There’s an old adage in menswear that “fall” is basically three days long, a fleeting moment of dressing perfection between the dog days of summer and the bitter chill of winter. Kind of a bleak outlook, no?
Good news! Your resident, extremely-online-gals-who-help-guys-dress-better (and more specifically today, me) absolutely beg to differ.
Twitter chatter and meme culture can be fun, but don’t let it dictate how smart, savvy dudes (more specifically, you) actually shop and dress.
Because I’m going to let you in on a little secret: the right jacket can perform a magic trick in your closet, extending your summer wardrobe into the cooler months, and warding off the need for something bulky a bit longer.
To that end, SG HQ is highlighting five good-looking and ultra-functional fall jackets for men to snap up right now. Think: outerwear that you can wear three months out of the year, not just three days.
Below, check out the 5 most versatile fall jackets for men to scoop up this season:
1. The Chore Coat
chore coat, $120
cotton canvas jacket, $160
Hooboy do I love a chore coat, also known as a work or chore jacket, on a man.
The slightly more style-conscious cousin of the shirt jacket, it’s casual and relaxed in fit, while telegraphing that you care.
That you’re a thoughtful dresser with an eye for detail.
That you’re, you know, with it. Yes, all this from a jacket!
Famed street style photographer Bill Cunningham made the traditional blue twill chore jacket an iconic piece, and the lighter blue version from Le Mont St Michel and ivory style from Rhythm both put a fresh twist on the classic.
I can see either of these coats with some fresh, high-waisted khakis and a crisp white shirt. Or, alternately, with super-dark straight leg jeans and a hoodie. If you’re ready to upgrade from your usual denim coat or field jacket, this is the ticket.
2. The Trucker Jacket
Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, $298
Janson Faux Sherpa Trucker Jacket, $198
It’s giving me sophisticated ranch hand!
Now, maybe I’ve been spending too much time in the Mountain West (kidding, there’s no such thing!), but I absolutely love a Yellowstone-adjacent look that’s easily adaptable for the city.
See also: That episode of Succession when the family goes to New Mexico.
TV references aside, a weather-ready jacket gets namechecked as one of the most versatile fall jackets for men for a few reasons.
First, the waxed coating is a clutch upgrade from your standard denim trucker because a sudden downpour won’t ruin your day—or your outfit.
Second, the blanket-y flannel lining (even in the sleeves!) adds warmth and comfort on chillier days.
Finally, the shorter, more casual shape will look as great with jeans, a white tee and boots as it will with joggers, sneakers and a crewneck sweater.
3. The Workwear Jacket
Jacquard Overshirt, $148
Relaxed zip jacket, $80
Listen, I will be the first to admit that I am basically never not pushing the yeehaw agenda. I love Kacey Musgraves, I own three pairs of cowboy boots, and I firmly believe that dudes in shirt jackets (aka shackets) belong on the cover of romance novels.
The workwear trend remains popular in 2024, and a cropped zip jacket can help you hop onboard.
This is one of those layers you’ll realize you can wear a million ways, too.
It will also look excellent over a t-shirt or hoodie. With light wash jeans or your go-to twill pants. Sneakers, boots, Birkenstock Boston clogs… Yes yes and yes.
Giddyup and add-to-cart, my friends.
4. The Leather Jacket
B-6 Sheepskin Leather Bomber Jacket, $1,250
Gianni leather bomber jacket, $1,680
Let me take this big swing. Leather jackets can be polarizing, I know. You can go from “My other ride is a Ducati” to Danny Zuko cosplay in the blink of an eye.
For that reason I’m going to skip over the (admittedly iconic!) black motorcycle jacket and gently nudge you towards styles a little easier to pull off.
First, an understated leather bomber that has a more textured, matte finish than what you’d see from traditional leather. To me, the boxy shape, slanted pockets and soft lining give off a “secretly a billionaire with a Santa Barbara weekend home” energy.
RELATED: Shop all Team SG’s fall favorites for guys
For my guys who are ready for something a little more statement-y, this brown leather bomber is it!
This buttery, tawny, downright put-your-arms-around-me-now jacket is a worthy autumnal investment purchase. I can see you in it already, layered up in black jeans, a forest green cashmere sweater—a beanie, perhaps—and white leather sneakers, on your way to a dinner party at your buddie’s place.
Or perhaps you’ll lean all the way in, with suede lace-up boots and a soft flannel… Just don’t blame me if you suddenly have the urge to buy a vintage 70s pickup truck and move to Montana.
5. The Overshirt
Whiting overshirt in Marine Beatnik, $215
Sunwashed CPO, $198
Somewhere in the sartorial personality matrix between the nature boi and the finance bro lives a very good, very cozy overshirt.
The muted colors and slim-ish cut mean there’s no mistaking it for a jacket reserved exclusively for hiking, and that’s a good thing when the name of the game is versatility.
Yes, you’re camping in this comfy layer. Yes, you’re walking the dog on a crisp Sunday morning.
But you know what you’re also doing?
Meeting a woman you’re trying to impress for a sunset picnic. Or making a rare mid-week appearance at your hybrid workplace. This thoughtfully designed fleece jacket is a step up from the average in all the right ways.
The tl;dr? For crisp days, gloomy rain and everything in-between—these are the fall jackets for men that won’t let you down.
The jackets that will see you stylishly from September to December with ease.
The jackets that, when you see them hanging in your closet, make you go, “Wow, yes, I have exactly the right thing to wear right now.”
So go forth, layer up, and enjoy what is objectively the best season of the year for getting dressed. (Sorry summer, we don’t make the rules!)
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More Fall Style Stories from SG HQ
- Outfit Layering Tips from a Team SG Stylist
- 5 Ways to Wear Casual Pants in the Fall
- The 2024 Fall Fashion Hit List
- 4 Subtle Ways to Upgrade Your Fall Style
