5 Coat and Jacket Trends You’ll Be Seeing This Fall

Somewhere in the midst of after-work park hangouts and sunny trips abroad, the forecast has started to dip into fall territory (how dare it?!). While this may require us to remember additional layers in the morning (and, depending on where you live, regret them by the afternoon), fall’s arrival doesn’t mean that winter hibernation is here just yet.

Often hailed as the season of fashion, fall is the perfect time for outside activities *without* the massive sweat stains or the animosity towards every fabric that is thicker than cotton or linen. It’s the season for a (literal) breath of fresh air. Whether you’ll be embracing the cooler season with your take on Fashion Week trends or sticking to your comforting favorites this season, the one thing that everyone is going to need is a good, solid coat. While it’s definitely not necessary to buy a brand-new piece as soon as the weather changes, it’s always helpful to know which styles will be thriving and/or making a comeback for the upcoming season. 

If you’re on the market for a new coat, we’ve curated our favorite pieces available now. And if you’re not, feel free to use this list as a reminder of what you might already have in your wardrobe, or what to look out for on your next secondhand shopping spree. 

Fall Outerwear Trend 2023: Full-Length Tailored Coats

In line with the maxi skirt trend that has persisted all year long, the maxi coat is fall’s counterpart for adept, easy styling. Popping out from the flat to the shop on your lunch break? A floor-length coat will hide your coffee-stained sweats and give the illusion of effort. Struggling to find a coat for all your going-out ‘fits? This extra-long layer will do the trick. It’s giving style queen Sofia Richie Grainge. It’s giving, “Is she or isn’t she a fashion influencer?” P.S., for the tall and petite girlies, look for coats in your respective ranges to ensure the perfect ankle-grazing length.

Fall Outerwear Trend 2023: Leather Shackets

If you can cast your mind back to the year 2020, shirt jackets (i.e., shackets) were at their peak popularity; just in time for our lockdown walks, the shacket became an outerwear go-to. Fast-forward to 2023 and the shacket trend is still going strong; now with a strong pull towards leather (or faux leather) and vintage-inspired aesthetics, particularly of the ‘90s and Y2K variety. Dress this one up or down. Bonus: you can find plenty of secondhand of this throwback trend.

Fall Outerwear Trend 2023: Quilted Coats

It may not be puffer season yet, but the desire to be wrapped up in a duvet is very much a year-round mood, especially on those wet and rainy fall days. Bridging the gap between coverage and style, we present to you the quilted coat: a layer that is comfy, cushiony, and still light enough for the fall months. The best part is, you can find a style to suit any kind of aesthetic, from packable liners to boxy patchwork jackets and bright-colored statement pieces.

Fall Outerwear Trend 2023: ’70s-Style Fur-Trim Coats  

If we’re talking about statement coats, there’s nothing quite like a ‘70s-inspired (faux) fur-trim coat — oh yes, we’re doing drama. What feels like an update on last season’s Penny Lane coat obsession that dominated fashion TikTok, this trend will really gain momentum later this year. Whether it’s trendsetters like Adwoa Aboah — who sported this bright pink (vintage Dior!) number earlier this year — or the Daisy Jones & The Six fandom who are inspiring this trend, we can guarantee this one will turn heads and keep you warm at the same time. Plus, many of the styles come with removable trim for that extra bit of versatility.

Fall Outerwear Trend 2023: Racer Jackets

Another trend that started cropping up last year and is now entering its prime is the racer jacket, equipped with motocross-inspired detailing like patchwork logos and color-blocked panels. While you can find a unique, authentic racing jacket from thrift and vintage stores (which, by the way, are likely to be thicker and more durable), there are now plenty of reimagined silhouettes now available out there, too. Just like your staple leather jacket, the racer jacket can be styled over a dress or skirt for a delightfully contrasting aesthetic, or with jeans and a trucker hat to really bring this one home. 

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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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This Free People Dress Has Received More Compliments Than Anything Else I Own

There’s no feeling quite like the inner glow you get when someone gives you a compliment. A simple “I like your new shoulder bag“, “Nice makeup” or “Your skin looks radiant” can change your whole day. That said, in our increasingly head-down, phone-scrolling world, receiving a compliment during our commute is as rare (and rewarding) as finding a $20 bill on the floor. So when I started getting stopped in the street by strangers who said they loved my new fall dress or had to know where it was from, I knew it was a special item. Without fail, I receive at least one compliment every time I wear it. 

The find in question is Free People’s FP One Natasha Sleeveless Midi, which I bought around six months ago with a 40% discount code (always an avid bargain-hunter). I had curated a cream, beige, and brown wardrobe that was beginning to resemble an oat milk latte, and this was one of the first pieces I bought to try and break out of my fashion mold. I opted for aquamarine, a softly washed-out (in a good way) shade sitting somewhere between baby blue and sage. It was the perfect first foray back into colorful fashion.

FP One Natasha Sleeveless Midi, $128

It’s the kind of color that works year-round, pairing well with the white and cream items I already own without too much thought. If this soft shade of green isn’t your style (although I’d fully encourage you to give it a go), the dress is available in seven other shades. Alongside aquamarine is a neutral sand, three rosy hues — “lipgloss,” “lilac bloom” and pink — a vibrant yellow “bamboo shoot,” classic navy, and, of course, an ever-reliable black (or “Coca Cola”). You truly are spoiled for choice.

In my case, I think it’s the aquamarine combined with the cut that makes the dress so eye-catching and wearable. It’s 100% cotton and waffle-knit, which you’d usually spot on a robe, but here it adds a pretty pattern without the intensity of a full-on print like florals. It also gives the dress a more casual look, as do the raw hems of the neckline and shoulder straps, which add a tougher edge. You can tighten the adjustable tie on the right hip to create a gathered effect around the stomach, which has the added benefit of making the length slightly adjustable — a huge plus if, like me, you’re on the petite side (I’m 5’3″). The shape skims the body yet allows you to move around without feeling restricted. Really, what more could anyone ask for?

In terms of styling, I wear mine with everything from trusty sneakers to white-heeled ankle boots and even waterproof rain boots throughout sporadic showers. For brisk days, I’ll be pulling out all my favorite fall knits, from cream sweaters to cardigans over the top and layering long-sleeved tops underneath, and will continue to reach for it whenever I need a confidence boost. Even full price, it’s worth every penny. And if it isn’t quite the style for you, I’ve rounded up a few more of my favorite Free People finds below.

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.

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How To Style Dresses With Boots — R29 Editors’ Go-To Fall Combo

As the season switches from summer to fall, so does our approach to the day. We're talking sweater weather, seasonally flavored hot drinks, and an urge to stay inside and watch Netflix. Arguably one of the most exciting parts of fall is the return of being able to pair boots with a statement-making dress. As the temperature finally drops, it gives us the opportunity to wear stomper boots without them feeling like foot saunas, yet it's still warm enough for dresses (with or without tights). In short, it's the perfect time for this effortless combo to take precedence in your wardrobe once again.

One of the best things about this look is that — more often than not — you won’t have to buy anything new to rock it. So that's why we asked editors and writers on our fashion team to give us a taste of the dress-and-boots combos they’re going to be wearing throughout fall. From flowy maxis and structured minis to cowboy boots and knee-high staples, take some pointers from our team on how to wear this season’s easiest, breeziest outfit formula.

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.

Irina Grechko, Fashion Director

"I love the feel of silk slip dresses and refuse to pack them just because it's fall or winter. Instead, I style them over turtlenecks and button-down shirts as soon as the temperatures start dropping. To protect my skin against itchy coat fabrics, I often double up on soft textures, pairing a silk dress with moldable suede thigh-high boots."

Brochu Walker The Everyday Silk Slip Dress, $, available at Brochu Walker

Stuart Weitzman Highland Block Heel Suede Over The Knee Boots, $, available at Saks OFF 5TH

Brochu Walker The Dallas Boot, $, available at Brochu Walker

— PAID CONTENT —

Prefer to take a subtler approach to the cowboy boot trend? Opt for a pair of sleek black ankle booties with understated Western details, like a pointed toe and U-shaped shaft collar, that nod to traditional riding boots while still looking modern.

Nine West Ghost Ankle Bootie, $, available at Nine West

Saint Art Haley Dress, $, available at Saint Art

Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer

"I love butterflies and I love cowboy boots so this was a no-brainer for me. I wanted to translate these two pieces (some of my summer staples) into fall so that's why I layered my dress over this Urban Outfitters jumper. The colour palette screams long walks, crunching leaves, listening to Taylor Swift on repeat and romanticizing my life with a large coffee."

Realisation Par The Iggy in Saffron, $, available at Realisation Par

Zara Star Leather Cowboy Boots, $, available at Zara

Free People Rancho Mirage Boots, $, available at Free People

Realisation Par The Cameron in Dazed, $, available at Realisation Par

Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer

"I'm always up for anything plaid and when it comes to the details of the dress, I appreciate how the black vegan leather piping complements the buttons and makes the dress pop. Plus, I love how timeless this pairing is and that it gives off Parisian vibes. My boots are the comfiest and most trusted pair that I own as they've gotten me through New York City's snow and brisk winds in past seasons. I envision wearing this laid-back yet preppy ensemble for weekend brunches with friends or as a fall date-night look."

Maje Tweed-Effect Dress, $, available at Maje

Looks Like Summer Brianna Knee-High Boots, $, available at Looks Like Summer

Looks Like Summer Brianna Knee-High Boots, $, available at Looks Like Summer

Staud Fairham Plaid Dress, $, available at Saks OFF 5TH

Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer

"I love dresses that feel like a blank canvas and this one’s literally that. It makes it really easy to pair with a wide variety of boots and add a unique take to an otherwise simple dress. These snakeskin boots have been an fall staple in my closet for four years and I just can't let them go because they’re a classic (and so comfortable!). I plan on wearing this on a day when I can go to the office and an after-work happy hour. I love the work-to-play vibe."

ASOS DESIGN Cotton Pleated Bust Midi Babydoll Sundress, $, available at ASOS

Topshop Wide Fit Hattie Platform Sock Boot, $, available at ASOS

By Far Becca lace-up leather ankle boots, $, available at mytheresa

ASOS EDITION Cotton twill empire cami maxi dress in white, $, available at ASOS

Ebony-Renee Baker, Fashion Editor

"I've pared back my wardrobe significantly this year, only choosing new pieces that I know I'll want to pull multiple times a week. This drop-waist maxi dress from ASOS has been a star staple for me since I nabbed it a couple of weeks ago. The ribbed top is super stretchy and comfortable, while the skirt makes me feel like I've dressed up more than I actually have. Here I've layered it over a sheer vest and my year-old Miista boots. While this style is now sold out, there are still plenty of similar options in stock."

ASOS DESIGN Ribbed Scoop Neck Midi Dress With Dropped Waist, $, available at ASOS

Miista Inne Brown Boots, $, available at Miista

Breanna Davis, Associate Social Editor

"Wearing thigh-high black boots with this summery dress made me feel super sexy; the thigh-high slit gave enough leg to peek-a-boo when I walked. I was channeling a ladylike dominatrix, and I loved it. My exact dress is sold out, but there are plenty of options out there."

UO Arna Midi Slip Scoop Neck Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Aldo Nella Over-the-Knee Boot, $, available at Aldo

Vagabond Shoemakers Tara Platform Boot, $, available at Nordstrom

Kitri Diedre Wavy Checker Ruched Jersey Dress, $, available at Shopbop

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