Nothing feels like fall like bundling up in a sherpa jacket after the first brisk wind. Since sherpa retains heat, you know you'll stay extra snug and warm in this outerwear. The reliable piece can be layered over a thin cardigan sweater or a white button-down for coziness throughout the day, and with its natural oversize fit and laid-back appearance, it's an everyday staple. It's why the sherpa jacket is an essential item to have your in wardrobe — one that deserves a prime spot in your collection of fall outerwear.
If you don't already own one or yours is set to retire soon, we've discovered the most fashionable sherpa jackets ahead for you to shop. Our roundup consists of 20 sherpa jackets — from never-failing neutral-toned options to funky printed designs to chic cropped versions. We've even picked fall-themed jackets of burnt red, orange, and yellow just for a bit of festive spirit. So top off cozy season with one of the sherpa jackets ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff—and, while we do receive commission from Amazon, all of the goods linked to on our site are independently curated by our Most Wanted shopping team editors. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication.
Neutral Toned Sherpa Jackets
On the search for an effortless jacket that matches everything? Well, you've come to the right place, my friend. We've gathered up the creamiest ivory tints along with warm camel shades and black for you to style with your fall 'fits.
J.Crew Teddy Sherpa Jacket, $, available at J.Crew
Alo Yoga Foxy Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Alo Yoga
Urban Outfitters Poppy Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Torrid Sherpa Active Bomber, $, available at Torrid
Vibrant Colored Sherpa Jackets
Color maximalists rejoice! The joyful sherpa jackets for you to bundle up in this season are right here.
Lisa Says Gah Monique Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
Universal Standard Sherpa Anorak Jacket, $, available at Target
Ugg Frankie Sherpa Trucker Jacket, $, available at Amazon
Fall-Themed Sherpa Jackets
Tap into the festive fall spirit with a cozy jacket in warm colors like orange, yellow, burnt red, and brown. All you'll need is a pair of booties and a pumpkin spice latte in hand.
Lisa Says Gah Jesse Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
L.L. Bean Sherpa Fleece Jacket, $, available at L.L. Bean
Madewell (Re)sourced Sherpa Snap-Front Jacket, $, available at Madewell
Levi's® Plaid Sherpa Stand Collar Jacket, $, available at Macy's
Funky Printed Sherpa Jackets
Add a little bit of pizzazz to your outerwear by choosing a sherpa jacket with a whimsical abstract print or floral motif. A perfect example is this cotton candy pink and blue Nike sherpa jacket.
Nike Project Uphoria Abstract Print Sherpa Jacket, $, available at ASOS
FP Movement Hit The Slopes Printed Fleece Jacket, $, available at Free People
Johnny Was Shellinay Floral-Print Sherpa Jacket, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Columbia Winter Pass Sherpa Hooded Full Zip Fleece Jacket, $, available at Columbia
Over the past few years, archival fashion has become the new mainstream. Thanks to TikTok and the rise of niche Internet-famous aficionados, a new generation has been introduced to the fascinating world of fashion collectors, who are known for amassing vintage and hard-to-find pieces from specific designers or brands.
Take, for example, stylist Neelam Ahooja, whose TikTok account centers around her collection of The Row pieces, or creator Mandy Lee, who has showcased her years-long process of collecting Chopova Lowena skirts on the app. Thanks to the increased interest in fashion collecting, the search term “fashion collection” has grown over 400 million views on the app, while the hashtag #archivefashion has over 500 million views. Other collectors outside of TikTok have started generating some fame of their own: New York-based merchandiser Arianna Aviram, for example, has amassed an impressive assortment of Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe and Undercover.
While it may seem like just another hoarding practice in fashion, Julie Ann Clauss, the founder of The Wardrobe, a collectibles storage and archiving studio that has worked with clients like Chloë Sevigny and Tom Ford, says there are real benefits to amassing so much stuff — the right way. “My clients are able to monetize their archives in all kinds of unique ways,” she says. “Properly caring for and preserving your investment is key.” Yet, it’s not all about value, according to Clauss, who’s worked as a collector for more than a decade: “The ability to spot what will be a future collectible and a potential investment opportunity takes a nuanced eye, and that comes with time and experience.”
So, what does it actually take to become a fashion collector? Ahead, experts dish on the steps to take.
Start with what you know
Clauss says it’s crucial to start your collecting journey with the designers you already know and love. “If you start where your current obsessions lie, the collecting will come easy,” she says. To start, she recommends asking yourself questions like, “Which designers are you loving at the moment?” or “Is there a collection that really sparked your interest recently?” Becoming a fashion collector takes hours of research, field work, and building relationships, according to Clauss. So starting with a designer or brand that’s already a favorite “makes doing the research a pleasure.”
Get on the hunt
Much like museum experts, fashion collectors need to be absolute nerds, and know the history of a house, its aesthetic and codes, and the collections that are worth investing in. That means that it’s also important to scout the best places to source items from your preferred designer or brand. Clauss recommends starting with resale stores and sites to “find rare and highly collectible pieces that you may not be able to get your hands on elsewhere,” as well as going to auctions, estate sales and even flea markets. “You never know what you’re going to come across,” she says, adding that researching other private collectors can also help your hunt.
Think ahead of trends
Of course, collecting designer items that are hard to find takes a hefty investment. But Clauss says there are ways to get crafty. One insider tip she shares is to have patience. “A few seasons after something has been on the runway, you can usually find it for pennies on the dollar on a resale site,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity to hang onto it for the long haul and cash in when it’s ‘vintage.’” A clear example of this is the recent comeback of the Fendi Baguette bag, which was first released in the 1990s and recently re-issued by the brand, sparking both demand and a price increase in the luxury secondhand market.
“Right now, Y2K and 90s pieces are in high demand, so it’s an opportunity to buy pieces from other eras that may have been much more expensive only a few years ago,” says Clauss. “Even if these pieces aren’t the most sought after of the moment, they will still grow in value, because there simply aren’t that many of them left in the market.”
Look for value
According to Clauss, some of her clients are able to monetize their collections along the way, which requires a hefty investment in brands that will not depreciate in value over the years. That’s why Elizabeth Layne, chief merchandising officer at Rebag, a luxury resale platform, recommends investing in “unicorn” brands, which, according to the company’s 2022 Clair Report, includes names like Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. “All retained value and increased in price points year over year,” says Layne, adding that all three brands retained an average of 85% or more of their value on the secondary market.
Still, it doesn’t take a five-figure payment to secure a valuable collectible. Layne recommends going for other luxury brands like Prada or Fendi, which have seen a resurgence in some older models like the Prada Nylon bag and the Fendi Baguette bag, signaling that a similar phenomenon can occur with other items from these houses. If a thousand-dollar bag is out of reach, collecting hype-heavy brands like Telfar, which has kept prices under $300, is a good way to go with secondhand pieces selling for 145% over retail price.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
When it comes to ballet flats, there’s something inherently young about the shoe style. Perhaps it’s the easy slip-on design or maybe the tiny bow on the nose of the more traditional pairs. But with proper styling, the shoe’s star power is strong, which explains its current comeback as one of the biggest shoe trends of the season.
“The ballet flat was definitely an aughts staple,” says fashion writer and ballet flat enthusiast Tyler McCall. “I can think of so many tabloid moments, whether it was Amy Winehouse in literal ballet slippers or Alexa Chung in a pair of denim cutoffs and bright Chanel flats. We’re all about mining that nostalgia at the moment.”
In the present day, Bella Hadid has been incorporating Sandy Liang’s flats into her model-off-duty wardrobe ever since the buckled pair made its debut on the brand’s Spring/Summer 2023 runway. Miu Miu became responsible for the It shoe of the season when it showed a slew of satin ballet slippers (heeled and flat). Whereas Mansur Gavriel has long understood the timelessness of flats, releasing several iterations of the ladylike shoe over the years — all with a modern twist.
But with the shoe back on the runway again, one question still remains: How can one wear ballet flats in a way that feels grown-up? McCall suggests pairing them with power pieces in your wardrobe, rather than flowy feminine silhouettes or sweet details like bows and crystals. “The best thing you can do is wear them with something tailored or structured,” the Gossip Girl historian explains. “The most classic way of doing this would be wearing jeans… It’s an easy way to make denim pieces feel more feminine.”
Personally, McCall loves the look of ballet flats paired with a mini skirt and tights. “They’re also great with a simple A-line mini à la Kate Moss in the ’90s, or a louche pair of trousers,” she adds.
For US General Manager of styling service Threads Styling, Amber Schiffer, the shoe serves as a staple in her core lineup. “My personal style currently is very Rosemary’s Baby-meets-‘80s horse girl,” the micro-influencer shares. “As a city girl, I wear them pretty much daily. In the colder months, I love to style them with knee[-high] or chunky socks.”
Her other styling advice? “Wear them with something sexy like a sheer dress, or with baggy basketball shorts, a cashmere sweater, and lots of gold jewelry.”
Alternatively, you could style ballet flats with ribbed leg warmers, paired with printed tights. It’s a foolproof way to integrate the classic shoe (and those micro-mini skirts from last season) into your cold-weather closet.
All that said, McCall advises shoppers to only buy into the trend if they feel it would work with their current personal style: “Imagine wearing them with at least three outfits you love and see if that works.”
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
