Fall Outerwear
Want to know one of the easiest ways to elevate ANY outfit instantly? Just add a 3rd layer! It really is just that simple. Adding that intentional jacket, coat, blazer, or really any chic outerwear piece will pull your whole look together. Take a jeans and sweater outfit for example. Sure, they look fine on their own, but when you add a cool bomber or on-trend sherpa jacket over the top…it just turns up the super stylish volume. It’s the difference between wearing your favorite pieces vs. styling them. Because it’s often chilly or downright cold where Erin lives in Telluride, 3rd layers are really a must-have in fall and winter. But even in warmer climates, a 3rd layer can take your outfit to the next level. We’re sharing a few of Erin’s most recent swoon-worthy outwear pieces perfect for chilly temps…and a few for those of you who need some lightweight outwear options too.
You’ll find more super simple tips for elevating your outfits here. And, speaking of outfits, did you happen to check out our 40+ Style by Occasion outfit guide?? It’s chock full of outfits for everything you have coming up this fall and winter. It’s a special resource for Busbee Insiders, and you can sign up here.
On-Trend Jackets
These first few jackets are all very on-trend pieces that will really make your outfits pop!
1) Alice + Olivia Faux Leather Trench
Helloooo glamorous! We just have to kick things off with this gorgeous vegan leather trench coat from Alice + Olivia. It.Is.A.Stunner! The chocolate brown color (called Toffee) is so luxe and one of the hottest colors of the season. In general, brown is such a flattering shade on most women…especially those who tend to shy away from black or feel that it’s too harsh. It has large notch lapels and a removable belt…pretty standard trench coat features, right? But what makes this piece so special is the vegan leather. It truly feels like the real deal. It’s on the pricey side, but well worth it in Erin’s opinion. Talk about turning up the volume on your basics, this coat will be the star of the show.
2) Generation Love Faux Shearling Moto Jacket
We’ve seen a bunch of these shearling and sherpa-lined moto jackets and actually have two favorites to show you. This first one by Generation Love is just SO cool! We love the faux shearling details at the collar, hem, and adjustable cuffs. It has side zip pockets and a not-too-cropped silhouette. The gold hardware details, including the buckles on the sleeves, are unexpected and Erin’s favorite part of the jacket!
3) Guess Faux Fur Moto Jacket
The next moto is this faux fur-lined jacket by Guess. Anyone else remember how popular Guess was in the 80’s?? It’s been a while since Erin tried anything from this brand, and she was so pleasantly surprised by the quality and fit of this jacket. It has a spread collar and is fully lined (inside, cuff, collar, and hem) in the softest faux fur. If you already have a black or dark-colored moto, a winter white option like this one would be so fresh…and it will look amazing with jeans!
Puffer Coats
Puffer coats and jackets are a necessity for Erin in Colorado, but there’s no need to compromise style for warmth!
4) DKNY Faux Leather Puffer
This DKNY faux leather puffer is edgy, warm, and VERY cozy. It has a stand collar that you can zip up when it gets really cold outside. The unique detail on this jacket is the high-low hem which is flattering and takes away that too boxy effect that some puffers can have. It’s one of those details you’d typically see on a way more expensive jacket and this one is currently on sale for $95! It looks modern and fresh without looking too overly youthful or trendy. We love it. If you want to read more about the pieces Erin styled with this puffer, make sure you check out this post.
Since it’s at such a great price point, we shared this faux fur puffer coat in our Affordable Cozy Gift Guide. In case you missed it, you can check it out here.
5) SAM. Faux Fur Puffer
If SAM. sounds familiar it’s probably because Erin owns several coats by the brand. She loves them and usually adds a new one to her coat collection each year. This one hits a little different though! It has a faux fur bodice and collar and quilted puffer details on the sleeves. It’s down-filled so you know it will keep you warm. It’s such a chic yet sporty combination! It also comes in a gorgeous cream color too. She vacillated on colors and then ultimately decided to grab the black, but the cream is also really pretty.
Chocolate Brown Jackets
Chocolate brown is pretty much always on-trend, but it’s really having a resurgence this year. If the faux leather Alice + Olivia faux leather trench we mentioned above in #1 is too much for your lifestyle, you’ll love these two shorter chocolate brown options.
6) Frame Faux Fur Jacket
How gorgeous is this faux fur zip-up jacket by Frame? This jacket has an oversized fit, zip-up front, slant hip pockets, large lapels, and a cropped silhouette. You can wear it with everything from jeans to dresses. It’s also SO wonderfully soft and cozy. We recently featured this jacket in this For Less Friday post with a similar affordable Blank NYC option that is also one of Erin’s go-to favorites.
7) Banana Republic Bomber Jacket
If you are looking for a special jacket that has a great fit, a unique look, and gives all the cozy vibes….look no further. Erin instantly fell in love when she found this Banana Republic bomber. It’s SO good…just trust us! We love the dramatic, oversized ribbed collar. The sleeves are also pretty roomy so you can layer chunkier sweaters underneath, no problem. And the herringbone tweed fabric is so beautiful in person. You can wear this with sweaters and jeans, dresses, skirts and blouses. It’s very versatile! Erin’s wearing a size small and it runs true to size but is designed to have a more relaxed fit. It’s also available in petite sizes.
Wrap Coats
Next up…a few wrap coats for ultimate warmth while still looking chic.
8) Sentaler Black Wrap Coat
This next wrap coat by Sentaler is for those ladies who need a really warm, high-quality alpaca and wool coat. It has the most beautiful oversized shawl collar and ribbed details at the cuff. This is a coat you’ll have for years and years. It’s super versatile too. Erin styled it with some faux leather leggings and booties but it’s a classic coat you could wear casually or for dressy occasions and for the office too. Erin is wearing the midlength coat and it also comes in a longer version. It’s definitely an investment piece, but when you consider cost per wear Erin found it to be 100% worth it. We’ll link a similar, more affordable option too.
9) Mackage Camel Wrap Coat
Mackage is one of Erin’s favorite brands when it comes to beautiful, warm, and luxe coats for fall/winter. And this camel wrap coat is no exception! It has shawl lapels, a traditional trench silhouette, and a self-tie belt for the ultimate waist definition. The beautiful camel color is super on-trend yet classic enough that you’ll wear this season after season. If you already have a black coat, a camel coat would be a beautiful alternative!
If you’ve ever wondered how to perfect that half-bow tie that looks so chic and effortless, Erin shares a quick how-to here.
10) Ralph Lauren Wrap Coat
We had one more wrap coat we wanted to share…this time in a beautiful burgundy shade. This Ralph Lauren coat is a wool cashmere blend with notch lapels, a drop shoulder, and a waist-defining self-tie belt. This coat is a little bit longer than the previous 2 wrap coats. It’s almost full length on Erin at 5’4”. So if you need the extra length for warmth AND want a rich on-trend color, this is the coat for you!
Blazers
Blazers are chic, fashionable, and functional 3rd layer that easily dials up the style factor on your basics. This might be the only outerwear some of you need, depending on the climate where you live. And then for those of you in colder temps, just layer your blazer under your heavier coat.
11) Banana Republic Camel Blazer
We promised you some lighter-weight outerwear options for those of you who don’t need to bundle up this fall/winter. This beautiful camel blazer is such a good basic for fall. You can style this with jeans for an elevated casual look, any pants for the office, or even with a dress for an event. It’s a really soft wool that’s warm but breathable, has a little stretch, and is wrinkle-resistant. If you don’t already have a neutral blazer, this one is great! It also comes in light gray, black, and navy. Erin’s wearing a size small and it runs true to size. It also comes in tall and petite length.
12) Simkhai Cropped Blazer
This blazer is a bit of a wildcard but it’s a great option for date nights or when you want to turn up the fashion volume on your look. Erin’s wearing a herringbone wool blazer by Simkhai that’s SO cool and fashion-forward. It’s very cropped so you have to wear it with high-waisted jeans, pants, or skirts. It would look great with black or traditional blue jeans or even coated denim to dial up the sexy. Throw on your favorite pumps or booties and you’re ready for a night out!
13) Steve Madden Pinstriped Blazer
If you are a fan of pinstripes, this next blazer kind of blew us away! We love this look for lunch, dinner, or even running errands. Erin is wearing a cool pinstripe blazer by Steve Madden that has a more casual, oversized fit that’s still very body-skimming and elongating. When we talk about elevating a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit, this is such a great example. And, no need to link an affordable option here because this blazer is priced at $109!
14) Veronica Beard Denim Blazer
This next blazer is one you could either wear to the office if you have a lenient dress code or to an event…it’s that versatile. Erin’s wearing a cool Veronica Beard denim blazer with luxe buttons, super soft stretch denim, and the best fit. The strategic contrasting thread piping, shoulder pads, and inverted V hem create THE most flattering silhouette. We love that this look is the perfect mix between dressy and casual attire. It’s not often we say that denim makes a “statement”, but this blazer does just that.
Red Jackets
Bright, fiery red is easily one of the biggest color trends of 2023-24 so Erin picked up two to show you how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe.
15) Alice + Olivia Tweed Lady Jacket
This Alice + Olivia tweed lady jacket has pretty white and black details and we love the contrast. The gold buttons are very luxe and the cropped length is perfect for highlighting the waist. If you want to incorporate the red color trend into your outfit, consider adding a jacket like this. Wear it with everything from jeans to skirts to leather pants like Erin’s wearing here. Also perfect for the holidays!
16) A.L.C Red Jacket
This jacket by A.L.C. has a really unique cargo-inspired look and we love the asymmetrical hem. It also has a unique wrap-style button front that you can either leave open or all buttoned up. This is a very tailored and structured jacket and there isn’t any stretch to it. This would make a great outerwear option for those of you who love red, but a big heavy coat just isn’t necessary where you live. Since it is cropped, you can wear it with a super high-rise pair of jeans, pants, or skirts. It runs true to size.
*BONUS*
ALO Sporty Sherpa Jacket
We wanted to share one last jacket for you sporty moms who need some warmth while on the sidelines. Erin swears by this ALO plush sherpa jacket as her go-to for being outside on her kids’ game days. It has a removable hood, a tall collar that will keep you very warm, and cozy ribbed details at the cuff and hem. It has a comfy relaxed fit and runs TTS. This is a great chic jacket to wear to and from a workout, with jeans and sneakers on the weekend, or for travel. This will be the jacket you’ll wear on the plane that doubles as a cozy blanket!
Which of these outerwear pieces is your favorite? If you own any of these items, please share a comment with your thoughts below.
If you think one of your friends might benefit from this post OR you need to drop a holiday gift hint 😉 you can easily share it using any of the share buttons below.
