Not Too Much, Not Too Little: These Lightweight Coats Are Just Right for Fall

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(Image credit: @mishti.rahman)

Layering is arguably the best part about fall outfits, and the first step to achieving a stylish layered look is getting a lightweight coat, of course. Outerwear that you can easily throw over a chunky knit or a T-shirt is the key to transitional dressing, but the most important thing? You don't want a coat that's super thick and toasty in the early days of fall when the weather can vary so drastically. When you overestimate the temperature, you'll just end up profusely sweating underneath all that insulation. Trust me—I've been there. Conversely, you don't want to be shivering when those crisp fall breezes pick up. A lightweight style will keep you perfectly bundled, preventing you from overheating or getting goosebumps. 

I went ahead and rounded up 30 of them to wear this fall, including ones with quilted textures and plaid prints as well as single-breasted silhouettes and classic trench coats. If you want your lightweight coat to be your whole outfit, there are statement pieces in the mix that fit the bill. If you want something more subdued that'll go with all your fall outfits, you'll find staples here too. Keep scrolling for all the best coats that are just right. 

Lauren Adhav
Freelance Fashion Editor

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice. After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.