Layer up without dipping into the gift budget.
Now that it finally isn’t 80 degrees on the East Coast (summer hung on well into October), it’s officially jacket season. Fall is my favorite season because I’m most comfortable in jeans and sweaters with the occasional cashmere scarf thrown in. And of course no fall outfit would be complete without a jacket for those chilly mornings.
Recently Katie was going through our coat closet and pulled out four jackets for me to donate. “I can’t remember the last time you wore any of these,” she said. To be fair, one of them still had the tags on it, but I explained that I’d be wearing it this season, and since each of those four jackets had been relatively inexpensive, there was no point in getting rid of them. I hung them back in the closet, and around dinnertime she started talking to me again.
Here’s the thing: While I wholeheartedly believe in the cry-once mentality, I also believe that variety is the spice of life. Different scenarios call for different jackets. And since the jackets I’m about to show you all cost under $125, I don’t feel like it’s a sin to own more than one.
Nautica Wool Blend Peacoat, $79.99 $199
The peacoat has been an enduring winter coat style for decades. This wool blend option has the traditional double-breasted buttons, and a collar that begs to be popped. Wear it over a sweater with a patterned scarf for a preppy aesthetic.
See more about the peacoat in our features on the peacoat:
GAP Herringbone Topcoat, $121 $248
Cut with a little extra room in the body and sleeves, topcoats are made to fit overtop of a this sweater or suit jacket (or blazer, sport coat, you get the idea). The deep brown and subtle herringbone pattern will complement almost any color you’re wearing.
Everlane The Bomber Jacket, $89 $148
Everlane is that no-nonsense brand that makes simple clothing and stands behind their Uniform line with a one-year guarantee. I like this bomber because it has the svelte cut of a harrington jacket. It’s made of a water-resistant polyester blend, and it has magnetic closure pockets. And frankly, that’s just clever.
Land’s End Knit Shirt Jacket, $31.98 $79.95
The last two years, the shirt jacket has taken the outerwear world by storm. This one from Land’s End has a tailored fit but with a little extra room in the body for layering.
Land’s End Squall Waterproof Insulated Jacket, $49.98 $124.95
I absolutely love the Land’s End Squall. Chilly fall morning, freezing cold winter night, caught in a sudden downpour. This jacket does it all. It’s incredibly comfortable, goes with any casual outfit, and the current price is a total steal. Oh, and the new colors are fantastic.
Line of Trade Flannel-lined Waxed Ranch Jacket, $118 $158
Western-style jackets bring a rugged, timeless appeal to any wardrobe, and this ranch jacket is no different. Inspired by authentic Western wear, it’s tailored for layering with a low-hip cut that balances warmth with a sharp, modern silhouette. The waxed cotton shell not only repels water but also develops a unique patina over time, giving the jacket character that only gets better with age. Inside, a heavyweight plaid flannel lining ensures warmth, while brushed cotton twill on the collar and cuffs adds comfort where it matters most. Thoughtful details like antique brass buttons, angled utility pockets, and double-needle stitching underscore its durability and style. This is the kind of jacket that’s as functional on a brisk day outdoors as it is stylish around town.
L.L. Bean Classic Puffer Jacket, $99
I’m a lifelong L.L.Bean fan because somehow their products make me want to spend more time outdoors. I can’t explain it…good marketing? Anyway, the Classic Puffer from Bean is lined with their lightweight Coldshield insulation, which is perfect for standalone wear in fall or as a midlayer in the winter.
Quince Insulated Heavyweight Hooded Jacket, $99.90 $249
Quince prides itself on producing designer-quality pieces at much more honest prices. This heavyweight hooded jacket is the warmest piece in this collection, with an insulation made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and containers. The exterior fabric is water repellant with a ripstop finish.
Cole Haan Wool Blend Car Coat, $99.95 $328
For maximum versatility, you can’t go wrong with a car coat. Car coats transition seamlessly between semi-formal and casual, meaning you can wear this over your blazer to work, then ditch the blazer and wear the car coat over a button down for drinks at 6pm.
Duluth Trading Fleece Lined Shirt Jacket, $44.75 $89.50
I have two of these shirt jacs from Duluth, and I probably need at least one more. If I’m working outside in the cold, I’m wearing one of these. Perfect for chopping wood, working on your car, or taking a fall camping trip, the fleece lining is thick and warm, and the exterior flannel is soft but still tough. This shirt jac is also cut a little longer in the body, so if you need to crouch down, you’re not flashing your plumber’s smile at everyone. Heads up: It runs big, so go down a size.
Duluth Trading Fire Hose Insulated Jacket, $84.75 $169.50
If you’re a serious outdoorsman, then you want to step up to the Fire Hose Insulated jacket. The exterior of this jacket is made from an 11.5 oz fire hose canvas (so it’s tough as hell), and it’s finished with a treatment that will repel water and stains. Inside you’ll find 3M Thinsulate for superior warmth and breathability.
The North Face Mountain Sweatshirt, $85 $170
If I’m making a quick trip to the store or walking the dog around the block, I want something casual and lightweight like this full-zip sweatshirt from The North Face. The inside features Heatseeker insulation while the outside has a moisture-resistant finish and this amazing color scheme.