Weather’s Finally Cooling Down: 5 Jacket Styles to Invest In This Year — and 5 to Retire
The heat is gone and jacket season is back. See which 5 outerwear styles are worth investing in now, and which ones you can finally retire from your closet.
The heat has finally eased and temperatures are starting to drop, which means it’s time to switch over your wardrobe for the season. You’re likely already reaching for your jackets and coats, but which styles should you choose this year? According to the latest fall/winter trends, some jacket styles are quietly falling out of favor, while others are worth buying now. Wondering how to wear outerwear stylishly this season? Read on.
Skip: Moto jackets
Invest in: Stand-collar jackets
The classic leather moto jacket is still cool, though stiff, zipper-heavy versions have begun to feel repetitive and less fresh. This year, consider a cleaner stand-collar jacket instead. Its upright neckline can elongate the figure while adding character and a polished touch. This style has been appearing on runways from major brands and has clearly become one of 2025’s most watched outerwear trends.
Getty Image / INS @lolagllt_
Skip: Embroidered jackets
Invest in: Fringe jackets
Jackets featuring floral and bird motifs or Japanese-style embroidery once had a major moment, but now can feel overly embellished and difficult to style. For something playful that still feels polished, consider fringe, which is making a strong return this year. Whether in suede or leather, lightweight fringe brings movement and personality to a jacket, balancing retro appeal with a modern feel. Pair one with wide-leg pants or boots for an instantly cool street-style look.
INS @camillecharriere / Getty Image
Skip: Cropped denim jackets
Invest in: Technical jackets
Cropped denim jackets have been hugely popular over the past few seasons, yet they are now seen as less warm and more limiting for proportions. Technical jackets, a fashion-world favorite, are the focus this year instead. Windproof, water-repellent, and cleanly cut, these styles are available everywhere from Toteme and Massimo Dutti to Zara and Uniqlo. Pair them with sneakers or a long skirt for a stylish, practical balance.
Zara ZW COLLECTION / INS @annabelrosendahl
Skip: Cape coats
Invest in: Ponchos
Romantic, sweet cape coats certainly have their appeal, though their voluminous shape offers less flexibility when styling. The alternative is a poncho, which shares a cape-like silhouette while offering a soft, unstructured design that drapes easily over the body for an easygoing yet graceful look. Add a slim belt over the top to naturally define the figure and give the outfit more dimension and style.
INS @lolagllt_ / Getty Image
Skip: Short double-breasted wool jackets
Invest in: Long plaid jackets
Short double-breasted wool jackets with a strong military influence can feel a little restrictive and overly uniform-like this year. Long plaid coats with softer lines are more favored by comparison. They balance casual and formal style while offering more dimension. Pair them with a pencil skirt, trousers, or jeans for an easy, confident look that will remain in style for seasons to come.
Beck Trench / INS @alyssainthecity
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