Transitional Fall Jackets
We’re still in the middle of summer, so I’m sure you’re scratching your head when you read the title of today’s post. Although August usually brings more hot and steamy summer temperatures, it’s my job to look ahead at the fashion for the coming months. With fall right around the corner, it’s almost that time of year when many of us will need a third piece to help navigate the change of seasons. One of my favorite third pieces to wear is a casual jacket like a utility jacket, denim jacket, or blazer. Today, I’m sharing some of my favorite transitional jackets that you can wear now on chilly summer nights, into fall, and even into winter if you are lucky enough to live in a mild climate.
Here are some other related posts that you might like:
- Best Winter Coats for Every Type of Weather
- The Best Comfortable Winter Boots for Older Ladies
- New Arrivals from Chicoās, Talbots, and J. Jill: August 2023
Twill Utility Jackets
Most utility jackets have a rustic look…hence the name utility. š Their vibe is very sporty, and many are in warm colors, like olive. A lot of the utility jackets I’ve found also have snaps or flaps on the chest pockets, which I find distracting. I know it’s part of their appeal…but what are we putting in those pockets anyway, and how much attention do we want to draw to that area?
I found this navy utility jacket last year, and it’s been a workhorse for me this summer. It’s still in stock in three colors and is part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, which ends this Sunday when it goes back to full price.
Lucky Utility Jacket
If you love olive green, this jacket is a great option without the distracting and bulky chest pockets that so many utility jackets have.
Lilac Utility Jacket
If you don’t love the military-inspired green options, you could try a softer color like this pretty lilac. It is also available in beige and black (and the traditional olive green).
Lace Trim Utility Jacket
This utility jacket is from Wit & Wisdom. The lace-covered placket adds the juxtaposition of a little feminine touch to this otherwise masculine style of jacket. It’s also available in cream and green.
Casual Utility Jacket
I shared this casual utility jacket last week that I discovered in the new fall collections at Talbots. It’s 100% cotton and slightly cropped which makes it petite-friendly.
Here are a few more utility jackets that caught my eye:
Denim Jackets
I’m fond of wearing a denim jacket in all but the very hottest weather. I have them in lots of washes, but my favorites are white and blue.
I’m particularly fond of denim jackets with no band at the waist like my current favorite by Kut From The Kloth. They’re more comfy around the tummy and the shorter length is more versitile for layering.
A white denim jacket has done yeoman’s work in my wardrobe for years. I pop them over tee shirt dresses, tees, tanks, and even a blouse.
Wit & Wisdom Denim Jacket
This Wit & Wisdom denim jacket has lots of stretch and princess seams which slim the silhouette. It has a slight peplum flare at the bottom.
Quilted Jean Jacket
The quilited jacket trend will be big for fall. The seams on this quilted denim jacket from Talbots are a perfect way to add texture and visual interest to an outfit.
Collarless Jean Jacket
I wanted to point out this collarless denim jacket as an option. I know a collar can sometimes interfere with shoulder-length hairstyles, and they can also add additional bulk to your shoulder area.
Here are some additional denim jackets:
Knit Blazers
I am a huge fan of knit blazers and woven jackets with stretch. I love the look of structure with the ease of spandex. Even though my silhouette is straight, I’m uncomfortable in stiff clothes.
I bought this fringe tweed pale gray jacket last year and love the Chanel-ish vibe. This year you can also find it in a beautiful Bordeaux or a dark indigo.
Knit Double Breasted Blazer
What can you wear a black knit blazer with? I think a better question is, what canāt you wear it with? This is a great versatile item to add to your cool weather wardrobe that you can layer over countless pieces. Check out my post on 5 Ways to Wear A Black Blazer that I styed with a black knit blazer.
Cardigan Blazer
This piece is the offspring of a knit blazer and a duster cardigan. I think it will be fabulous for keeping you warm and cozy when true chilly weather arrives. Wear this over a column of color like white or black for an effortless, sophisticated outfit.
Sweater Blazer
Consider this your cardigan’s upgrade. The combination of the polished gold buttons and the clean tailored collarless fit will have you looking both chic and cozy.
Shop More Knit Blazers below:
Rain Jackets
If you live in a climate where it often rains, like Florida or the Pacific Northwest, you should consider investing in a rain jacket. I love that it is lightweight and easy to carry if you need to take it off. A great raincoat is the perfect fall transitional jacket as it offers protection from the elements while still being stylish! The one I’m wearing in this photo is sadly no longer available, but I have several others for you to consider if you are in the market for a new rain coat.
Perfect Lightweight Jacket
The hood of this jacket is constructed with a thin piece of wire so you can shape it perfectly around your face! You can also cinch the waist for a perfect fit at the waist. This color is final sale, but it also comes in black and green.
Columbia Pardon My Trench Rain Jacket
The lightweight material, adjustable hood and cuffs, and removable belt make this rain jacket a great option for walking the dog or running to the grocery on a rainy day.
Shop some additional rain jacket options here:
What type of transitional fall jacket is your favorite?
Thanks for reading, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Great Fall Jacket line up. Love the red rain coat 3/4 length.
I picked up the navy utility jacket in the NSale. Canāt wait to wear it. I did surgery on a jean jacket removing the bottom band and I love the result. I didnāt cut it, I ripped the seam out carefully. Also as a winter I love my black jean jacket!
I had a black jean jacket several years ago and wore it to bits! Very useful.
I have a Talbots denim jacket, but for every day, I don’t think you can beat The Gap. I have a bright red Joules rain-jacket that is the best. It’s heavy, so it wouldn’t do for ladies in warmer climates, but I’m coastal New England, and even in summer, we can have cold rainy weather. The jacket is waterproof, not water resistant and so cheerful.
Coastal New England is such a lovely area. Your red jacket sounds perfect.
Wonderful line-up, Jennifer but for myself due to my current lifestyle and being a classic dresser lean more towards relaxed cut blazers and chanel type or light weight quilted jackets for transitioning into Fall. That being said though; did come across a beige ‘denim’ jean jacket when deep diving into my outerwear closet that I’m considering to wear as our days begin to cool off (that actually belonged to my daughter one time) but is hooded and has an Ogee print with of mix of denim blues plus cognac so needless to say it is kind of unique and will go will with my jeans and the casual footwear that I already have. Oh should also mention its a perfect fit and is just like new which is also a bonus. -Brenda-
It does sound quite unique!
I don’t think your post included the retail location for the Navy Blazer you were pictured wearing. It was navy, single breasted with flap pockets? Also the long beaded necklace you were wearing.
Thanks
That’s a black kni9t blazer from Talbots last year. Sorry, it’s sold out.
Liverpool clothing from LA have a wide assortment of āboyfriend jacketsā at a reasonable cost from solid colors to plaids. Love LIVERPOOL!!
I have three utility jackets, one in olive, another in white and one in a light beige. I also have two denim jackets. One is more your typical jacket, while the other is a more feminine shape. I also have two Columbia short jackets – blue and an orange, plus a longer hooded one for those rainy days. I do like the trench one you show here. Itās casual but the self belt dresses it up a bit. Hmmmm
I like the raw edge, cropped denim out this year. Iām thinking of cutting the bottom band off of mine. Iāll have to take a closer look and see if that is doable, instead of buying another.
Go for it. I know a friend who cuts hers off all the time.
You look terrific in that red rain jacket! I keep wondering why there are so few garments made in true red these days. I love red, and hold on to anything I have in that color.
Thanks for the Murchie’s tip yesterday! I have a bunch on the way to try, and some for my best buddy’s birthday, coming up soon. I can almost smell them already.
Murchies has so many amazing teas to choose from. We also love their loose herbal teas.
I loved this post. You showed us so many great choices of light jackets. The green cropped jacket with the yellow/gold shirt is stunning on you. I think the colors are great together and they go so well with your complexion and hair. Thanks so much for all the great ideas? Iām going shopping!
Love to see you in my country, Canada. Vancouver/Victoria are beautiful places to visit. I wished you had the opportunity and time to do some Canadian shopping while here. I love so many of your outfits but can’t get them in Canada without paying huge shipping and/or taxes along with the dollar exchange. Thank you for all of your posts and for the time it takes you get all of the posts together. Take care.
Wow!! What a helpful post!! Transition for me is often a denim jacket in one of two styles I have and an off white twill one. One denim is almost a blazer shapeālonger with no embellishment. The other is from Chicos with colorful geometric designs as trim. I have had all for years.
Iām finding twill so useful in my wardrobe. I donāt know what took me so long to appreciate it.
I really like all these jackets! I have so many but I’m always looking for more. I guess jackets are my thing. Love my olive green utility jacket. Living in the NW we wear jackets year round.
Iām a fan of jackets too
I love the navy utility jacket from Nordstrom and what a great price! Lots of terrific other choices, too! Thanks for all the options.
I’m with you in not liking a bunch of pockets and flaps on my chest! As you said, what exactly goes in those pockets and why are they there?? It works well for men, but for women with breasts, the idea of putting a phone in one of those pockets is laughable. With that said, if the pockets button, I cut the buttons off — and if they snap, I unsnap them and tuck the flap inside. Mostly, I just avoid this style.