gray with a contrasting cream faux sherpa lining and a classic zipper-front closure. There are also buckle details at the hem that can be adjusted for a closer fit.
Shop more must-have fall and winter jackets I’m eyeing, below.
Prettygarden Faux Fur Shearling Jacket
Madewell x Alpha Industries Waxed Cotton Car Coat
Bellivera Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket