There are a few classic transitional jackets that immediately come to mind. The L.L.Bean barn jacket recently went from sleepy favorite to toast of the town after Jonathan Anderson reimagined it for his spring 2023 Loewe collection. Then, of course, there is the trench coat. While these are both timeless wardrobe pieces—to use everyone’s favorite buzzwords—the ones that you add to your closet need not be. Consider a mini-length trench with a drop-waist belt like Commission’s, or take an example from Anderson’s own runway, and indulge in a barn jacket in an unexpected color or length—either cropped or extra-long. (J.Crew consistently excels at these options.)
Barn Jackets and Trench Coats
A car coat is also perfect for in-between weather because of its clean and unfussy silhouette. A mid-length version works particularly well with skirts of all kinds, whether pencil or circle. It’s also great layered over a shorter jacket, as seen at Lemaire, where it topped off a Canadian-tuxedo combo.
Liner-style pieces that provide extra warmth for when it gets really cold can also look terrific on their own. Last year, I bought a mid-length olive green quilted version from Everlane and was surprised at how much I liked the look on its own. Rachel Comey made her own quilted liner for fall that’s equal parts retro and elegant. On the hunt for practicality, an outdoor-ready parka can also have real fashion possibilities; at Lii, designer Zane Li recontextualized it by blowing up the silhouette and adding contrasting color details. (Another good practical option is this Uniqlo puffer; size up for drama!)
The Minimal and the Practical
Because the weather isn’t proper cold yet, this may be the time to prioritize form over function—to quote one Mr. Paul Hollywood—and indulge in novelty jackets. Think animal print, cropped, or with textural embellishments and details. The point is to put off wearing heavy winter coats as long as possible and have as much fun as you can before Mother Nature puts the kibosh on it.
Tailored Jackets and Other Novelties
It was in this spirit that I recently purchased an ever-so-slightly oversized brushed-wool jacket, inspired by versions at Prada, Tory Burch, and Kallmeyer. It goes both ways: proper and buttoned-up paired with tailored separates or pure whimsy worn with paint-splattered jeans and sneakerinas.
