The chillier days are here in the UK, and truth be told, we're already finding outfit planning trickier than last month. After weeks of unpredictable weather, it's time to reassess our wardrobes for the transitional season, and I'll be the first to say it's now the perfect time for a new jacket.
Given the unreliable nature of British forecasts, you're going to want something that's easy enough to throw on for spells of showers, but not so thick that you need to peel it off if it gets hot—so where do you find this holy grail of fashion meets function? You'll be pleased to know I have the answer. After extensive research, I began to notice some very familiar jacket styles reappearing on fashion's best dressed, and in particular, seven key trends are already showing signs of becoming the most popular for autumn 2024.
Whether there’s a gap in your jacket lineup and you’re looking to invest in a new style this year, or if you just need some good old inspiration to shop your own wardrobe, this edit should prove helpful. You’ll be pleased to hear that there are some tried and tested classics in the mix (you can never go wrong with a leather jacket), along with some forgotten favourites trending for autumn and winter of 2024 that we're excited to welcome, too. So whatever your style, you're sure to find a strong option in one of the jackets below; they're all you need to turn a good autumn outfit into a great one. Keep scrolling to see and shop.
6 Chic Jacket Trends Everyone is Wearing for Autumn 2024
1. The Polished Biker Jacket
Style Notes: It would appear that the biker jacket has undergone a transformation as of late. Gone are the heavy-duty buckles and pockets, and instead we have the chicer, sleeker leather jacket 2.0. This boxy, collared number is the perfect jacket for throwing on over a cute dress but also does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to dressing up jeans and a white tee. Effortless elegance in a jacket.
Shop Biker Jackets:
H&M is one of my high-street go-tos for great pleather and leather jackets.
A staple you'll wear forever in a shade of chocolate brown that is just so decadent.
I love the slightly longer cut of this jacket.
A jacket in this season's most coveted shade.
This is fast becoming known as a cult classic.
2. The Minimalist Bomber Jacket
Style Notes: Scroll through the new-in section of any of your favourite retailers and you're guaranteed to spot a luxe bomber jacket. Just like the leather jacket, the bomber has been elevated to new heights simply by scaling back on details, and if the sales of favourite styles like the M&S bomber are anything to go by, we're set to see plenty of oversized iterations in neutral shades this autumn. Just add jeans and trainers à la Kim Turkington (pictured above), and you've got your new weekend uniform sorted.
Shop Bomber Jackets:
A classic example of this jacket.
Rain won't ruin your outfit with this water-repellent bomber jacket.
I love this all-ecru look.
This Acne bomber is a fan favourite.
Zara is currently a bomber-jacket paradise.
3. The Uptown Bouclé Jacket
Style Notes: Sorry, shoulder pads, but for us, the bouclé jacket is the pinnacle of modern power dressing. For those who want to look rich, polished or perfectly put-together (or all of the above), the bouclé jacket deserves a spot in your wardrobe for its versatility alone. After all, this tailored jacket is a French wardrobe staple for good reason, and if you're looking for a piece you can wear to work, dinner and off-duty, it's well worth trying tweed.
Shop Bouclé Jackets:
When a bomber style meets tweed—I'm here for it.
Just add wide-leg trousers and a pair of midi heels for a new take on retro styling.
I love everything about this jacket—just look at it.
The denim blend makes this a breeze to style.
The drawstring gives your classic tweed jacket a twist.
4. The Country Jacket
Style Notes: As it turns out, you don't actually have to live in the countryside to look like you own an estate. A surprising new trend on the French street style circuit, country jackets like waxed Barbours and boxy barn coats are perfect for a quiet weekend away from the city. Leave your wellies behind though, because the new way to wear this classic jacket is with polished flats and cute knits; an ideal outfit that takes five minutes to assemble but looks like it took much longer to put together.
Shop Country Jackets:
Such a good piece from Barbour.
I love this H&M style.
Toteme can do no wrong.
Zara's jacket collection is spot on right now.
Navy always looks expensive.
5. The Cropped Trench
Style Notes: It was only a matter of time before trench-coat season rolled around again, and although the traditional camel midi length will never go out of style, 2024 has given us a mid-weather option too: the cropped trench. Let's be honest; some outfits don't need a sweeping coat to look their best, and a cropped trench toes the line between luxury and low-maintenance, giving you the opportunity to make the most of your best skirts, dresses and trousers.
Shop Cropped Trench Coats:
There's nothing not to love about this.
A great option for those who want something other than camel.
COS always manages to make the high street feel fashion-forward.
Unmistakably designer.
Another great outfit to copy.
6. The Elevated Trench
Style Notes: Easy to style and effortlessly elegant, there's just something so timeless about a classic camel trench. However, for autumn 2024, fashion people are turning to more elevated styles. Whether you opt for a different colour, cut or finish, an elevated trench will add interest to any outfit in the months to come.
Shop Elevated Trench Coats:
I genuinely can't believe this is high street.
Between the sleeves and the boxy shoulders, this coat is seriously elevated.
The frill detailing on this is so cool!
This tan shade will go with all of the neutrals in your wardrobe.
I'll be recreating this entire look.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
